hiya im going to west Africa in April and planning to take Dakar-Bamako train. I was told it is possible to obtain visa on the train at the border.Has anyone experienced it, is it straightforward or there might be some complications?...if no...does anyone know how long do you have to wait in Senegal for Malian visa?also what is the best way of transport to move around in Mali? and if there is any other way than train to return from Bamako to Gambia?
many thanx
Reply to this Hi Lorikeet!
I can help you with your trip of Mali, Sénégal even the Gambia!
You can fly from Mali to the Gambia or to Senegal!
Between Senegal and the Gambia, you can borrow a car back and forth!
I'll sending to you more info!
Don't worry!
Reply to this Hi Lorikeet!
You can get the visa for Mali at Diboli, the first malian village on the railroad!
You can also get the visa in Bamako!
In Mali, you can visit many interesting areas by 4x4 with air-conditioner!
I suggest you to visit Ségou, djenné, mopti, dogon country, timbuktu,...and the south west of bamako, the malinké country with its interesting ecotourism!
Thanks!
Balla
Reply to this I haven't tried the train myself, but can advise that you use the Senegalese train, NOT the one from Mali. If you get the visa in Dakar, it will be a day or three in downtown Dakar -- not my first choice for fun. I have gone into Mali by giving a small deposit at the border, so I imagine it can be done many ways. They aren't cheap, for the 4th poorest nation on earth -- about $100 USD last I heard. Not sure what the deal is with the Gambia, but it may depend on your citizenship as well. Here in Senegal, most Europeans and Americans are welcomed for 3 months without visa. ENJOY! Write me privately if you would like specific info.
Reply to this Thanx all
Ive just heard there has been some engeenering going on at the moment on the track so long delays are expected...hmmm i think ill just stay in Senegal and leave Mali for next year
thanx anyways
Reply to this my son is in bakau gambia.. twenty minutes from banjul.. and would like to take a week to go to either mali or senegal..
can someone help me to tell him where to go... how for transport.. bus.. or car.. he has license.. altho i think public transport is best... hes been to east africa before. visiting with friend in gambia.. need help..
transmalitours.. please email me... bnd1999@aol.com
Reply to this Mali is interesting, to be sure, but more so up in the heart of it, Timbuktu and then to the west and south a little bit, where one finds the Toureg tribes... but I'm hearing that there is some fighting in that region where the Touregs are. Although that part of Mali would be more different from the Gambia than parts of Senegal, I would still advise choosing Senegal. Go north of Dakar, though, to St. Louis, and maybe eastward (Richard Toll) and perhaps into the area Northeast of Dakar, where the monkeys and forests are. This would be a change as well, different from the Gambia, without the trials of traveling in Mali, crossing rivers, etc.
All the best,
JT
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