Health: Malaria suppressants are strongly recommended. Several doctors are available in Bamako, but medical facilities are limited. Bring a supply of any needed medication; local pharmacies do not always carry even simple remedies. Insects, rats, and rabies are prevalent. Tapwater is not potable and should be boiled and filtered. Avoid local dairy products. Meats should be thoroughly cooked. Health requirements change; check latest information.

Climate and clothing: Summer clothing is suitable for Bamako. Sturdy shoes are needed because of sand, gravel, mud, and unpaved roads.

Telecommunications: Long-distance telephone service is often unsatisfactory. Local telegraphic service is unreliable. Mali is on Greenwich mean time, 5 hours ahead of eastern standard time.

Transportation: Privately owned automobiles are the principal means of transportation in Bamako for Americans. Bus service is unreliable. Taxis are available at stands, and fares are inexpensive. The road between Bamako, Mopti, and Gao, and those branching south to Bougouni and Sikasso are paved. Other roads are of laterite and usually passable in the dry season without four-wheel drive. Depending on the seasons, between two and four flights a week arrive in Bamako from Paris. From New York, the best connections are made at Paris or Brussels. Currently, there is no scheduled internal air service.

Tourist attractions: The best time to travel to Mali is during the cool season, November-February. Mali also is comfortable during the rainy season from June to September, but transportation is less reliable. Mali has some of West Africa's most photogenic sights and a growing tourist business, but trips are still quite difficult to arrange.

National holidays: Businesses and the U.S. Embassy may be closed on the following Malian holidays:

*Date varies.

Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Public Affairs, December 1989.