Is it safe to travel to Mali?

Mali’s beautiful desert landscapes and ancient cities have long been a big draw for travellers, but tourism has suffered greatly in recent years due to Islamist insurgency and political instability. Many people are unsure whether it’s safe to visit or which areas they should stick to if they do. Read our guide to safety in Mali to help you understand where you can go, how to do so safely, and what lies behind the country’s current troubles.

Home\Africa\Mali

Is it safe to visit Mali?

Thanks to its rich history and stunning landscapes, Mali was one of the most popular destinations in West Africa. But that all changed in 2012, when militants took over northern Mali following the collapse of neighbouring Libya. Armed rebels from the Tuareg ethnic group, many of whom had been fighting for Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, returned to Mali; and with the help of al-Qaeda-backed Islamists declared an independent state in the north, something that separatists had been calling for decades. The Islamists imposed Sharia law and many of Timbuktu’s finest ancient artefacts and manuscripts were destroyed. Meanwhile fighting broke out between the Tuaregs and Islamists when they couldn’t agree on how their new state should be managed.

See all our Mali Holidays

Give us a call

Military leaders seized control of the country again in 2021 and deployed mercenaries from Russia's Wagner group. UN peacekeepers, who had brokered a deal between the government and rebel Tuareg armed groups, have been leaving the country, and a military takeover in Niger means that the situation in Mali is increasingly unstable. The desert is largely ungoverned and several terrorist groups have continued to carry out attacks.

What do our operators say?

What do travel operators say?

Some operators continue to run small group trips to Mali, taking in Bamako, Djenné and Dogon country, and going as far up as Mopti. Venturing further north than this is considered by many to be too unsafe - which leaves Timbuktu off of itineraries. The desert, too, is considered out of bounds for small group trips. Going on a tailor made trip can expand your options. The risk of banditry means it's not possible to drive to Timbuktu, but travellers might be able to fly by small chartered plane, or go by river.

FCO advice

What does the UK Foreign Office say?

FCO advice currently advise against all but essential travel to 25 km around the capital of Bamako. FCDO also advises against all travel to the rest of Mali.

What about insurance?

Getting comprehensive travel insurance is crucial when planning a trip abroad. If you're still keen to visit Mali despite UK government warnings, getting travel insurance has to be a priority. Some companies offer specially tailored policies for people travelling to countries which have FCO travel warnings in place, and often cover our travellers when other insurance companies won't. You could, for example, be offered a policy that will cover you for illness, accident and theft – but it won’t cover you in the event of war, rebellion or terrorism.

Are festivals still running?

Mali’s legendary Festival in the Desert, which had attracted Malian nomads and music fans from across the globe since 2001, has been out of action over the past few years. In 2010, it was moved from its secluded location in Essakane to the outskirts of Timbuktu because of security concerns. In 2012, the festival was forced into exile completely by Islamic extremists and has been kept out ever since. Due to return in 2017, it was cancelled after suicide bombers attacked a military camp in the city of Gao in January of that year, killing at least 77 people and wounding more than 100 others.

Until the security situation stabilises, music lovers will have to head for the Festival sur le Niger, which takes place in Ségou along the banks of the Niger every February and has done since 2009. The attractions include traditional dances and performances, theatre, plays and music showcases.

Are festivals still running?