Is Mali Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Mali is currently facing significant political instability, armed conflict, and heightened risk of terrorism. It's highly advised for solo female travelers to postpone their plans as kidnappings and violent crime are also prevalent. Local law enforcement may not have the means to fully assist in case of emergency. Special care should be taken in northern and central regions of the country due to extremist activity. General safety and security situation is unpredictable and can deteriorate quickly. Always prioritize your safety and consider other destinations.

Safety index

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How safe is Mali?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Unsafe

Mali, especially at night, may present safety challenges for solo female travelers. Street lighting is incomplete in many areas, including the capital city Bamako, so visibility can be poor. Crime rates including targeted assaults and muggings are relatively high, and police presence is generally low. It is strongly recommended to avoid walking alone at night or to stay in well-lit, populous areas, if necessary. It would be better and safer to plan your activities to be done during daylight hours, hire a trustworthy local guide, or travel in groups to enhance your safety.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Unsafe

Public transportation in Mali, consisting largely of minibuses and taxis, can be challenging due to overcrowding and poor vehicle conditions. Nighttime travel is particularly risky. Roads are often poorly maintained outside major cities and can be hazardous. Unfortunately, criminal activity and tourist-targeted scams also occur regularly.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:High

Street harassment is relatively common in Mali, especially in the larger cities. Women walking alone can sometimes find themselves the target of unwanted attention or comments. This does not generally escalate into physical violence, but the behavior is not unusual. Familiarity with local customs and showing respect towards them can mitigate some of these situations. It's also recommended to dress conservatively to attract less attention. Nonetheless, always stay alert, practice personal safety, and trust your intuition.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:High

Petty crimes, especially pickpocketing and theft, are relatively common in urban areas of Mali. As a traveler, particularly a solo female traveler, extra caution is advised in crowded places such as markets and bus stations. The risk intensifies after dark, therefore avoid venturing out alone at night. Always secure your belongings and keep valuable items concealed to avoid becoming a target.

Is Mali worth visiting?

Is Mali safe right now?

Before your visit to Mali, it's essential to check travel advisories for Mali, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryDo not travel

The United States Government advises against travel to Mali due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: July 31, 2023
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryDo not travel

The Canadian government advises avoiding all travel to [REDACTED], including the capital, [REDACTED], due to the threat of terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry. If the security situation in [REDACTED] deteriorates, the ability of the [REDACTED] to provide consular services may be limited. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: October 7, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryDo not travel

The Australian government advises: **Do not travel to Mali** due to the dangerous security situation and the threat of terrorism and kidnapping. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: September 19, 2024

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Karen

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Bamako

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Hi, my name is Karen. I love to travel the world, meet new people, and discover the beautiful planet! I live in West Africa since 2017 with my family, working in the social enterprise sector.

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Diakité

Diakité

Mali

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3 days

About me

Hey!, My name is Diakité and I'm interested in cinema, culture, camping, food & cuisine, nightlife, shopping, fashion, business, photography, science and nature

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Safety in Mali