Mali - What are the roads like?

[JMaggs]

I am currently in The Gambia and looking to continue by van to Bamako. Can anyone who has travelled this route in the last couple of years give any information as to the state of the roads between Kayes and Bamako, are they easily passable, how long should it take etc? Thanks in advance.

[peterkik]

hi

have a look at http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb...ML/000402.html

Peter

[traveller]

hi
the best and easiest way from Kayes to Bamako is going to Nioro and then down to Bamako. the road is flat. the other way is through Guinée, Labé also a beautiful scenary.
enjoy the trip.
Ties


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[Kevin]

If you have ground clearance then the route is passable with a 2WD. You said you have a "van", I have done the route several times in Mercedes 207´s and 508´s, but I once went with someone in a VW T3 (1987) and he had more problems. A Hiace or Urvan is not as good either. If you have a chance then you can see the difference in ground clearance between these cars.

The road through Nioro is under construction and I dont know how it is but unless the Kayes-Nioro section has been redone then I think the easiest route is Kayes-Diamou-Selininkegni-Bafoulabe. Dont try to drive direct from Diamou along the river to Bafoulabe it is extremly difficult.

There is fuel in Kayes, Mahina, Manantalis, Kita, Kati and Bamako, other places I wouldnt really rely on it.
The part to Bafoulabe is difficult the rest is good dirt road.
The ferry in Bafoulabe costs 2,500 for a car but they will probably charge you 5,000 for a small commercial vehicle. These prices may have changed. DO NOT pay anything for crossing the railway bridge in Mahina. If there is an official charge then it is very new.