The Zimbabwe Independent

Mali still needs to be explored

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TOURISM in Mali is not well-developed and tourism is slowly growing due to infrastruc­ture problems.

In early 2002, Mali saw improvemen­ts in tourism, but all major tour operators withdrew their services because of the North’s financial conflict and the threat of terrorism.

ere are four UNESCO World Heritage Listings in the country, including Timbuktu. Over 100,000 tourists visit the country during the year.

e most visiting country of Mali is France. Countries following France in order are; Côte d’Ivoire, United States, Burkina Faso, Guinea, China, Netherland­s, Congo, and Ghana.

e capital of Mali is the center of Bamako. Bamako is also home to about 90% of the country’s population. It is the most important administra­tive, political, commercial, cultural and economic center of the country. It is among the most valuable regions of the continent in terms of financial, religious, tourist and historical places. When visiting Mali there are places one ought to go;

Great Mosque of Djenne

e mosque, which is named after the city of Djenne, was built on the remains of a historic mosque built in 1200 years. e highest point of the mosque completed in 1907 is 16 meters.

is structure is significan­t both for Mali and Africa. e magnificen­t mosque, which is included in the World Heritage List by UNESCO, is adversely affected by wind and rain.

So, after the rains, the people of the region are mobilized to paint the mosque again. e mosque, which is the most valuable worship place of Muslims living in the city of Djerne, is the destinatio­n of Mali’s sightseein­g.

National Museum of Mali

It is a museum hosting archaeolog­ical and anthropolo­gical remains in the capital Bamako.

e museum, opened in 1953, displays permanent and temporary exhibition­s of Mali history as well as ritual objects related to musical instrument­s, dresses, and Mali’s various ethnic groups. In addition to this, the museum is like a mirror of Mali history and culture.

Boucle du Baoule National Park

e area designated as a national park in 1982 covers a total area of 25,330 square kilometers. e park in the Kayes and Koulikoro Regions in the west of Mali is wealthy in animal population­s.

It is home to many creatures such as lions, giraffes, baboons, antelopes, rhinos, ostriches, and is also well-known for its prehistori­c rock art and graves.

e national park, which was added to the UNESCO Temporary World Heritage List on September 8, 1999, is one of the most preferred areas for safari buffs.

Mount Hombori

It is a mountain near Mali’s Hombori town.

e peak at 1,153 meters is significan­t in terms of being the highest point of the country. ere is an archaeolog­ical site establishe­d about 2000 years ago in the region.

With each passing day, the contributi­on of tourism increased. Mount Hombori is one of the places attracting trekking and mountainee­ring enthusiast­s.

Grand Mosque of Bamako

e capital of Mali is an imposing worship place located at one of the most central spots of Bamako.

THE Grand Mosque of Bamako was set up in 1970, when the country’s mudbrick constructi­on was built before the colonial period.

e place of worship, financed by the Saudi Arabian government and awarded to Malaysia, reflects Arabic architectu­re, not regional architectu­re.

Djenne Djenno

It is an old residentia­l area in the Niger River Valley and included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. e area is one of Africa’s most famous archaeolog­ical sites.

Famous archaeolog­ist Roderick McIntosh obtained more detailed informatio­n about the ancient city. e region where horse, snakes, human figurines are, is famous for its amazing terracotta figures. You should visit this historic site.

Djinguereb­er Mosque

Built in 1327 in Timbuktu, the historic mosque was establishe­d as a learning center. 200 kg of gold was donated by the Mali Emperor for the design and constructi­on of the mosque. In 1960, the place of worship was further fortified with limestone blocks.

It is made up of earth, straw, fiber and moss, with a capacity of 2,000 people. e mosque also has many kinds of important marriages. e mosque is in the UNESCO’s list of endangered World Heritage Sites since 2012.

Mali National Park

It is one of the decent resting places where the people living in the capital relax. Located in the heart of the city, the park is a complete peaceful area with walking paths, fountain pools, grass fields. ere are also areas where children can play in the park.

Bandiagara Escarpment

Bandiagara Escarpment, Dogon country, Mopti region, Mali: Tellem and Dogon granaries – traditiona­l architectu­re – UNESCO World Heritage

ere are many tribes in Africa. One of them is Dogon Kabiles. It draws a lot of attention with his different lifestyles. e area where this caretaker life is in Bandiagara Escarpment.

ese rocks, which are 150 km long and about 500 m high, are in the world heritage list since 1985. — Mappro.

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