Where is Mali?

Many have asked me, 'Where exactly is Mali?' Well... have you heard of Timbuktu? It's in Mali, Africa! Of course, Mali is famous for more than Timbuktu. It's also been described as a nation of unusual interest and charm.

The map gives a better idea, but here are the 7 bordering states: Algeria lies to the north and northeast, Niger to the east, Burkina Faso to the southeast and, with the Ivory Coast, to the south. On the west are Senegal and Mauritania. Mali is largest country in West Africa.

We will be in Koutiala which is about a 5 hr drive (275 km) east, from the capital, Bamako.