On leaving Kays, there were two obvious routes to Bamako. The first was to drive on the less direct but better maintained tarmac road out towards the north of the city and round south. The second was the more direct and more scenic road that was only suitable for 4×4’s. We decided that as we were in no particular rush to get to Bamako we should take the second option.
It turned out to be a very scenic route weaving along the bank of the Senegal river past numerous small villages and old Hydro-electric works. Although the going was slow and tough we both agreed that it was a good choice and a welcome break from the rather monotonous tarmac bashing we had been doing previously. It was also a good excuse to save a bit of cash and spend a couple of nights camping in the wild.
The first camp was decided by the sun going down, a short drive down a track led us to a large mango tree which we pitched next to here we relaxed with the sounds of nature around us, things tweeting etc.
The second day was slightly less technical or scenic but consisted of the great African ‘corrugated’ road which hampers progress as it feels like the doors are going to shake loose and fall off, not unimaginable with our luck! It was a momentus day however as we hit the 10,000kms mark and to celebrate stopped at a bar showing the thrilling Everton V Newcastle on a South African Cable channel with English commentary, not sure of overall result as left at half time?
Again the night was spent just off the main route in the bush.
The following day was a bit of a shock to the system as we entered the hustle and bustle of Bamako, seemingly one of the most polluted places i have been.
In Bamako we stayed at a small Auberge. This consisted of a courtyard reached only by crossing a stream of sewerage. The landrover was parked up in a corridor between two buildings and with about a metre either side. A sun-trap in the day time and a haven for mosquitos at night. The length of our stay was dictated both by which visas we needed to apply for and how long they would take and the state of Andy’s guts, which had taken a turn for the worse after the bush meat meals we had been having over the last couple of nights! (Only joking)
I therefore did quite a large amount of wandering around and indeed emailing over the Bamako stay. All in all the people were extremely friendly and i did quite enjoy the constant handshaking and waving as i strolled around the city looking for things to do.
After 2 days in the city it was decided that we would apply for the Burkina Faso Visa as it took only a day to process if at the embassy before 9am. Although twice the price stated in the guide it was indeed a painless process. We have yet to see whether worth the cash as not yet there!
On day 3 we bid farewell to the city and after a bit of ranting and raving at rush hour traffic, but a free windscreen clean, very kind young lad! We headed out over the Niger and towards Djennè.
