Packing list for Mali, travel insurance for Mali, and taking your belongings

What to take with you to Mali: spotlighted

To bring and to check:

• Documents: passport with six months validity and copies.
• Money: cash West African CFA Franc (XOF) is useful for the first few days, possibly extra euros to exchange. ATMs are also common. Credit cards are usually not accepted.
• Care: sunscreen and aftersun.
• Outdoor and conveniences: hat/cap and sunglasses
• Sunglasses, a buff, scarf or bandana against the sun and dust.
• Clothing: the temperature is between 22 and 35 degrees Celsius all year round. Airy and light clothing for the hot weather and an extra layer in the winter. Breathable clothing such as cotton and linen are nice. As a woman, it is also recommended to wear knee and shoulder covering clothing due to local customs.
• Protection: light raincoat and a backpack rain cover for the rainy season. Possibly dust-proof bags for the dry, dusty season. A mosquito net or impregnated mosquito net.
• Shoes: comfortable (walking) shoes, sturdy sandals or slippers for fun excursions.
• Medicines and travel kit: a small first aid kit with plasters, painkillers, ORS, hand disinfectant and mosquito repellent.
• Safety: neck pouch.
• Technique and equipment: power bank, headlamp or flashlight for power outages.

To consider:

• Reusable water bottle with filter.
• Quick-drying travel towel.
• E-reader or offline entertainment.

What should you keep in mind when traveling to Mali with your belongings?

• Taking a good travel guide and good adaptability is not an unnecessary luxury.

Are there mosquitoes in Mali?

• Mosquitoes in Mali are quite dangerous. Malaria is endemic, with a big peak during the rainy season from June to September.
• Dengue also occurs, which is a risk mainly during the day.
• Insect repellents, covering clothing and sleeping under a good mosquito net are definitely recommended.

Are there sand flies in Mali?

• Cutaneous leishmaniasis occurs in Mali, especially in rural areas. The disease is transmitted by sand flies and can cause nasty skin ulcers.
• Fortunately, your set of mosquito repellents with DEET can provide a solution in combination with covering clothing, good spray, and not sleeping on the beach without protection.

Can you buy DEET, or other mosquito repellents, in Mali?

• Finding your favorite mosquito repellent in Mali is going to be tough, and you definitely don’t want to run out.
• Bring mosquito repellent from home.

Can you buy a joint or weed in Mali, or take it with you to Mali?

• Mali is a known hub for drug trafficking. The government is cracking down hard on this, and anything related to weed is illegal in Mali.
• Possession, use, and sale of cannabis can lead to severe penalties.