Travel to Mali, a few questions.

[Brakke Gaid]

Hi There.

I'm kinda new here, and have been reading like crazy the past few days on this website. I am planning to do a trip on a motorcycle from Amsterdam to CapeTown in 3 years (I realise I need to learn a lot before I can go), but I am also interested in the option of going to Bamako in Mali around Christmas.

1- Is this a good time to travel to Bamako?
- 2 1/2 to 3 weeks, it this enough to drive down to Bamako via the Atlantic route, and does this give us some time to look around as well?
- Where can I best find cheap tickets back from Bamako to Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt or Dusseldorf? (other other nearby area)?
Thanks for reading and any help in advance!

Brakke

[ferdi]

Hi Brakke,

the cheapest are: AirAlgerie (Frankfurt), Afriqya (Bruxelles), PointAfrique (Paris), AigleAzur (Paris), maybe AirBruxelles/Sabena are also going or AirFrance/RoyalAirMaroc have low prices in advance.

Ferdi

[Travelbug]

Hi Brakke,

if you push hard, you can make it from Amsterdam to Bamako in 7-10 days.

3 weeks leaves you plenty of time to enjoy Morocco, the highlight on that route.

If you stay on the main road, Western Sahara and Mauretania are just endless driving without much to see, IMHO.

There is asphalt all the way to Bamako!

[Brakke Gaid]

Originally Posted by ferdi

Hi Brakke,

the cheapest are: AirAlgerie (Frankfurt), Afriqya (Bruxelles), PointAfrique (Paris), AigleAzur (Paris), maybe AirBruxelles/Sabena are also going or AirFrance/RoyalAirMaroc have low prices in advance.

Ferdi

Hi Ferdi,

I have found PointAfrique in the meantime...tickets seem to vary between 327 and 500 euros from Bamako to Paris. Paris isnt bad, its a 3hr car drive from my parents town in south-holland so thats good.

Ill have a look into the other ones, Frankfurt or Brussels might actually be a better option!

Many thanks!

[Brakke Gaid]

Originally Posted by Travelbug

Hi Brakke,

if you push hard, you can make it from Amsterdam to Bamako in 7-10 days.

3 weeks leaves you plenty of time to enjoy Morocco, the highlight on that route.

If you stay on the main road, Western Sahara and Mauretania are just endless driving without much to see, IMHO.

There is asphalt all the way to Bamako!

Hi Travelbug,

Thats great news! I knew that there would be (almost) only tarmac up to Bamako. I agree with you that Marocco is the highlight of the route to Mali. Especially as we wont be doing any offroading with (probably) a diesel Merc.

I also have a few questions concerning cars in Mali and their values. If someone could e-mail me so I can ask a few questions that be superb!


Many many thanks again guys. Youve been wonderful help.

Cheers

Brakke gaid