USEFUL INFORMATION

Climate

The best time to travel to Mali is from December to February when the temperatures are mild or from June to August when temperatures are average. The rainy season starts around June and finishes in September/October. Dry season is from November to June. High temperatures exceeding 35° C are normal from March to May.

Visas

Visas can be obtained at embassies and consulates outside of Mali. Visas are also available upon entry into Mali, but obtaining one beforehand is highly recommended. Visa extension can be obtained in Bamako. For addresses of embassies and consulates, consult the following sites: www.traveldocs.com/ml/embassy.htm,

http://www.maliensdelexterieur.gov.ml/cgi-bin/view_cat.pl?cat=4,

www.maliembassy.us/new_site/counsellor/visa.htm

http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/mali.htm

Flights

Air France and Royal Air Morocco offer several flights during the week starting from primary international airports. Air Tunis and Air Afrikyia offer economy flights, Point Africa charters flights from the principal cities of France. Flights within Mali are operated by STA Mali: Contact STA Mali, Bamako, River Quarter, tel. +223 23 83 45.

Please consult:

www.airfrance.com

www.royalairmaroc.com

www.tunisair.com.tn

www.point-afrique.com

www.sta-airlines.com.

Health

We advise you to consult with your physician before your departure. Yellow Fever Vaccination is required prior to entry and may be verified during your stay, so have your vaccination record available. It is also advised to take precautions against malaria and other diseases. Your physician will be able to answer all your questions and inform you about the current state of the measures to be taken into consideration.

Consult:

FCO Travel Advice (UK Site)

Luggage

From December through February evening temperatures can fall considerably. Be prepared for cold weather during the evenings!

Other Useful Information

Currency: Franc CFA (1 Euro = 655 CFA)

(1 GBP = 975 CFA)

(1 USD = 518 CFA)

Bank cards are not accepted everywhere. As of May 2006, there are ATM/Bank machines only in the capital, Bamako.

Other currency conversions:

www.xe.com/ucc

Official language: French; other important languages: Bambara, Peul, Sénoufo