Having spent sometime in Bamako and having flown to several parts of Mali, I share both point of view as expressed by the past contributors.
There are some unpleasant parts to the story, but i guess that wouldn't be Africa or for the fact anywhere else.
On the positive side, the people are warm. I have discovered a charm to the place underneath the poverty, chaos and misery one does see everyday.
If you love nature, i strongly recommend you go to Manantali. You can fish there breath some clean air and basicaly enjoy yourself.
And most importantly go there with an open mind...
