Flights to Bamako with Air France from CAD 1,793*

Bamako, a city that lives according to its seasons

Why not purchase a ticket for Bamako? Mali's capital, with a population of 1.8, is an emblematic city in West Africa. The Niger River flows through, Bamako which spreads like a green, lush valley bordered by red, rocky hills. Life in Bamako is regulated by two seasons: the dry season, from November to March, and the rainy season, from June to October, with tropical rainfall. We suggest leaving for Bamako at the beginning of the rainy season because the heat can feel like it is suffocating during dry season, especially when you are not used to it.

However, during this period, be cautious about mosquitoes. Make sure to take mosquito nets, cover yourself well and use insect repellents.

We also recommend carrying your own medicine in your luggage, see the link for more information and other health-related questions and drink only bottled water. There is suitable healthcare available in Bamako.

Bamako: sounds and tastes

However, taking a flight to Bamako is a wonderful experience. You will be charmed by the colorful markets in the streets of Bamako, full of exotic products. Give in to tempting spicy delicacies served in street shops, like kebabs and fried millet doughnuts. In the evening, enjoy a traditional dish of fish, fragrant rice and bananas.

You can learn more about Mali with a visit to the National Museum of Mali, the Muso Kunda Museum, dedicated to women, or the Saudi-style Grand Mosque which will immerse you in the country's largely Muslim culture.

Of course, Bamako's history was marked by French colonization from 1883 to 1960, when Mali gained independence and elected Modibo Keïta as president.

People also come to Bamako for its colorful, folklore and music.

Travel to Bamako: mandatory passport and visa

Air France offers flights to Bamako's Sémou International Airport, located about fifteen km from downtown, departing from Montreal, Toronto or Halifax, Calgary and Vancouver thanks to West jet code share, with a stopover in Paris. Plan on about twenty hours of travel time and a five-hour time difference with Montreal or an eight-hour difference with Vancouver.

To enter Mali, you must have a passport that is valid during your stay and at least six months beyond your expected date of departure from that country. Also, you must have a visa, whether you are traveling as a tourist, for business or as a student.

The currency in Mali is the CFA Franc. Major credit cards as well as Canadian traveler's checks are rarely accepted. It is best to use traveler's checks in euros or in US dollars.