Major Highways & Driving Tips in Bamako, Bamako, Mali
1. Route Nationale 1 (RN1)
The primary north-south route connecting Bamako to Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. It's the busiest highway in Mali.
- Traffic Congestion: Expect heavy traffic during peak hours and on weekends.
- Road Condition: The road surface is generally good, but watch out for potholes and rough sections.
- Speed Limits: Speed limits are strictly enforced, especially near urban areas.
2. Route Nationale 7 (RN7)
The eastern route connecting Bamako to Segou and Mopti. It offers stunning views of the Niger River.
- Scenic Beauty: Enjoy panoramic views of the Niger River and nearby villages.
- Road Condition: The road surface is fair, but can be uneven in some sections.
- Wildlife Encounters: You may encounter wildlife, including elephants and crocodiles near the river.
3. Route Nationale 6 (RN6)
The western route connecting Bamako to Kayes, Senegal. It offers a taste of Mali's rural landscapes.
- Rural Scenery: Experience the beauty of Mali's countryside and local villages.
- Road Condition: The road surface can be rough, especially in rural areas.
- Fuel Availability: Fuel stations are less frequent along this route, plan accordingly.
4. Avenue Houphouet-Boigny
The main artery of Bamako, linking the city center with various neighborhoods and commercial areas.
- Traffic Congestion: Heavy traffic during peak hours, especially in the afternoon.
- Pedestrian Safety: Watch out for pedestrians and informal street vendors along the road.
- Speed Limits: Speed limits are strictly enforced, especially during rush hour.
5. Rond-Point de la Liberté
A major intersection in Bamako connecting key routes like the RN1 and Avenue Houphouet-Boigny.
- Traffic Congestion: Expect heavy traffic, especially during rush hour.
- Road Condition: The intersection can be congested and has uneven surfaces.
- Pedestrian Safety: Watch out for pedestrians crossing the road without proper crosswalks.
6. Grand Marché de Bamako
A bustling market in downtown Bamako selling a variety of goods. Be prepared for tight parking spaces.
- Parking: Parking is limited and can be challenging to find.
- Traffic Congestion: Heavy traffic during market hours and on weekends.
- Market Hours: The market is busiest in the mornings and late afternoons.
7. Pont de la Révolution
A bridge crossing the Niger River connecting Bamako to Koulouba. Expect heavy traffic, especially during peak hours.
- Traffic Congestion: Heavy traffic during rush hour and on weekends.
- Road Condition: The bridge surface can be uneven in some areas.
- Speed Limits: Speed limits are strictly enforced, especially near urban areas.
8. Rue du 26 Mars
A busy commercial road in Bamako with numerous shops and restaurants. Be prepared for heavy traffic.
- Traffic Congestion: Heavy traffic during peak hours, especially in the afternoon.
- Pedestrian Safety: Watch out for pedestrians and informal street vendors along the road.
- Speed Limits: Speed limits are strictly enforced, especially during rush hour.
9. Rue de la Gare
A busy road near the central train station in Bamako. Expect heavy traffic, especially during peak hours.
- Traffic Congestion: Heavy traffic during rush hour and on weekends.
- Parking: Limited parking spaces available.
- Speed Limits: Speed limits are strictly enforced, especially near the station.
10. Rue de l'Aéroport
The main road connecting Bamako to the international airport. Expect heavy traffic during peak travel times.
- Traffic Congestion: Heavy traffic during rush hour and on weekends.
- Road Condition: The road surface is generally good, but watch out for potholes.
- Speed Limits: Speed limits are strictly enforced, especially near the airport.
11. Rue de la Gendarmerie
A busy road in Bamako connecting key neighborhoods. Expect heavy traffic during peak hours.
- Traffic Congestion: Heavy traffic during rush hour and on weekends.
- Pedestrian Safety: Watch out for pedestrians and informal street vendors along the road.
- Speed Limits: Speed limits are strictly enforced, especially during rush hour.
12. Rue de la Banque centrale
A busy road in Bamako connecting key government buildings. Expect heavy traffic during work hours.
- Traffic Congestion: Heavy traffic during work hours and on weekends.
- Pedestrian Safety: Watch out for pedestrians and informal street vendors along the road.
- Speed Limits: Speed limits are strictly enforced, especially during rush hour.
13. Rue de l'Université
A busy road in Bamako connecting the city center with the university district. Expect heavy traffic during peak hours.
- Traffic Congestion: Heavy traffic during rush hour and on weekends.
- Parking: Limited parking spaces available.
- Speed Limits: Speed limits are strictly enforced, especially near the university district.
14. Rue de la Police
A busy road in Bamako connecting key neighborhoods. Expect heavy traffic during peak hours.
- Traffic Congestion: Heavy traffic during rush hour and on weekends.
- Pedestrian Safety: Watch out for pedestrians and informal street vendors along the road.
- Speed Limits: Speed limits are strictly enforced, especially during rush hour.
15. Rue de l'Hôtel de Ville
A busy road in Bamako connecting the city center with key government buildings. Expect heavy traffic during work hours.
- Traffic Congestion: Heavy traffic during work hours and on weekends.
- Pedestrian Safety: Watch out for pedestrians and informal street vendors along the road.
- Speed Limits: Speed limits are strictly enforced, especially near government buildings.