56 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: take some stellar pictures from Fort de Medine and take in the dramatic scenery at Chutes de Felou.

To see other places to visit, reviews, maps, and other tourist information, read our Kayes online sightseeing planner.

Exeter, UK to Kayes is an approximately 24-hour flight. May in Kayes sees daily highs of 49°C and lows of 36°C at night. On the 9th (Mon), you'll travel to Bamako.

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 striking landscape of Parc national du Mali, Bamako, take in the spiritual surroundings of Yacouba Guindo Mosque, browse the exhibits of Musee National de Bamako, and shop like a local with Bamako City Centre Market.

To find reviews and tourist information, you can read our Bamako travel tool.

Getting from Kayes to Bamako by car takes about 9 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus; or take a train. In May, Bamako is slightly colder than Kayes - with highs of 44°C and lows of 29°C. You will leave for Segou on the 16th (Mon).

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.

To find more things to do, photos, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read Segou route builder website.

Traveling by bus from Bamako to Segou takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. In May, daily temperatures in Segou can reach 47°C, while at night they dip to 32°C. You'll set off for Sikasso on the 22nd (Sun).

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 maps, reviews, more things to do, and other tourist information, read our Sikasso day trip planning site.

You can drive from Segou to Sikasso in 4.5 hours. Traveling from Segou in May, expect nights in Sikasso to be about the same, around 30°C, while days are little chillier, around 42°C. On the 28th (Sat), you'll travel 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: take in the spiritual surroundings of Great Mosque Of Djenne, explore the activities along Niger River, and explore the ancient world of Jenne-Jeno.

To see photos, other places to visit, more things to do, and other tourist information, refer to the Djenne visit planner.

Getting from Sikasso to Djenne by car takes about 6.5 hours. When traveling from Sikasso in May, plan for somewhat warmer days in Djenne, with highs around 47°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 32°C. On the 3rd (Fri), you'll travel to Mopti.

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 maps, where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Mopti trip planner.

Drive from Djenne to Mopti in 2.5 hours. June in Mopti sees daily highs of 45°C and lows of 31°C at night. On the 10th (Fri), you're off to Gao.

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: steep yourself in history at Tomb of Askia and don't miss a visit to La Dune Rose.

For other places to visit, reviews, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Gao trip planner.

Traveling by car from Mopti to Gao takes 9.5 hours. Alternatively, you can 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. On the 18th (Sat), you'll travel to Timbuktu.

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: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Djinguereber Mosque and make a trip to Mosque of Sankore.

To find reviews, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Timbuktu tour planning tool.

You can drive from Gao to Timbuktu in 17 hours. You'll set off for home on the 25th (Sat).