A country avoided by most travellers and often labelled as extremely dangerous by foreign travel advisories, yet above all, a land shaped by ancient history and remarkable cultural depth. For the past decade, Mali has remained deeply unstable, marked by conflict, political uncertainty, and ongoing challenges such as fuel shortages that affect daily life and travel alike. And yet, with the right local partners, careful preparation, and—above all flexibility, it is still possible to experience places like Timbuktu, a legendary centre of learning and trans-Saharan trade that continues to stand as a powerful symbol of Mali’s history and resilience.
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