We arrive early at the very quiet border in Gogui, get the passports stamped and proceed for the Customs to Nioro. It only takes few minutes to stamp our carnet and we're free to go. No one is asking for "presents" or any fees.
As we're crossing the border everything seems to be more easy than in Mauretania. There is petrol in every small town, one can buy vegetables in the market and even beer is freely available.

at the fetish market in bamako

Nioro du Sahel is actually a nice place, a bit noisy and lively but so much better than some of the Mauretanian towns. Lots of colours in the market and also lots of smiling faces.

market women in nioro du sahel

quick chat at the market

From Nioro we're making it to the Capitol, Bamako, where we need to apply for visas. Niger visa is taking 5 days to get and costs 50eu a head. Nigerian visa is 60eu for Darius and a hefty 200eu for Jane (philippino passport)! After a call to the Nigerian Embassy in Niamey we decide to apply for Janes visa over there. Its 100eu for the Nigerian visa for Jane in Niamey. Still bloody expensive but only half the price compared to Bamako!

african menue in Segou

sunset at the Niger river in Segou

the famous mudwalled mosque in Djenne

kids in Djenne

"gods" filling station in Djenne

with "mama africa" at the ferry crossing to Djenne

our trip to Dogon country

Nomads on the way to the market

Mopti's lively harbour

once again on a kidnap highway... this time in eastern Mali, entering the RED ZONE towards Gao

our native cabin in Hombori