{"id":26761,"date":"2021-04-26T17:06:48","date_gmt":"2021-04-26T15:06:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/?p=26761"},"modified":"2026-01-19T14:26:44","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T12:26:44","slug":"mali-safe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/mali-safe\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Mali safe in 2026?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/DSC_4952-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/DSC_4952-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/DSC_4952-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Is Mali safe\" class=\"wp-image-26787\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:25px\"><em>This is a comprehensive analysis of <strong>travel safety in Mali<\/strong>, which I think is strictly necessary.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike some <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/countries-middle-east-safe-travel\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>destinations in the Middle East<\/strong><\/a> where most travel warnings and advice tend to be biased or even unrealistic, I personally believe that Mali is one place where you need to be careful and well-informed about the latest security updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There have been reports about tourists being kidnapped, and random road attacks are common, even in popular &#8211; and not that remote &#8211; areas like the Dogon Country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The thing is that in Mali, there is an ongoing conflict but, at the same time, there is very little information about it, which means that some extra care is recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nevertheless, with a bit of planning, <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/country\/mali\/\"><strong>Mali<\/strong><\/a> can safe to visit, and this guide will tell you everything you need to know about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e8e8e8\">For all the practical information, don\u2019t forget to check my <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-mali\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>Mali travel guide<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/34-683x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/34-683x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/34-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Is Mali safe to visit?\" class=\"wp-image-26797\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:470px;height:auto\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In this Mali safety guide you will find:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group table-of-contents is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"table-of-contents__title\" style=\"font-size:20px\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#1\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Mali today<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#2\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Differences from the Middle East<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#3\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Safety per area<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#4\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Safety tips<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#5\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Conclusion<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#6\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">More information<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group atc-info-box is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center m-0 has-black-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fe9900\">our recommended travel insurance for Mali<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:20px\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.com\/en-eu\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=mali_safetravel_en_text\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">IATI Insurance<\/a><\/strong> is one of the very few that covers travel in Mali.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-font-size\" style=\"font-size:16px\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-text-align-center wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.com\/en-eu\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=mali_safetravel_en_text\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#fe9900\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">GET 5% DISCOUNT HERE<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1\">Is it safe to travel to Mali? The situation today<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Mali is currently immersed in a bloody conflict which, according to experts, doesn\u2019t seem to be ending any time soon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like many countries in Africa, Mali is <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visit-omo-valley-2\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>ethnically diverse<\/strong><\/a>, so it all started when the Tuaregs living in the forgotten north, a region with some of the poorest infrastructure in the country, <strong><a aria-label=\"began a rebellion (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tuareg_rebellion_(2012)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">began a rebellion<\/a><\/strong> in 2012, while claiming greater autonomy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Apparently, the way in which the central Government handled the Tuareg uprising was disastrous and that was the last straw, after which the Malian Army decided to carry out a coup d\u2019\u00e9tat against the former President, a chaotic moment which the Tuaregs took advantage of by occupying the main cities in the north, including Gao, Timbuktu and Kidal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consequently, the Tuaregs proclaimed north Mali independent from south Mali, naming it Azawad, hence becoming an <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/category\/unrecognized-country\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>unrecognized country<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Tuaregs, however, were not alone in this fight but were backed by a bunch of Islamic groups linked to Al Qaeda Maghreb but, once the brand-new State of Azawad was created, they never managed to agree on the way forward, so they started fighting each other until the Tuaregs lost most of their territory to the Islamic rebels, who began to impose their Sharia law across the north.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since then, both Malian and foreign armies have been fighting those Islamic groups. Over the years, the French Army managed to push them to the far north, and allegedly, the French will withdraw their troops soon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, from a traveling perspective, the problem isn&#8217;t the actual fighting but most issues and attacks which may affect tourists occur randomly and are caused by Malians who are not directly linked to the conflict but they may kidnap a foreigner because they believe they can make money out of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But don&#8217;t panic. As long as you avoid certain regions and travel with caution, Mali is safe to travel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/DSC_5604-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/DSC_5604-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/DSC_5604-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Is mali dangerous\" class=\"wp-image-26775\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Local life however, just goes on<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2\">How safe is Mali to visit? Mali <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">vs<\/span> the Middle East<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e8e8e8\">Don&#8217;t forget to read my <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/mali-itinerary\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>SAFE travel itinerary for Mali<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From an experience standpoint, in Mali I had mixed feelings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the one hand, when I traveled to supposedly safe areas, things were fine as usual: people were friendly, appeared to carry on with their lives, and there were no signs of crime. Everything seemed so peaceful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, after all my years of travels, in which I have visited <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/country\/syria\/\"><strong>countries like Syria<\/strong><\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/country\/somalia\/\"><strong>Somalia<\/strong><\/a>, Mali was the only place where I have been slightly worried about my own safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Really, first time ever was <strong>the day I traveled from S\u00e9gou to Djenn\u00e9 by road<\/strong>, and the reason was that, safety and security-wise, <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-mali\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>traveling in Mali<\/strong><\/a> is different from <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/best-places-visit-middle-east\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>traveling in the Middle East<\/strong><\/a>. Here\u2019s why:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e8e8e8\">To put you in context, Djenn\u00e9 is a town located in Central Mali, in an area where all governments advise against all travel, since Islamic-controlled villages are located less than 20km away and the road connecting S\u00e9gou with Djenn\u00e9 has suffered from sporadic attacks. <strong><em>Nevertheless, nothing has ever happened within Djenn\u00e9 itself.<\/em><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/DSC_5381-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/DSC_5381-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/DSC_5381-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Is Djenn\u00e9 safe?\" class=\"wp-image-26779\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Djenn\u00e9 is a jaw-dropping city to visit<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In Mali, you get so much contradictory information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the reasons I felt skeptical about going to Djenn\u00e9 was that I was constantly getting different types of information:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Locals from Bamako said it was dangerous for foreigners<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Foreigners living in Bamako said I was completely insane<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Locals from S\u00e9gou, a city relatively close to Djenn\u00e9, claimed it was super safe to go<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Experienced travelers acknowledged that there was some risk involved but with a bit of care and a local guide, I should be fine.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>And even within these groups, they all had different versions of the story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I trust experienced travelers the most because, first, they have actually been there, and second, the smart ones will always do a fair amount of research prior to their trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Still, since everybody had a different opinion, I could be nothing but concerned and that&#8217;s OK. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In Mali, the level of security is poor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/country\/pakistan\/\"><strong>Pakistan<\/strong><\/a>, <a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-syria\/\"><strong>Syria<\/strong><\/a>, <a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/iraqi-kurdistan-travel-guide\/\"><strong>Iraqi Kurdistan<\/strong><\/a> or even in relatively peaceful countries like <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/country\/lebanon\/\"><strong>Lebanon<\/strong><\/a>, you find checkpoints absolutely everywhere and, as a traveler, that&#8217;s something you should truly appreciate because the police\/army is usually there for the country&#8217;s safety. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the contrary, despite the ongoing conflict and being one of the most problematic countries in the world, the security in Mali sucks, like really sucks. In fact, this is something the French Army has been complaining about since it all started. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, on the 300km road from S\u00e9gou to Djenn\u00e9, some serious attacks have been reported but you barely find any checkpoints. In fact, in the Mopti-Djenn\u00e9 intersection, which is where those accidents happened, upon our arrival we just drove through the checkpoint because the soldiers were sleeping, literally. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This means that Jihadists can roam around freely and makes you seriously question Mali&#8217;s travel safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">There is no on-the-ground intelligence and nobody knows what is actually going on<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Another peculiarity about Mali compared to the Middle East is that you can never get any accurate information about what is actually happening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, when I asked about who perpetrated the attacks on the road to Djenn\u00e9, some Malians said they were just bandits, while others affirmed they were Jihadists. Foreigners would just say that nobody knows, like most incidents taking place in Mali. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A similar thing happened when I asked about why Djenn\u00e9 itself has always kept safe, despite the poor level of security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Because God is protecting us<\/em> &#8211; some Malians said<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Because Djenn\u00e9 is too holy<\/em> &#8211; other Malians said<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I never managed to get a proper answer but, in Bamako, I met a British man who turned out to be a trainer for the Malian police, and he said that the reason why some towns are not being taken might be purely tribal, meaning that some towns and villages are ruled by certain families and tribes who the Jihadists don&#8217;t want to mess with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While this may seem like a reasonable motive, I still find the situation to be highly ambiguous, and that&#8217;s the scary thing about Mali.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/DSC_5564-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/DSC_5564-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/DSC_5564-1024x684.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-26777\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Most villages and places I visited in Mali look so peaceful, like this random village<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3\">How dangerous is Mali? Safety by region<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As I said, safety in Mali largely depends on the region you may be heading to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">South Mali<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Technically, everywhere in southern Mali is safe for tourists, which in my eyes, comprises the area south of Bamako.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is Bamako safe? <\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Bamako gained a bad reputation internationally <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/news\/world\/gunmen-take-170-hostage-radisson-hotel-bamako-mali-n466831\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">after the 2015 attacks<\/a><\/strong>, but nothing has happened since then and, besides regular petty crime &#8211; but far less than other African cities &#8211; Bamako is a safe city to visit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/DSC_5631-684x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/DSC_5631-684x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/DSC_5631-684x1024.jpg\" alt=\"is Bamako safe\" class=\"wp-image-26773\" style=\"object-fit:cover\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bamako<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is Siby safe?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Siby is a peaceful area 50km south of Bamako characterized by unusual rock formations and timeless, unspoiled villages. I think it&#8217;s one of the safest places to visit in Mali. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More SAFE places to visit in the south of Mali:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Sikasso &#8211; <\/strong>A trading town that developed for being right at the intersection between Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Manantali &#8211; <\/strong>A <strong><a aria-label=\"lake area (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/gandalf-on-tour.blogspot.com\/2019\/02\/manantalimali.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">lake area<\/a><\/strong> 300km south of Bamako<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/DJI_0019-1024x767.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/DJI_0019-1024x767.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/DJI_0019-1024x767.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-26791\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">People are very curious always<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Central Mali<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The central part of Mali can be more sketchy and that&#8217;s where your travel experience counts the most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is S\u00e9gou safe?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>S\u00e9gou is a lovely town on the shores of the Niger River and the safest tourist town within Central Mali. It can be done independently without any problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e8e8e8\"><strong>Across the Niger River from S\u00e9gou<\/strong><br>When I was in S\u00e9gou, I felt like taking one of the local boats to the other side of the river but the locals warned me it was dangerous to go because Jihadists weren&#8217;t far from that area. Not even local guides wanted to take me there so, once again, before adventuring yourself into a new area, do ask for the latest security updates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/DSC_4961-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/DSC_4961-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/DSC_4961-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Niger River\" class=\"wp-image-26785\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The local boat that takes you across the Niger River in S\u00e9gou<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is Djenn\u00e9 safe?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>I already told you about Djenn\u00e9 in the previous section, so you know what it is. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The only thing to add is that don&#8217;t believe those travelers who say that Djenn\u00e9 is safe just because it feels so. Everywhere feels safe until it&#8217;s not and Djenn\u00e9 felt suspiciously safe, so travel there with caution and do hire a local guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/DSC_5253-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/DSC_5253-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/DSC_5253-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"This is the central sq\" class=\"wp-image-26781\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Central Square in Djenn\u00e9<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is Mopti safe?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Apparently, Mopti itself is safe but consider it as safe as Djenn\u00e9.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, Mopti is the limit between central and north Mali. Twenty kilometers after Mopti, in a town named S\u00e9vare, is where the actual war zone starts and where you are likely to see tanks and UN armored vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More SAFE places to visit in central Mali:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dougouba &#8211; <\/strong>A lovely village home to an impressive mud mosque<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>San &#8211;<\/strong> We stopped in San on the way back from Djenn\u00e9 to check out its Grand Mosque<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e8e8e8\">By the way, on the road between Mopti and Gao, a tourist was kidnapped but you won&#8217;t find it in the news, as it usually happens with these type of incidents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">North Mali<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once the most visited region in the country, northern Mali has remained almost inaccessible since 2012.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, bear in mind that potential dangers in northern Mali aren&#8217;t bombs and rockets but road assaults and kidnappings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is Timbuktu safe?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>You would be surprised to know that nowadays, Timbuktu itself is relatively safe but attempting to travel there by road is a guaranteed one-way ticket. Instead, fearless travelers who are willing to take some risk can go to Timbuktu by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Plane &#8211; <\/strong>Usually, on a charter UN flight. Many local fixers\/guides can get you a ticket. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Boat &#8211;<\/strong> Riskier than by plane, but doable. From Mopti, it takes 3-4 days and you also must arrange it through a local fixer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is Dogon Country safe?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Sadly, one of the country&#8217;s highlights is today a big no-go zone. While my guide took me to Djenn\u00e9 and also wanted to take me to Mopti and Timbuktu by boat, he would not risk taking anyone to Dogon Country, since road attacks are frequent due to internal ethnic conflicts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e8e8e8\">Check my <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/mali-itinerary\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>Mali travel itinerary<\/strong><\/a> to see the places I visited<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4\">Further tips to travel safe in Mali<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Based on the above comprehensive analysis, here are some additional tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When you visit an area where safety can be a concern, don&#8217;t stay there for long, 1 night max<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As strange as it sounds, kidnappings and other random attacks are usually planned so, in a place like Djenn\u00e9, it&#8217;s recommended not to stay for long, so potential bad guys won&#8217;t find out about your arrival. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ask for the latest security updates in the city closest to your final destination<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Not back home, not in Bamako because the information won&#8217;t be accurate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, if you want to go to Djenn\u00e9 or Dogon Country, S\u00e9gou is a good place to ask for the latest information. If I wanted to go to Timbuktu, I would ask in Mopti.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do hire a local guide when necessary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I have always been skeptical about hiring a local guide but, in countries like Mali, it can prove very useful, plus traveling with a local guide is not traveling on a tour but more like with a local friend who speaks the language. Anyways, in places like Djenn\u00e9, I believe a guide is necessary because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You will be noticed less<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>He is well connected and gets the latest security updates<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/DSC_4945-684x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/DSC_4945-684x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/DSC_4945-684x1024.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-26789\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">S\u00e9gou market<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5\">Conclusion: Is safe to travel to Mali, or not?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Mali can be safe, depends on where you travel to but the most important thing to keep in mind is that the situation is so unstable and volatile, and a place which today is safe may not be on the day after so always do some proper research before taking such a trip. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6\">More information for traveling safely in Mali<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#2b8f2b\">\ud83d\udce2 In my <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-resources\/\"><strong>Travel Resources Page<\/strong><\/a> you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">All our guides to Mali<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-mali\/\">Mali Travel Guide<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/mali-itinerary\/\">Mali Itinerary<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Check more safety guides<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/is-afghanistan-safe\/\">Is Afghanistan Safe?<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/is-iran-safe\/\">Is Iran Safe?<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/is-it-safe-to-travel-to-iraq\/\">Is Iraq Safe?<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/safe-travel-lebanon\/\">Is Lebanon Safe?<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/mauritania-safe-travel\/\">Is Mauritania Safe?<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/countries-middle-east-safe-travel\/\">Is Middle East Safe?<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/is-oman-safe\/\">Is Oman Safe?<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/is-pakistan-safe\/\">Is Pakistan Safe?<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/safe-travel-sudan\/\">Is Sudan Safe?<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/syria-safety\/\">Is Syria Safe?<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/is-tunisia-safe\/\">Is Tunisia Safe?<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/14-683x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/14-683x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/14-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Is Mali dangerous?\" class=\"wp-image-26802\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:428px;height:auto\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This is a comprehensive analysis of travel safety in Mali, which I think is strictly necessary. Unlike some destinations in the Middle East where most travel warnings and advice tend to be biased or even unrealistic, I personally believe that Mali is one place where you need to be careful and well-informed about the latest [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":26787,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_wp_convertkit_post_meta":{"form":"-1","landing_page":"","tag":"0","restrict_content":"0"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[299,168],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-26761","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mali-2","category-safety-travel"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26761","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26761"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26761\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":56672,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26761\/revisions\/56672"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/26787"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26761"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26761"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26761"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}