Mali info - Nara-Segou-Douentza/Bandiagaria
 

Hey folks,

I'm planning a bike trip to Mali from the UK this year leaving early November. Most likely solo. My original intention was to head down to the Nema/Nara crossing and go (via Bamako ans Segou) to Bandiagara and the lovely Dogon country - probably turning round and heading home from there.

Having a quick catch up on the HUBB (it's been about 2 years since I was last here!) it all looks to have gone wrong in various bits of Mali - from a banditry point of view and whatnot.

I therefore wonder what the current consensus is about the wisdom of such an itinerary for a solo bike? I did the same route in 2007 as part of a trans-Africa ride and it was lovely and I had no real hassles. Hard to believe it can have changed that much in 4 short years?!

thanks,

Andy

Hello Andy,

Nema-Nara is not very safe today.I did it the last time 2007 but now i would go from Ayoun to Nioro.

Regards

Mike

Mauretania is safe and you would like to cross further west than Nara since there are clashes with AQ in the area. Gendarmes will tell you where you can go. Kiffa-Kayes is a nice piste.
In Mali stay south of river Niger and you should be fine.

You may feel happier going south from NKT to Senegal and then across to Mali via Tamba to Bamako. This route is very safe - there have been a few scare stories regarding Nema-Nara the past few years. You can then go Segou - Mopti - Bandiangara which is a good and safe road. If you don't feel happy about security when you reach Bamako you can always tour the S and W of Mali which is also very nice - especially the back route to Kayes via Bafoulabe (last bit is a little bit sandy but not too bad).

All the best,
Lee

Hey Andy,

I just came back from Mali, about a month ago. We crossed in from the Ayoun-Nioro and it was fine. Lots of gendarme on the Mauritanian side, take a lot of fisce with you (we had 50 each and wish I had more). I would stay away from the Nema-Nara crossing with everything that has been going on lately in the region, but other than that there was no sense of fear at any other part of the trip. Let me know if you need more info on the state of the route.

Cheers,

Sapou

Hi folks,

Thanks very much for the info. I'll certainly give the Nema/Nara crossing a miss this time and will cross either at Ayoun or via Senegal.

Good to hear the the route to Bandiagara via Segou is still okay - it's such a nice jaunt. I've fond memories of staying a place called 'Chez Jerome' at Douentza. I wonder if he's still there?

thanks again :-)

Andy