10 days in Mali Itinerary

Mali's capital and the fastest-growing city in Africa, Bamako acts as a major port, as well as a cultural and industrial center.

Bamako is known for nature, shopping, and museums. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: explore the wealth of natural beauty at Parc national du Mali, Bamako, pause for some serene contemplation at Cathedral of Bamako, learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Zoo National du Mali, and hunt for treasures at Bamako City Centre Market.

To see where to stay, ratings, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Bamako trip planner.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands to Bamako is an approximately 15-hour flight. Traveling from Amsterdam to Bamako, you'll gain 1 hour due to the time zone difference. Plan for somewhat warmer temperatures traveling from Amsterdam in July, with highs in Bamako at 37°C and lows at 26°C. On the 18th (Mon), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can drive to Djenne.

Djenné is a town and an urban commune in the Inland Niger Delta region of central Mali. On the 19th (Tue), take in the spiritual surroundings of Great Mosque Of Djenne, delve into the distant past at Jenne-Jeno, and then contemplate the waterfront views at Niger River.

To see other places to visit, ratings, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Djenne tour itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Bamako to Djenne takes 9 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. July in Djenne sees daily highs of 39°C and lows of 28°C at night. On the 20th (Wed), you'll travel to Mopti.

Originally a small fishing village, Mopti has become Mali's center of fishing and livestock industries.

Kick off your visit on the 21st (Thu): admire the striking features of Grand Mosque of Mopti and then get outside with Bandiagara Cliffs (Dogon Country).

For traveler tips, maps, photos, and tourist information, read our Mopti trip planner.

Getting from Djenne to Mopti by car takes about 2.5 hours. In July in Mopti, expect temperatures between 41°C during the day and 28°C at night. On the 22nd (Fri), you'll travel to Gao.

Gao is a city in Mali and the capital of the Gao Region. Start off your visit on the 23rd (Sat): make a trip to Tomb of Askia and then don't miss a visit to La Dune Rose.

For where to stay, photos, more things to do, and more tourist information, read our Gao road trip planning site.

You can drive from Mopti to Gao in 9.5 hours. Another option is to do a combination of car and bus. Traveling from Mopti in July, Gao is a bit warmer at night with lows of 38°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Sat) to allow time to drive back home.