Kayes-kita-Bamako
 

Hi

Has anyone been on the Kayes-kita-Bamako road recently (last few Years)
We did about 9 years ago and was slow going then,but now with the tarmac road up north it might be even worse if its not getting much use
Most concern is if the ferry is still in operation at Bafoulabe

thanks for any info
Cheers Grant

Hey Grant mate,

(Darrin the Kiwi in the green landy you meet at the campsite near Dogon last year, just made it to Cape Town ;-)

I did it 3.5 years ago - so hopefully you get some more recent news, but the north road was almost sealed when I did it so all traffic had been using that route for at least 6 months. So as a conversation starter:

It would largely be doable for your truck, except for a few rain damaged bits that were steep and tricky in the landy. I would imagine these have gotten worse...

Nice camping at the waterfalls. Some tracks lead right through villages, trouble with narrow paths and low trees, so may be a little slow going.

If the ferry is not running you can probably drive over the river using the bridge built for the train a few km's away, at least this works with a 4x4 - no idea of your axle width, potential tyre damage, not fitting and the 'bridge manager saying no or wanting a high price might stop you.

The road from Bafoulabe to Bamako will be good piste or sealed road - was being sealed when I did it, so probably potholed now ;-p

It is a nice route - allow at last 2 days - 3-4 is more realistic. Kita is a small town, useful market of watermelons, tomatoes etc and two good little restaurants that do 'steak frites'.

Good luck - might be in Angola when you come through again ;-)

had to leave my car behind in Mahina, Mali (next to Bafoulabe) two months ago because it was broke beyond repair...

I disagree with Roamingyak; the road between Bafoulabe to Kita was not a good pist and defiantly not a sealed road. It is drivable but don't expect a easy way. The road between Kita and Bamako is great, no problems. I did not drive to Kayes, but ppl warned me that the road between Bafoulabe and Kayes was impassable at that moment. This is 3 months ago, in the raining season. Maybe things has changed now the rain has stopped.

But it is a beautiful drive! Please say hello to my green VW van in Mahine when you cross the river. (no problem to cross the train bridge by car)

Check the Mali part
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...na-benin-53221

Bafoulabe to Kita - Bafoulabe to the dam is good, and but after that to Kita will be less good, especially if in the rainy season. I did it in the dry season.

Well done for trying in a VW van! ;-)

route info
 

We just arrived at Bamako coming from Atar-Tidjikja-Kiffa-Kayes.
Kayes-Bafoulabe is easy going dirt road. Since the new reconstuction of the road you will be lead to the northside of the senegal river at Diamou where the road continues to Selinkegni. From there you go to Bafoulabe. Before Baf you have to take a ferry (which charged us 5000CFA,Nissan Patrol) that can either take you to Baf or to the eastside of the sideriver coming from the south. If you like to take the more adventurous route from Baf via Kale and Badoumbe (thereafter it is much better), this last option will save you the hassle of crossing the railbridge. The more common road is now via Manantali which as far as I heard is well prepared.

Sleeping camel just south from the Niger river (pont the Mathyrs) in Bamako is a nice campside

Moyo, Julie & kids