Do you take pleasure in visiting unconventional places? If so, then Mali might deserve a spot on your travel bucket list.
Tucked away in West Africa, this country sees very few tourists, but little did you know, Mali is an exquisite place that’s all about nature and natives.
A large number of travelers drop by West Africa for a thrilling and adventurous vacation. Mali is certainly one of the overlooked destinations. Don’t make that mistake yourself.
The landscapes in Mali are picturesque, so not dropping in here is a huge miss. Acres of deserts and time-honored cities that are ancient and quite legendary are available to visit.
But, one of the most appealing features of Mali is its raw and vibrant culture. The music. The dance, handicrafts, and architecture. Everything in Mali reflects the wonders of old-world charm. Mali is truly an unexplored gem.
Plan a trip to Mali to witness the untouched grace of nature and legendary cities in person. Make sure you purchase travel medical insurance as protection for any illnesses, accidents, or injuries that might occur while in Mali.
Mali Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs
Buy travel medical insurance when you are traveling to Mali. It is not a legal requirement. But when in Mali, you want to ensure that you have pretty much ticked all the boxes.
Illness and sudden emergency health problems can cost a fortune when you are on a different continent. Travel medical insurance works as a safety net. With a comprehensive insurance plan in place, you may not have to worry about incurring the expenses of emergency health care.
Is it a must to buy travel medical insurance for Mali?
Legally, the answer is no. In the words of the wise though, you must not step foot in Mali without a travel medical insurance plan.
What if you put up with dengue in the midst of your vacation? The place is sultry and incredibly warm. Even a healthy man can be ill due to dehydration. Under such circumstances, a Mali travel medical insurance plan comes in handy.
Should you buy travel medical insurance for Mali? If yes, then why?
A travel medical insurance plan can save you from burning a hole in your wallet. Emergency health care can cost you a fortune in a foreign country. A comprehensive plan can foot all bills and is in the best interest of your health and finances. Here’s what a travel medical insurance plan in Mali can cover:
- Cost of medication
- Expenses of emergency health care services
- Expenditure of hospitalization and treatment
- Emergency medical evacuation
Things to Do for Travelers In Mali
Mali is a breathtaking destination spot that exhibits heritage, culture, time-honored traditions, and diverse landscapes.
If nature and history fascinate you, Mali is certainly the place to be. There is quite an impressive number of things you can do in Mali.
Let’s take a quick look at how to keep yourself on your toes when you are vacationing in Mali.
- Tour around the Boucle du Baoule National Park: Okay, so the term “national park” promptly gives you the idea of wildlife, dense vegetation, and so on and so forth, right? Well, the Boucle du Baoule National Park is very different. To begin with, there’s not much wildlife here. The place is instead famous for the impeccable rock arts. There are some beautiful tombs, too. The rock art here is rare to spot. It is preserved very well and exists from the prehistoric times. Doesn’t that sound thrilling? Well, here’s another piece of information. The National Park is now counted as a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.
- Visit the Great Mosque of Djenne: Speaking of the UNESCO World Heritage Site List, the Mosque of Djenne is an enchanting place. Built on the ancient, historic remains of a mosque and constructed around 1,200 years ago, the Mosque is all about magnificent architecture. The name of the mosque was inspired by the city of Djenne. The highest peak of the mosque is 16 meters (about 52 feet). This is pretty impressive, considering it was built in 1907. Unfortunately, the mosque had succumbed to adverse climatic conditions, but restoration works were completed by the locals in the region. The mosque was painted and is now a sight to cherish.
- Bask alongside the Niger River: The Niger River is one of the most attractive features of Mali. The third-longest on the continent, the river is praise-worthy and beautiful in itself. You can camp on the banks of the Niger River. How does the idea of hopping on a wooden vessel appeal to you? Well, you can cruise on the Niger on these wooden vessels. Very atypical from the usual boat rides, right? Camping here is much preferred since there are traces of green near to the banks. If you are lucky, you can catch sight of rare exotic birds and chunky hippos.
- Tomb of Askia - A treat for the history fans: If you know even a tad bit about West Africa and its history, you are most certainly aware of the Songhai Empire. Askia Muhammad, a respected statesman and military figure, overtook the throne of the Songhai Empire back in 1493. It is believed that the administration Askia executed across the sprawling lands, located right next to the Niger River, was matchless and very effective. Gao, the place where the tomb is, was then declared as the official capital of the Empire. Islam was reckoned as the official religion of the Empire as well. This is when the Tomb of Askia was constructed. It is fairly tall, about 17 meters (about 56 feet) in height. The tomb resembles the shape of a pyramid. What you must know is that the style in which the tomb has been constructed is very exquisite. There are acacia-wood scaffoldings that appear like spikes on the tomb. What’s even more interesting to learn is that the pyramid-like tomb was built out of mud and wet plaster. In short, visiting the tomb of Askia is a must when you are traveling in Mali. It is in the Gao region, about 200 miles (about 320 kilometers) away from Timbuktu. There’s an international airport in Gao, but if you are willing to cruise through the river, there is a ferry service to help you reach your destination.
- Pay a visit to Mopti: Mopti is a town in the interiors of the Niger Delta region. Localities and a few tourists have described the town as the “Venice Of Mali”. The cultural monuments at Mopti are bewildering. But what’s captivating about the town is that Mopti is a commercial and trading hub. Mopti is where the Niger confluences with the Bani rivers. There’s a port constructed right above the confluence. Hence, the region is flourishing in terms of trade. The mud and brick structure, also known as the Grand Mosque, constructed way back in 1908 is worth visiting. There’s so much about the architecture you can admire.
Travel Risks for International Travelers In Mali
Mali is a beautiful place to hang your hat for a few days. And here are some things to keep in mind to make sure that your stay is enjoyable.
- Extreme dehydration owing to the dry, hot weather of the place can trouble tourists. Make sure you are always well-hydrated.
- Keep your wallet, passport, and valuables safe, especially when you are in crowded places and in open-air markets.
- Do not carry valuable or expensive acccessories when you are exploring the nation.
- When exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country, make sure you practice caution to avoid slipping and falling. Accidental injuries in Mali can be promptly avoided by following general caution.
Before You Travel to Mali - Do This
- Do not forget to take immunity boosters before traveling to Mali.
- There are a few vaccinations you must take before going to Mali, including shots for yellow fever, hepatitis A, and tetanus. Some vaccinations are optional, but why take a chance? Go ahead and get shots for diphtheria, typhoid, meningitis, rabies, and hepatitis B.
- Make sure you are carrying a valid passport.
- Keep all documents related to visa and immigration handy at all times.