Mali What to Pack

 
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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Basic medicines are so appreciated here

by LRobishaw

It is great to bring things like advil, aspirin, and other OTC meds as gifts to people here, especially if you will visit more remote areas. People frequently deal with toothaches, headaches, etc. and have no access to pharmaceuticals. Also, sometimes I was asked to make a donation this or that, such as a women's cooperative. I felt much better giving medicine instead of money, and they were really happy to have it. The little 2-packs of advil and the like are great, as is medicine specifically for kids. Whatever you give them be sure and tell them specifically what it's for and how to take/administer it, as even basic meds are totally foreign to them. Additionally they will not be able to read any package directions, so take things that will have minimum adverse effects if it is mistakenly taken or administered incorrectly. Which is more of an issue when you're talking children's...

Pack light here

by flynboxes

Backpack is the best for this place. Depending on how you travel it is easier and cheaper to carry your own stuff. Good pair of walking shoes, light clothing and rain gear for the wet season. I took my boots and they proved to a bit of over kill If you cannot read or understand French...bring what you need. Chances are you can get the French version of many drugs here but communicating what you need can take some time if you do not speak it. Bring a few plastic bags or things to keep the red dust out if you plan on treking..I still had some of the red stuff on my bag a month after I got home. Most camp grounds have mosquito nets and 3-4" foam mats to sleep on. Don't forget some TP as this is often the last thing you will see at a campsite Bring some patience......nothing happens fast here...Rushing will just cost you $$$

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Bring a portable printer or old Polaroid camera

by atufft

I prefer reinforced cloth sided luggage (with sturdy wheels and collapsible handle) over backpacks. In Africa, there is plenty of help hoisting your belongings wherever you need them. Backpacks can't be easily locked, and wherever you go expect whatever luggage you choose to be put to the test. You'll want your collectibles bargained for to arrive back home undamaged. Lonely Planet recommends light colors and thin fabrics. I prefer the sturdiness of Levis because I don't know what mess I'll sit on next. In Africa, men and women should generally dress in a conservative manner. You'll get used to the heat. Having sun glasses, and maybe a hat are pretty important. Also, having a collapsible umbrella or poncho for that unexpected sudden downpour of rain can be useful. We didn't carry any rain gear, and go soaked on the day we crossed the Ghana-Burkina border Unless you are stingy with...

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Come prepared, items are not easily available here

by grets

A sturdy piece of luggage. Day sack for trekking. Walking boots, modest clothing for visiting Dogon Villages. Light, cotton clothing as it will be HOT! Mosquito repellant, antimalaria tablets, a good first aid kit, all toiletries you may need, Wet-wipes are very useful. A good sunblock is essential. As much film as you need, a plastic bag or waterproof housing to protect your camera from sand. Most local operators provide tent and sleeping mat, but if you want a little more comfort, an inflatable mattress would be usefull. Sleeping bag and pillow. Water carrier, ideally a 'bladder' with drinking hose.

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Cannulas

by tini58de

We were extremely lucky to help a military post and the health center there with some cannulas! We donated about 5 of them - which was a year's supply for them!!! And our sick passenger was happy to get an infusion with a sterile cannula!

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Packing List

by lalakante

Be careful packing your fragile items; the airport in Bamako really knows how to bash up some luggage. Here's a picture of my giraffe that they broke the nose off of, haha. light clothing, try to cover up as much skin as possible at night so you don't get eaten by mosquitos. When you're travelling long distance make sure you bring a scarf or something to cover your face to filter the dust. Don't wear shorts (not culturally accepted, but they won't throw things at you if you wear them). ;) lots of bug spray! The mosquitos at night are rediculous. Also if you have hemmerhoids, bring some ointment because it's very hard to find, even in Bamako. Make sure you have a power converter because the wattage in Mali is different than it is in N. America. (I can't remember what it is off the top of my head...) Also make sure you keep your equipment in it's case when not in use and keep it clean...

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Packing List

by ShaunKerry

We took 4 large duffel bags and folded 2 up into the other 2. One bage was for our stuff, and the other was stuffed with bubble-wrap and scotch tape to protect the art we would buy. Gave us plenty of room to bring back things. There are always people to carry your bags. Porters are very plentiful in third-world countries. Adventure Travel Take a little spray bottle with a mixture of rubbing alcohol and citronella oil. It won't irritate the skin. There are all sorts of inset repellants out there but I prefer citronella because it is a natural essential oil and is not toxic. It will evaporate in 4 hours so use it repeatedly. Spray your clothes and your bed, windows, all over. We took a mosquito net but didn't use it. Had no problem with bugs. Canon rebel with 28-200 zoom lens. Kodak 100 Royal Gold film 36 exposures.

Packing List

by sociolingo

Handlers tend to throw baggage around and leave them on trolleys in the open, so make sure bags are sturdy with padlocks, and tuck black sacks around the zip area if travelling in the rainy season. Women:Take some short sleeve tops and skirts or trousers. Trousers are OK in Bamako. Malaria tablets; diarhoea tablets (e.g. Imodium);Water purification tablets/iodine or even better a Katadyne water filter. APS film is difficult to find and process. Mosquito net ...get the rectangualr kind as a lot of places have ceiling fans and it is almost impossible to hang a single hook one up.

Travel Map

by worldtraveler55

Instituut Geographique NationalMali ISBN: 3-282118-50081-9 scale 1 : 2.000.000

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Guidebook

by worldtraveler55

BradtMali ISBN: 1-84162-077-7 2nd Edition 2004

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What to pack for Mali

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Questions and Answers

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Q:  We are 2-3 swedish women planning on visiting Mali for 14 days including the desert festival in january 2012. I´ve looked at the... 

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A: you can get to Timbuktou without a tour operator (though you will need to book your flights in time, it might otherwise be difficult as the desert festival is a popular... 

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