Exploring Africa can be a challenging holiday you should try. Bamako in Mali is one of the recommended places to visit for your first trip to Africa. This place offers great things, including the grand mosque, the national museum, the river, and the sacred cathedral. Having sufficient information first will ensure that your holiday to Bamako is memorable and safe. Check the information below for more details about Bamako.
Taxicab is one of the most popular transportation models in Bamako. You can easily find a taxicab in this area. It is considered a cheap transportation model, and you can reach the destinations faster than other transportation models. Most importantly, you must talk to the taxicab driver about the cost before taking it.
Just like other areas in Mali, the weather in Bamako is hot and dry. The north area is even hotter and drier than the south area. Yet, there is still rain in this area, such as in the southwest area. This area is about to rain between June and September. Windy is also a characteristic of Bamako, you must know. A specific wind known as the Harmattan blows from the Sahara. This wind often comes to Bamako in January, February, March, April, and May. The best part of the Harmattan wind is that the temperature is cooler than usual, yet it is followed by dust.
Local People You must meet local people when visiting Bamako since it consists of different ethnic groups. For instance, in Mali, you can meet Fulani, Songhai, and Bozo ethics. In other areas, you may meet people from Semufo, Dogon, Bobo, and Soninke. Each ethnic group has different customs and culture. Learning about the culture of these ethnic groups can be an interesting activity while in Bamako. Bamako Grand Mosque Bamako Grand Mosque is one of the historical buildings from pre-colonial in Bamako. The unique thing about this mosque is the mud and brick materials. You are about to see the tallest building in Bamako. Unlike other mosques that are closed to tourists, Bamako Grand Mosque is open to tourists. Local people also still use this mosque to pray five times a day and on special occasions. The National Museum of Mali The National Museum of Mali is a place to learn more about archaeology and anthropology. It houses various historical items, such as instruments, dresses, and ritual objects. The museum is also a place to learn more about different ethnic groups in Mali and Bamako.
La Capitaine Sangha La Capitaine Sangha is a fish-based dish. Local people cook the fish with hot chilli, sauce, fried banana, and rice. The taste of La Capitaine Sangha is unique because of the fried banana. People in Bamako often eat La Capitaine Sangha for lunch or dinner. Poulet Yassa Try Poulet Yassa if you love to eat chicken. Poulet Yassa is made from chicken. The chicken is marinated with onion and lemon sauce. Local people cook the marinated chicken with additional onions. On your first bite, you will taste tender, juicy, and spicy chicken with a little sweet flavour. Alabadja A holiday to Bamako will be incomplete without tasting the traditional dish. Alabadja is one of the traditional dishes in Bamako. Local people cook and serve Alabadja during Eid celebrations. This traditional dish consists of rice, meat, butter, and dried dates. The ingredients are mixed together and simmer for an hour.
To find a comfortable place to stay, you can visit specific areas, such as Hamdallaye, Rue Achkabad, and Quartier du Fleuve. These areas are tourist-friendly since you can easily find hotels with good facilities and services. The locations are also near some attractive destinations most tourists visit while spending time in Bamako.
The weather in Bamako is hot and dry, and it can be hotter and drier in some months. Because of that, you must bring moisturiser and sunscreen to protect your skin. You must also take care of your health by drinking plenty of water. The hot weather may cause dehydration. You must also bring a mask because Bamako can be dusty in the windy season. Remember to follow the rules when visiting religious buildings, such as mosques or cathedrals. For example, you must take your shoes off when entering a mosque.
Travel Tips for Bamako