Destination: Bamako
In this section you will find more specific information from Diane about the place you will be traveling through, as of November 2007.
History of Town
Since 1960, Bamako has been the administrative center and capital city of Mali. Located on the Niger River, today its population is estimated at over 1 million people. Two centuries ago it was a small fishing and agricultural village of several hundred households. In the colonial period of West Africa, it was part of French Sudan. The area has a very rich tribal history and is known for its gold.
Housing for Guests / Cost Estimates
Silah Mali Guesthouse (IMB)
Moussa is the guesthouse “concierge”. His hours are 8:00 – 16:00 Monday through Friday. Direct any questions you may have to him. Diane coordinates all reservations.
Costs
The charge for the guesthouse is 5000 CFA per person per night. Check-out time is 12:00. If you wish to keep your room after that time, but do not plan to spend the night, a day fee of 2500 CFA per person will be charged.
Air-conditioning is 250 CFA per hour and this includes the use of the air-conditioner in the living room. Please do not leave the air-conditioners on when you are not in the building.
Use of the Internet is 500 CFA per day.
Laundry is 500 CFA per load for the washer and 500 CFA for the dryer. Laundry detergent is provided.
Cokes are 250 CFA per bottle. Please do not remove the bottles from the premises.
There is a fee of 5000 CFA per key for any unreturned key.
Please do not remove anything from the guesthouse without permission from the guesthouse coordinator. This includes cots, linens, and all house wares. These items are provided for use in the guesthouse and are not part of volunteer or project usage.
The occupant in the apartment on the ground floor is not responsible for the guesthouse. If there is an emergency, she would surely help however, she is not responsible for receiving payments or taking care of the guesthouse itself. If you have any problems, they should be directed to Moussa or Diane. Please be good neighbors and remember to close the doors leading into the house.
Please be sure to turn off all lights, fans, air-conditioners and other equipment when you are not using them.
There are two water filters in the kitchen. One is the faucet to the right in the sink. The other is the large orange container with the filter on the top. To refill that container, pour regular tap water into the white filter. The water coming out of the orange container is then filtered. Please refill all water bottles and ice trays with filtered water as you empty them. Please do not take water bottles from the refrigerator and please refrain from drinking from the bottles. Feel free to pour yourself a glass of cold water.
Housekeeping is provided five days a week. This includes mopping, dusting, cleaning the bathrooms and washing the guesthouse linens. You are responsible for washing your own dishes and doing your own laundry. Please clean up the kitchen and living room as soon as you are no longer using them. Make sure that any leftovers are thrown away before your departure and not left in the refrigerator.
A few extra sheets are provided in the armoire in each room. More linens and towels are located in the armoire in the laundry room. Please help yourself as needed. A supply of cleaning supplies, light bulbs, and toilet paper is also available as needed.
No children are allowed on the roof without an adult. There are absolutely no exceptions to this rule. Please do not lock the screen upstairs or put on the dead bolt lock if someone is staying in the room on the roof. You may lock the door with a key. A roof key is provided on the set of keys for each individual room.
There are three bathrooms available for four rooms. The Sama room has a private bathroom. The other two bedrooms share the bathroom off the hallway. There is a bathroom next to the room on the roof. If no one is staying in that room you may use that bathroom as needed.
The laundry room is located on the ground off the side of the storage room that faces the building. There is only one washing machine and dryer available. A clothesline is located on the side of the building. Please check with Moussa to determine the availability of the machines. He will use them to do the laundry of the guesthouse linens and has priority over others. Please do not leave laundry unattended. The laundry detergent is included in the price of using the washer. Please report any problems with the machines to Moussa or Diane. Please return the laundry room key to the counter next to the stove where it is kept.
There is a plastic tub located in the bathroom on the hall and laundry baskets in each bedroom. You may put DRY linens in these containers. If your towels are wet, please hang them on the bars in the bedrooms or bathrooms.
The exterior door to the porch is to be closed at all times and should stay locked at night. This is part of your protection from mosquitoes and unwanted visitors. The gate should be locked at all times. Keys to the gate and porch doors are included on your room key ring.
There is a night guard on duty from 6:30 p.m. until 6:30 a.m. His job is to guard the building and he should not be sent away from the buildings on errands. If there is something that he can help you with such as luggage, directions, etc. please ask and thank him for his help. It is appropriate to tip a small sum for luggage.
Upon arrival, you will receive an envelope with keys, pay sheet, and phone log enclosed. When you leave, you must give this envelope with the keys and payment enclosed to Moussa. This includes those guests who may return to the guesthouse after a few days. No one should leave the guesthouse without paying for the time they were guests. Moussa will take your money and give you a receipt. If your payment is from your personal account, a receipt is not necessary. If you are leaving at night or on a weekend, please arrange to give him your payment before he leaves work on Friday.
Please turn off all fans and close all windows before your final departure from the guesthouse. If transportation is needed to the airport, please arrange this ahead of time. There are taxis on the access road close to the guesthouse that will come and pick you up at a prearranged time. If you need to be met at the airport please communicate this to the business office ahead of time.
Specifics unique to your stay
Travel agent
The English-speaking agent's name is Olivier Souccar at ESF Travel. Mr. Souccar can arrange flights to Timbuktu, hotels and transportation in Bamako.
Flights
Bamako to Timbuktu are Tuesdays and Saturdays
Timbuktu to Bamako are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays
all are morning flights
roundtrip fare is around 198,000 CFA
Money
ATM machines are available.
Hotels
Le Mande is suggested.
Bamako Contact Information
Office Phone:
(223) 220-67-45
Office Physical Address:
(Off Segu Road)
Rue 807, Porte 239
Faladie- Sema
Bamako
Silah Mali Guesthouse Contact Information
Guesthouse Phone: (223) 220-53-10
Physical Address:
rue 802, porte 239
Faladie
Bamako