A lthough it cannot compete with the major safari countries for sheer natural spectacle, Mali is a nation of unusual interest and charm. Like Egypt , Mali is a country that is intimately related to a great river--in this case, the Niger . In addition, Mali is the location of some of the continent's most interesting cultural sites. Legendary Timbuktu is located here, and in the center of the country is the magnificently dramatic Bandiagara escarpment, home to the fascinating culture of the Dogon.

Mali , the largest country in West Africa , is bordered by seven other 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 shaped a bit like a butterfly, leaning to the northwest, with a much smaller left than right wing. The larger northwestern region of the country, which extends into the Sahara , is almost entirely arid desert or semidesert. In the central region, known as the Sahel , life follows the Niger River 's annual flood cycle, with high water between August and November. In the southwestern area, rainfall and rivers are more plentiful, and this region is marginally more lush than the rest of the country. Mali 's single most important geographic feature is undoubtedly the great Niger River , which traverses both the Sahel and the southeastern section of the country. The Niger , like the Nile , is both a critical source of sustenance and a major transportation artery--and in this latter capacity it is an excellent venue for boat travel.

Although most of Mali experiences only negligible rainfall, the 'rainy' season in the south extends from June through September.