This is the Mali chapter from Lonely Planet's West Africa guidebook.

If you only visit one country in West Africa, make it Mali. This is a country as rich in historical significance as it is blessed by an extraordinary array of sights, not to mention being home to many of West Africa's major cultural groups. This chapter will get you started.

• discover Djenné, a stunning mudbrick town with a fairy-tale mosque overlooking a clamorous Monday market
• maps
• visit the Sahel's last elephants at the Réserve de Douentza
• transport & directory
• take a tour of Timbuktu, city of Saharan legend and gateway to the desert
• restaurants & accommodation

Coverage includes: Bamako & around, Koulikoro, Siby, The Centre, Ségou, Teriya Bugu, Djenné & around, Mopti, Sévaré, Dogon Country, Bandiagara & around, Sanga, Bankass, Koro, Douentza, The North & East, Timbuktu (Tombouctou) & around, Araouane, Gao & around, Gossi, Hombori & around, Réserve de Douentza, The South, Sikasso & around, The West, Kayes & around, Kéniéba.