Bonjour à tous,
je pars le 1er mai prochain pour le Mali. Je fais un stage avec mon université mais avant tout, durant tout le mois de mai, je veux visiter le Mali. Je serai seule (à moins que quelqu'un d'entre vous serait intéressé à me rejoindre!) et je me demandais s'il y avait des risques à voyager seule ces temps-ci. Je sais qu'il y a des tensions entre le touaregs et le reste du pays, devrais-je ne pas aller à Tombouctou ou à Gao?
J'aimerais savoir aussi s'il est possible de faire Gao / Tombouctou en pirogue au moi de mai ou si le niveau du fleuve est trop bas. De plus, est-ce que ça vaut la peine d'aller au mont Hombori ou encore à Kayes ?
Pour terminer, si vous avez des conseils de toute sorte sur la voyageuse seule au Mali vous pouvez me faire part de vos opinions, suggestions ou expériences !
1ere question: Voyager seule au Mali? Oui c'est possible, même pour une femme. Mais sois bien préparée. Porte des vêtements appropriés (pas de short courtes- ni de jupes trop courtes). TU te feras abordée: vous êtes belle... Bla bla... Si tu n'es pas intéressée, tu dis que tu es mariée (ton mari est pas loin ou dans une autre ville ou à la maison). Voyager sac à dos avec un petit budget d'étudiant au Mali, c'est pas facile. Ça coûte cher! Respire par le nez, tu vas t'habituer. Ça négocie fort, très fort! Pour tout d'ailleurs. Jusqu'aux bouteilles d'eau qui peuvent être négociées (entre 300 et 600 cfa dans les petits magasins, 1000cfa en resto). On te demandera 10 fois par jour: toubab, donne-moi 100 francs, ballon, bic (crayon), bidon (eau). Non! Il te faudra être ferme avec eux (j'ai donné une bouteille d'eau vide à des enfants de 4-5 ans et se sont battus pour savoir qui la garderait). Fermeté avec ceux qui te demande de l'argent. Fermeté avec les guides, porteurs, chauffeurs, vendeurs, alouette! Bien entendu, il faut être ferme, mais polie!
2e question: Tombouctou, pas de problème de sécurité. J'y étais en décembre (Mopti-Tombouctou avec le Comanav). Tombouctou-Gao en mai: ça m'étonnerait qu'il y ait beaucoup d'eau, mais peut-être en pinasse à moteur (les pirogues, c'est avec une perche). Mais attention, c'est un long trajet. De plus, on dit des pinasses publiques (les moins $$$) qu'elles peuvent être dangereuses. Ils mettent tellement de matériel dedant qu'elles coulent. J'ai vu des gens arriver dans le port transportant des objets cassés et mouillés. Ils avaient pris l'eau.
Bon voyage. C'est un pays tout en couleur. «Pour le plaisir des yeux»...
Bonjour
Le mois de mai, le Mali c est chaud, c est tres tres chaud, c est monté a 47° durant plus d une semaine l année derniere a Bamako. Donc prepares toi a trouver de la chaleur.
C est un inconvenient car quand on voyage sac a dos, on est plus exposé a la chaleur : chambres pas cheres donc sans clim, voyages en bus crevants, marche a pied tres tres difficile...
Si ton budget le permet et si le coeur t en dit, preserves toi un peu de confort mais au Mali rapidement ca fait exploser les prix.
En mai pour Gao/Tombouctou en pirogue je crois que pas possible.
La région d Hombori est tres jolie, ca peut valoir le coup, Douentza aussi est assez sympa. Moi perso je n aime pas Gao sauf pour y passer sur la route qui va a Ansongo/Niamey.
Les musts c est tt de meme Mopti, Segou, le pays Dogon et toute la région des monts mandingues. Kayes ca va etre tres tres chaud aussi, bof.
Region de Sikasso tres tres sympa de mon point de vue et tres delaissée des voyageurs, dommage c est arboré et tres agricole, en outre la saison des pluies y commence plus tot et les t° sont moins chaudes. Rester dans un village peul ou senoufo pour une nuit u quelques jours, sympa.
Pas vraiment de pb a voyager seule pour une femme, attention a la tenue en particulier en brousse (en ville pas vraiment de pb sauf au marché ou quartiers pop).
C'est vraiment bien d'avoir l'avis de quelqu'un qui connait toutes les régions. J'avoue que la région de Sikasso m'intéresse, mais vu que je suis à Bamako pour 10 semaines après ma "ballade" dans le pays je vais peut-être aller y passer une fin de semaine ! Quoi que je ne suis pas certaine d'avoir assez de temps en deux jours pour vraiment profiter de l'endroit. Enfin je verrai avec le temps que j'ai au cours de mon voyage .🙂... je suis en train d'adopter l'attitude malienne soit : je ne veux pas me mettre de stress et je verrai rendue là-bas !
Bonsoir
J ai oublié de dire que les escarmouche touaregues concernent essentiellement le Nodr Nord du pays soit Kidal, Menaka, Tessalit et le reste. Pas de pb generalement a Gao et plus au Sud, hormis du banditisme episodique.
La region de Sikasso se fait difficilement en 2 jours sauf si vehicule perso mais encore c est loin de suffire : Koutiala et les usines d egrenage de coton, Sikasso les plantations de thé, les cascades de Farako, Loloni et les cascades, la route de Zegoua, le marché du dimance a Sikasso etc etc... Le must restant tt de meme un petit sejour en brousse en village, perso, j ai un faible pour la culture peule mais vraiment ca depend des gens.
Sikasso est la grande region agricole, surtout cotonniere, elle vaut le coup pour cela, ses paysages et sa richesse culturelle : les peuls sedentarisés du Wassoulou au sud et les mines d or pres de Kalana (a la frontiere sud) en particulkier le placer de Traore La qui serait en activité depuis pres de 1000 ans (la plaine est un gruyere de trous), Yanfolila et ses forets (pas mal dégradés) etc...
Autour de Bamako, le lac de Selingue et la region des monts mandingues valent le coup de meme, Koulikoro et Banamba aussi.
Contrairement au reste du pays, Bamako est une ville assez stress, engorgement, surpopulation etc... c est pas le coin le plus zen du pays.
Je connais plutôt bien le Mali, j'y suis allée seule par deux fois à dix sept ans, j'habitais dans une famille malienne qui m'a adopté. Je suis rester un mois et demi afin d'étudier la vie des femmes de Bamako.
Vraiment aucun souci, même pour les vêtements. Je dirai même que ça craint beaucoup moins qu'en France. Il faut juste éviter de montrer le nombril, mais à part ça tu peux y aller avec les décoltés, les maliennes le font aussi.
La première fois, j'y étais allée qu'avec des tuniques qui couvrent bien, mais ce sont mes soeurs Bamakoises qui m'ont poussé à raccourcir le bout de tissu...
Les femmes sont respectées ; passe un bon voyage.
Merci beaucoup c'est très encourageant et je suis certaine que je vais passer un super beau voyage et stage dans ce pays si merveilleux qu'est le Mali !
salut melissa
pour aller au nord cest possible parceque ya pas de conflis .
tu peut visiter kayes et hambori etc parceque ya des bus qui part tous les
jours en quittant bamako .
ya pas de risque pour visiter seule au mali ya la securiter au mali les gens se respecte tres bien il sont tres hospitaliere .tu peut visiter aussi le fleuve du niger cest tres beau au coucher du soleil
si tu veut plus dinformation tu peut me contacter
diakarlo2006@yahoo.fr
merci et a bientot
jules
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Dans un précédent message, je faisais part de mon, désir d'aller enfin un Afrique noir en avril prochain. ça sera mon cadeau pour mes 40 ans, et après l'Asie…
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I’d really like to find some company to stay for at least a month, and then maybe spend a month in Cambodia...
Given that I’m now 76, I don’t want to run around like I used to, trying to see everything...
I enjoy calm people... Those who love life and with whom I can share a beer... And meet people to create a great atmosphere—la dolce vita....
hi there
I’m leaving on October 1st for Rio, which I’ll be exploring over 10 days while staying in Copacabana and Ipanema.
After that, I’m heading to Ilha Grande, Paraty, and finally a flight to Iguaçu.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on Rio. Is it possible to walk around and explore without constantly worrying about getting my phone snatched?
I’m traveling alone and don’t speak Portuguese.
I need GPS to get around.
I love walking and don’t really like taking taxis, which is why I’ve booked two places to stay in Rio to experience different neighborhoods.
But is this doable given the security concerns there?!
In short, can you travel peacefully?
Thanks for your feedback if you’ve been to Rio!
Best,
Hi everyone,
I’m planning to travel solo to Oman in December 2025, renting a vehicle that allows me to camp in certain areas. For those who’ve already explored the country this way, could you share your experiences or tips?
I’d also like to visit the Wahiba Desert, but in that area, I’d prefer a guide for driving and, most importantly, not to sleep in those luxury desert-edge camps but rather have a "wild" escape under the stars. Any guide recommendations? Thanks in advance – Clem
Hi there, I’m Brigitte, 66 years old, fairly active and in great shape. I split my time between the Tarn region and Nantes, have a youthful spirit, and am very easy-going. I’m looking for a woman with a similar profile for a road trip in Southeast Asia—half humanitarian work and half free travel. The trip starts in October 2026 in the Philippines on the island of Panay, then moves on to Indonesia and Malaysia. The journey could last up to 4 or 5 months, as I have no fixed schedule. If you’re cool and friendly, feel free to message me. See you soon!
I’m traveling solo to Armenia in mid-September for three weeks, and I’ll be using public transport. I have a few questions:
- Does Yandex work everywhere, even in villages?
I’m looking for:
- Nice guesthouse addresses in the north (national park) and the south, including the village of Ararat,
and a simple but clean hotel in Yerevan that’s convenient for getting to the bus stations later.
- Any great tips or advice you can share.
Actually, I’m a bit worried I’ll be stuck only visiting tourist sites without a car. What do you think?
Thanks for your help
I’m arriving in Tana on 9/10/26 as a solo female traveler.
Which hotel in Tana is good for the first night since I’ll get in at 10 PM?
What’s worth seeing around Tana?
I’m planning 2 nights in Tana,
then 2 nights in Andasibe? After that, Lake Itasy.
Any suggestions? Thanks
I contacted several agencies in Madagascar to arrange this 4x4 trip along the coast.
Always the same answer: a tailor-made trip with at least 2 participants.
Since I don’t want to travel alone and a friend isn’t available, I’m looking for a woman to share this trip with the agency Mahay Mada, which offers a 12-day, 11-night tour of southern Madagascar. I’m available from August 23 to September 14.
Thanks for your direct response at 0784659791. See you soon, Mireille
Hi everyone,
I’m a 67-year-old woman who loves to travel, and for my third solo trip, I’ve decided to explore Indonesia.
I’ll be there from September 1st to October 5th, and I’m really struggling to plan my itinerary.
I’d love any advice you can share—I’ll read it all carefully.
So far, I’ve booked my first two nights with a local host in Jakarta, and then I’m heading to Borobudur. That’s all I’ve got planned for now.
Do you think I should book accommodations and transport tickets in advance? It seems really complicated, or could I just decide day by day based on how I feel?
Thanks in advance for your replies!
Hi everyone,
I’m planning a solo trip to Mongolia this summer, without an agency. However, I’d like to have a guide accompany me for certain parts of my journey.
From my research, I understand that most "activities," accommodations, and transportation are best arranged day by day, depending on opportunities and encounters. Without an agency, everything is organized on the spot.
I’d love to hear more opinions on this, especially regarding the Orkhon Valley.
Here’s the itinerary I’m planning:
* UB -> Mörön (flight) -> Khatgal (local buses)
A few days at Lake Khövsgöl
* Khatgal -> Mörön -> Jargalant -> Tariat (local buses)
A few days at the White Lakes
* White Lakes -> Tsetserleg -> Kharkhorin (4x4 with driver)
A few days in the Orkhon Valley
+ the Eight Lakes (horseback trekking with a guide)
* Return to UB
From what I’ve gathered, the first part should be fairly straightforward, but I have questions about the Orkhon Valley.
Here are my questions:
-> Tsetserleg to Kharkhorin route:
Have any of you made this trip by booking a driver on the spot when arriving in Tsetserleg? Was it easy to find an available driver? And did you find it easy/difficult/impossible to find other travelers to share the ride with? Ideally, I’d like to share this leg with fellow travelers.
-> The Eight Lakes: Could you share your experience with the Eight Lakes? Did you easily find a guide directly on site? Were you able to share this experience with other travelers?
Last question for women who’ve traveled solo in Mongolia:
-> How did you experience it? Do you have any specific tips or recommendations?
I’m considering a road trip (rental car) to explore the Canadian Rockies in September 2026, starting in Calgary and ending with about 10 days in Vancouver and the surrounding area. (Two weeks in the Rockies and a little under two weeks in Vancouver and nearby.)
I’d like to say that being a woman traveling alone doesn’t really bother me. That’s not the issue. Being a woman is just how it is, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon, but traveling solo is something I could fix by finding travel companions. However, I had a not-so-great experience in India with two girls who were total strangers at first and turned out to be quite annoying, so I’m a bit put off by the idea now.
My question is simple, assuming I do this trip alone: is it worth sticking *only* to driving? I have **zero** sense of direction—with a map, I’m hopeless. So, is it realistic to think, "With my GPS, I’ll just drive from Calgary to Vancouver and see what I see," since I don’t see myself hiking alone? I’m not easily scared, but I wouldn’t feel confident doing that solo. Unless all the sightseeing is done with a guide (but then, hello, the cost—my budget isn’t exactly overflowing).
What do you all think?
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Take care and happy travels.
Cheers,
Régine
Hi,
After a week of sports south of Bergen, I’m not sure what to visit during the following week between Bergen and Oslo.
I haven’t planned to rent a car.
I’d love your suggestions. Thanks
Hi everyone, I’m really keen to visit Iran for three weeks in mid-March 2015.
What worries me a bit isn’t so much traveling alone—I’m used to it and know the Middle East well—but rather the current events (Islamic State) that could potentially become dangerous.
Flights are pretty cheap at the moment, and I’d like to book before prices go up.
Any advice from people who know the ground situation and Iranian current affairs better than I do would be much appreciated! :)
Hi there! I’m in the middle of planning my first solo trip (as a woman). Do you have any ideal destinations with activities like hiking, diving, sightseeing, and easy ways to meet locals—all on a small budget?
I’d love to hear from anyone who’s had this experience before! :)
Hi there,
Who could recommend a reliable agency for visiting several islands, including the parks around Komodo? I’m traveling solo as a woman.
Thanks for your great tips!
Hi everyone,
I’m often in transit in Tokyo and I stay at the hotel because Japanese people speak little English and the signs are almost always in Japanese!
Any ideas for getting from Narita to a nice park or an onsen? I wanted to try Hokkaido, but apart from renting a car, it’s all trains! Any suggestions for a car with a driver? Or is it too expensive? Small group tours in Hokkaido? I read about the Explorator group’s offer—way too expensive!!!
I’ve got a maximum of 8 days. I’d just like a nice Japanese break.
Thanks for any tips you can share!
my friend, with whom I traveled to Iran, Myanmar, and India, really wanted to take a one-month trip to Armenia and Georgia. So we booked our flights (June 21 to July 19), but disaster struck—she can’t travel anymore due to serious family reasons.
Now I’m heading off on this adventure alone. It’s not that I’ve never traveled solo before—I spent three months exploring Southeast Asia by myself last year—but I still have a few questions, and I’d really appreciate your input.
* I don’t think traveling alone in these countries is very risky—what do you think?
* Maybe I could hire a driver? What would that cost, since some places seem tricky to reach by public transport. Do you have any driver recommendations?
* I don’t want to rent a car—the driving seems too unpredictable, especially in Georgia.
* I’d love to do some nice hikes—are there any guides available?
Here’s my rough itinerary:
YEREVAN and surroundings
YEGHEGNADZOR for Noravank
GORIS and TATEV
LAKE SEVAN
DILIJAN
HAGHPAT
TBILISI and surroundings
The CAUCASUS toward Mestia
UPLISTSIKHE
VARDZIA
Return to Yerevan for my flight
Thanks to anyone who can share their experiences or answer my questions!
Hi everyone,
I wanted to share a few tips that really helped me better prepare my carry-on luggage. After a few trips (and some mistakes too!), I’ve finally found a way to organize myself that makes life a lot easier. Maybe this can help other travelers here.
1. Choose a practical and sturdy bag
A good bag is the foundation. I’ve noticed that a model with a solid structure, sturdy wheels, and a well-thought-out interior really changes the experience. Hard-shell suitcases hold up better, especially when you’re hopping between flights. Personally, I use a Lambert suitcase because the interior is super well-divided, but the important thing is to find a model that works for you.
2. Rolling your clothes really works
It’s simple, but it saves so much space. Plus, it wrinkles less. I do this now for almost everything, especially lightweight clothes.
3. Keep everything in a small kit
100 ml liquids, toothbrush, cream, mini first-aid kit… Having all of that in one clear toiletry bag makes going through security much easier. It saves you from having to take everything out and put it back in a rush.
4. A pouch for essentials
Passport, headphones, charger, phone… I keep all of that in the same pouch. It saves so much stress when you need to find something quickly, especially on the plane.
5. Traveling lighter makes all the difference
Since I started choosing versatile clothes that mix and match well, I travel with a lot less. Less weight, fewer decisions to make, fewer things to lug around. It honestly makes traveling so much more enjoyable.
From the conversations I’ve had with other travelers (and several customers too), I’ve realized you can really simplify your trip just by organizing a little better and choosing good accessories.
If you have other tips or methods that work for you, I’d love to read them. We always learn from others on this forum.
Looking forward to exchanging with you all!
Hi,
Has anyone recently taken the boat to Casamance from Dakar and could share their experience?
From France, is it possible to book online, or do you need to go through an agency? How far in advance?
Boarding/disembarking: how does it work? Do we have to check in our luggage and then pick it up on arrival?
What’s the vibe like on the boat in the seating area?
Has anyone ever stopped over in Carabane? Accommodation options there?
Thanks so much if you have any recent info!
Exploring India by road is all about having a good driver. I highly recommend the one I’ve traveled with for 5 "safe" trips—Rajasthan 3 times over 16 years, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab. He’s been driving tourists for 25 years now and is more than just a driver. He knows how to talk about his country, the cities you visit, and suggests alternative routes.
He’s well-connected with real local guides who don’t just ramble (as he puts it himself) or drag you into shops claiming to be run by their "so-called family." Depending on your preferences, he can suggest well-tested itineraries and recommend typical hotels like Havelis.
For dining, he oversees meal prep based on your spice-level preferences. He’s Sikh and deeply respectful of his passengers.
He speaks English better than French, but one of his daughters is studying French at university.
Hi,
We’d like to spend about twenty days in Albania next July. We’re two women traveling together and we’re thinking of renting a small car. Does that sound reasonable, or should we avoid it?
Thanks for your advice.
Hi there,
I’m spending a week in Morocco (Rabat - Meknes - Fes).
I’ll be traveling solo—is it safe for a woman over 60?
For transportation, I’m planning to take the train. I was thinking of buying my ticket last minute, but it’s around the end-of-year period…?
I’ll be in Meknes on December 31st—any suggestions on how they celebrate New Year’s Eve there?
Is anyone visiting these destinations? Maybe we could meet up…?
Thanks in advance.
Hi there,
After hearing so much about Djerba, especially the GO clubs, is it risky for a young, pretty newly-retired woman to visit the island alone?
Thanks in advance.
Hi,
Does anyone know how late the buses run from Cusco Airport to the city center? I land at 9:30 PM, plus time to clear customs, pick up my luggage, and exchange some money—figure an extra 30 to 45 minutes. Though, come to think of it, I still have 5 sols from last time—maybe that’ll be enough for the bus?
Thanks.
Brigitte
Planned arrival on Sunday evening, November 16, 2025, in San José. Staying 3 nights, then taking a bus to Tortuguero for 2 nights. Looking for a shared shuttle to La Fortuna for 2 nights, then a van-boat-van combo to Santa Elena for 2 or 3 nights. Heading to Quepos for 4 nights for day trips using local buses—Jaco, San Antonio, Uvita. After that, a full-day bus ride to Cahuita. I’m booking hotels as I go, which gives me the flexibility to stay longer in places I like. I’m looking for accommodations in city centers near restaurants and not too far from the bus station. Budget: 50 € for a room with a private bathroom (if you’ve got any great tips!). For my finale, I’ll cross the land border to Panama City for 4 days. Thanks for your suggestions! 😉
As I mentioned before, I’m heading to Istanbul next summer, and I’ve heard there have been quite a few attacks by Kurds in Turkey recently, which is making me hesitate about my trip.
What do you all think? :( I’m wondering if it’s really a good idea to go...
Hi everyone,
I’m 66 and just discovered solo travel in Uzbekistan—I loved it! So I’ve decided to explore Africa, starting with Senegal. I’m just beginning my research, but if anyone can give me advice on which month to go, what to see, and whether this destination is safe—or maybe suggest another African country—I’d really appreciate your tips!
Hi there!
We’re leaving in early November for a month.
Here’s our itinerary:
Arrival in Takhmau, then heading to:
Kampong Cham
Kratie – 2 days
Mondolkiri – 3 days
Ratanakiri – 3 days
Stung Treng – 1 day
Siem Reap – 4 days
Battambang – 1 day
Kampong Chhnang – 3 days
Kampot – 2 days
Islands (WE’RE HESITATING WHICH ONE?) – 4 DAYS
Phnom Penh – 2 days
That’s it! 😊
We’re backpacking… and we love spots that aren’t too touristy. If you’ve got any tips, we’re all ears!
Thanks