49 days in Mali Itinerary

Kayes is a city in western Mali on the Sénégal River, with a population of 127,368 at the 2009 census. Kayes is known for nature. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: explore the different monuments and memorials at Fort de Medine and contemplate the waterfront views at Chutes de Felou.

Plan trip to Kayes with our itinerary maker to find out where to go and what to do.

Exeter, UK to Kayes is an approximately 24-hour flight. In May, plan for daily highs up to 49°C, and evening lows to 36°C. You will leave for Bamako on the 8th (Sun).

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, don't miss a visit to Bamako Grand Mosque, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Yacouba Guindo Mosque.

To see reviews, maps, traveler tips, and more tourist information, you can read our Bamako online driving holiday planner.

You can drive from Kayes to Bamako in 9 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus; or take a train. Traveling from Kayes in May, things will get little chillier in Bamako: highs are around 44°C and lows about 29°C. You'll set off for Segou on the 14th (Sat).

Nestled along the Niger River, Segou has established itself as a major port and key player in Mali's cultural development.

Segou is known for classes, nightlife, and sightseeing. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: admire the striking features of Segou Grand Mosque.

Take the guesswork out of planning a Segou vacation by using our trip itinerary maker.

Getting from Bamako to Segou by bus takes about 4 hours. Other options: drive. In May, daytime highs in Segou are 47°C, while nighttime lows are 32°C. You'll set off for Sikasso on the 20th (Fri).

Sikasso is a city in the south of Mali and the capital of the Sikasso Cercle and the Sikasso Region. Sikasso is known for historic sites. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Mosquee du Chateau.

To see more things to do, other places to visit, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Sikasso online journey builder.

Traveling by car from Segou to Sikasso takes 4.5 hours. While traveling from Segou, expect a bit cooler days and about the same nights in Sikasso, ranging from highs of 42°C to lows of 30°C. On the 25th (Wed), you're off to Djenne.

Djenné is a town and an urban commune in the Inland Niger Delta region of central Mali. Djenne is known for historic sites. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Great Mosque Of Djenne, delve into the distant past at Jenne-Jeno, and contemplate the waterfront views at Niger River.

To see maps, other places to visit, traveler tips, and more tourist information, you can read our Djenne attractions planner.

You can drive from Sikasso to Djenne in 6.5 hours. Traveling from Sikasso in May, you will find days in Djenne are a bit warmer (47°C), and nights are about the same (32°C). You will leave for Mopti on the 31st (Tue).

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

Mopti is known for trails and sightseeing. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: trek along Bandiagara Cliffs (Dogon Country) and admire the striking features of Grand Mosque of Mopti.

To see reviews, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Mopti route maker website.

You can drive from Djenne to Mopti in 2.5 hours. In May, daily temperatures in Mopti can reach 48°C, while at night they dip to 32°C. You'll set off for Gao on the 6th (Mon).

Gao is a city in Mali and the capital of the Gao Region. Gao is known for historic sites and sightseeing. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: make a trip to Tomb of Askia.

To see other places to visit, reviews, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Gao sightseeing planner.

You can drive from Mopti to Gao in 9.5 hours. Another option is to do a combination of car and bus. While traveling from Mopti, expect little chillier days and somewhat warmer nights in Gao, ranging from highs of 35°C to lows of 35°C. You'll set off for Timbuktu on the 12th (Sun).

Timbuktu, also spelled as Tinbuktu, Timbuctoo and Timbuktoo, is an ancient city in Mali, situated 20km north of the Niger River. Timbuktu is known for historic sites and sightseeing. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: steep yourself in history at Djinguereber Mosque and don't miss a visit to Mosque of Sankore.

For reviews, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, read Timbuktu trip planner.

Drive from Gao to Timbuktu in 17 hours. You'll set off for home on the 18th (Sat).