Experience the best of Bamako

Bamako spreads along the Niger River on a plain framed by low hills, the capital of Mali and its largest city. It grew from a small trading village into a colonial town under French rule and became the capital of an independent Mali in 1960. The river is the city's backbone, with fishing boats, bridges and markets along its banks.

The National Museum of Mali shows masks, textiles, pottery and instruments from the country's many peoples, and the Grand Marché and its surrounding lanes sell cloth, spices and crafts. Point G, a hill above the city, gives a wide view over the roofs and the river. Bamako is a centre of Malian music, from kora and balafon players to blues guitarists, and it hosts the Rencontres de Bamako, a photography biennale.

Meals are built around rice and millet, with mafé, a peanut stew, grilled meat and fish from the Niger, and tô, a millet porridge. Bissap, a red hibiscus drink, and ginger juice are sold on the street. The coolest months are December and January, the hottest March to May, and the rains fall from June to September.