Flights to Bamako with Air France from GBP 692*

* The displayed prices are applicable for one adult. All amounts are in GBP including taxes and surcharges, except where taxes are collected locally at the airport. A booking fee is not applicable, but a payment surcharge may apply. Prices and availability are subject to change without notice, see Air France Price Display for more information.

Discover Bamako, a surprising city

Air France makes it easy for you to travel to Bamako, thanks to its many flights. You can thus discover the town of Bamako - a dynamic capital combining modernity and tradition, set within the hilly countryside. The town was built along the Niger River and is home to over 3,335,000 inhabitants. Now a crossroads at the heart of Africa given its location, the city is divided into six sub-communes surrounding the actual centre. The town is easily accessible from the airport, located only 15 km away.

A unique stay in Bamako

The capital of Mali boasts a lot of sights for you to explore. When you arrive at Bamako airport - Modibo Keïta -, the Tower of Africa is clearly visible on the way to the centre. Standing 46 m high, it is shaped like a baobab tree and represents Africa's union and strength.

The Sacré-Coeur-de-Jésus cathedral is a must-see and is classified as a UNESCO heritage site. Set right in the heart of the city, it boasts a Roman Byzantine style and is exceptionally long - 48 metres to be precise. All around it, there are 5 parish sectors, each home to an ever-growing population. To finish off your religious tour, the large mosque will take you on a trip to Saudi Arabia with its two slender minarets that can be seen from anywhere in the city.

To soak up the local atmosphere, head to the Médina Coura market. You can carry on your shopping spree at the Pink Market. Set in a neo-Sudanese building, there are lots of shops there to mooch around. The Railda market is also an excellent place for chatting with locals and finding out about their culture and traditions. Lastly, in the Craft Centre, you can buy traditional objects made by local craftspeople.

History enthusiasts will love visiting Mali's national museum. In addition to incredible historical testimonies, you can take in a number of local works of art.

Carry on your visit by finding the many beautiful statues scattered through the city: the Hippopotamus, the maternity statue, the three caimans, the statue of Sofa de Samory-Woyowoyanko and the monument paying tribute to the heroes of the Black Army.

If you would like to find out more about local riches, why not leave the city for a while? Just a few kilometres outside Bamako, there are lots of other sights worth visiting. For instance, the sacred room - known as Kamablon - in Kangaba is a unique place where the Mandinka people convene to talk about important village business. This round building has its roof changed every 7 years, at which time huge festivities are organised.

To travel around more freely, you can of course rent a vehicle upon arriving at the airport.

A successful stay in Bamako

The town is subject to a tropical yet extremely dry climate in December, that turns very humid in July and August. This change in climate helps nature develop better, and the savannah is filled with trees from the month of September. To ensure an enjoyable stay, travelling during the winter or in September will guarantee you temperatures around 25°C. You may also want to travel there to enjoy one of the may festivals held throughout the year: photography, percussions, etc.

Regardless of why you are travelling - tourism, business, etc., Air France has many flights available. Simply book your ticket online and prepare your trip to Bamako as best you can thanks to our advice page.

There is also lots of information available on the Tourist Office and British authorities websites.