Bamako - Post Report Question and Answers
What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
I like the National Park and Zoo (which are located right next to each other). Kangeba is within city limits but feels a little like an escape - it has different types of cabins to spend the night, two pretty pools, a hike, and lots of pretty paths to follow, along with other outdoorsy activities. You can take river boat trips which are fun. If you can find a local to take you around you can see local markets, cloth-dying, and other people-watching or viewpoints. - Apr 2017
There are numerous opportunities to listen to Malian music in Bamako. Definitely go when you get the chance! Visit N'golonina artisan market - a ton of great handicrafts and jewelry! Just remember to bargain! No price is set in stone. Bla Blas (a famous restaurant in Bamako) has some of the best pork chops I have ever eaten. Go on a road trip up north to Segou and Djenne (the world's largest mud mosque is there and is a UNESCO world heritage site!). - Aug 2014
There's since September 2010 the new National Park which is the biggest in West Africa, and that's a gem here. They're also renewing the zoo. There's a new bowling alley, nice restaurants. The French cultural center and the American club organize interesting social events. People have fun going out for dinner, having friends over to eat, watch a movie or play games. - Jul 2011
There are some waterfalls nearby, and interesting places to hike. - Oct 2010
Dogon country, siby, timbuktu, mopti, djenne, hash runs. The hash runs are great because it's a great way to meet other expats and also see more of the country. The other things mentioned are the popular sites in Mali, they're far and expensive to get to but if you're in Mali, you have to go there before you leave. - May 2010
Day trips to Siby, Segou, and a few resort-type places. A pathetic zoo, a great history museum, some nice hiking to the north of the city. But for the most part we really just hang out at each other's houses. - Sep 2009
Lots of opportunity to travel outside of Bamako to neighboring cities (Segou, Mopti, Dogon Country, and Timbuktu). Dakar, Senegal with its beaches is not too far away and accessible by road or airplane. - Apr 2009
Tons-be creative and adventurous. Good travel opportunities, hiking, exploring, you name it. - Feb 2009
You have to make your own fun. There are some decent and some very good restaurants. There's a hash. There's a lot of entertaining in the home with friends. There are great music clubs, but they start late. There are occasional cultural events. There's an American Club that started up fairly recently. - Feb 2009
Browsing through the central market can be fun, but overall the city is pretty boring and does not have a lot of "tourist" sites to visit. You have to get out of the city and travel to Timbuktou or Dogon country, which is a definite must, although it can be expensive to get there. - Jan 2009
