Bamako, Mali: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Bamako, Mali? If you're planning to go to Bamako, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Bamako, Mali

Based on the climate and weather in Bamako, Mali, the best time to go is December. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Bamako, Mali

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Bamako, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Bamako, Mali by month

January

January in Bamako is extremely hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Mali has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Bamako may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Make sure to choose the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to see the majestic Bamako Grand Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the mosque; it is best to check with the Bamako tourism authority.

If you go to Bamako Botanical Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

February

February in this region is a scorcher and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Mali has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Bamako may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Take care to get the right kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to see the majestic Bamako Grand Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the mosque; it is best to check with the Bamako tourism authority.

If you go to Bamako Botanical Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

March

If you vacation in Bamako during March, you are likely to see that it is sizzling and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 90s F (high 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 10 and 20% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Mali has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Bamako may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. It's important that you pick the correct kind. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to see the majestic Bamako Grand Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the mosque; it is best to check with the Bamako tourism authority.

If you go to Bamako Botanical Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

April

If you vacation in Bamako during April, you will probably see that it can be excruciatingly hot and very dry. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 100s F (high 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 80s F (high 20s C). Humidity is generally between 20 and 30% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Mali has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Bamako may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Be careful to choose the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to see the majestic Bamako Grand Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the mosque; it is best to check with the Bamako tourism authority.

If you go to Bamako Botanical Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

May

If you visit Bamako during May, you might see that it is sweltering. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 90s F (high 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 30 and 40% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Mali has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Bamako may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Check that you find the right type. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to see the majestic Bamako Grand Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the mosque; it is best to check with the Bamako tourism authority.

If you go to Bamako Botanical Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

June

If you visit Bamako during June, you will probably notice that it is scorchingly hot and somewhat stormy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Mali has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Bamako may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. It's important that you pick the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to see the majestic Bamako Grand Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the mosque; it is best to check with the Bamako tourism authority.

If you go to Bamako Botanical Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

July

If you are traveling to Bamako in July, you will notice that it is extremely hot, somewhat rainy and somewhat stormy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Mali has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Bamako may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Check that you find the right type. Many adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to see the majestic Bamako Grand Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the mosque; it is best to check with the Bamako tourism authority.

If you go to Bamako Botanical Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

August

If you vacation in Bamako during August, you are likely to see that it is constantly hot, somewhat rainy and somewhat stormy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Mali has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Bamako may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. It's important that you choose the right kind. Many adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to see the majestic Bamako Grand Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the mosque; it is best to check with the Bamako tourism authority.

If you go to Bamako Botanical Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

September

If you go to Bamako in September, you will notice that it is really hot, somewhat rainy and somewhat stormy. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Mali has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Bamako may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Make sure to pick the right type. Many adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to see the majestic Bamako Grand Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the mosque; it is best to check with the Bamako tourism authority.

If you go to Bamako Botanical Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

October

Traveling to Bamako in October, you will notice that it can be sweltering. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Mali has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Bamako may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Check that you get the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to see the majestic Bamako Grand Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the mosque; it is best to check with the Bamako tourism authority.

If you go to Bamako Botanical Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

November

November here is unbearably hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Mali has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Bamako may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Make sure to pick the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to see the majestic Bamako Grand Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the mosque; it is best to check with the Bamako tourism authority.

If you go to Bamako Botanical Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

December

Traveling to Bamako in December, you will notice that it is constantly hot and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Mali has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Bamako may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Take care to pick the right type. Most adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to see the majestic Bamako Grand Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the mosque; it is best to check with the Bamako tourism authority.

If you go to Bamako Botanical Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

What to do in Bamako, Mali

Bamako is the capital city of Mali, a land-locked country in West Africa. The city is home to some of the most magnificent tourist spots in the country, making it an excellent place for adventurers, historians, and pleasure-seekers. From museums and markets to historical landmarks and natural wonders, Bamako has plenty to offer. Let's take a closer look at some of the top tourist attractions in Bamako.

The National Museum of Mali

The National Museum of Mali is a must-visit attraction for those who love history and art. The museum displays an impressive collection of objects from Mali's ancient history, including pottery, textiles, carvings, and textiles. The museum features exhibits on traditional Malian life, music, and art that date back to precolonial times.

The Grand Mosque of Bamako

The Grand Mosque of Bamako is one of the most significant and remarkable landmarks in the city. It is an impressive architectural marvel that showcases the traditional Mudéjar style of the Malian region. The mosque features unique domes, intricately-carved wooden doors, and beautifully decorated domes designed with traditional Malian motifs.

Le Marché de Medina

The Medina market is the heart of the city and one of the most colorful spots in Bamako. The market offers a wide range of products, from traditional clothes, jewelry, sculptures, and pottery to spices, fruits, and vegetables. The vibe of the colorful market is infectious, and you can easily immerse yourself in the culture of Bamako.

The National Park of Mali

If you're looking for a spot to unwind, a visit to the National Park of Mali is a great idea. The park offers a peaceful natural oasis with captivating landscapes, waterfalls, and rock formations. You can also see a wide range of fauna, such as baboons, antelopes, and birds. The National Park of Mali is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The Bamako Artisan Market

The Bamako Artisan Market is the go-to market for anyone interested in buying traditional Malian art and crafts. From leather bags and sandals, gold and silver masks to authentic Malian textiles, the Bamako Artisan Market offers a wide range of impressive works from local artisans. The market is perfect for mementos and souvenirs.

Conclusion

Bamako is a top tourist destination in Mali, and there are plenty of tourist attractions that cater to the interests of all visitors. The city has a rich cultural heritage that dates back to precolonial times, and its museums and art galleries are sure to captivate tourists. The markets, natural wonders, and historical landmarks are must-visit destinations to fully immerse yourself in the charm of Bamako's culture.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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