Introduction
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What to Do in Gao
Sites & Festivals
Potential Circuits
Desert Camel Treks
Niger River Trips
Great Spots Near Gao

Learn About Gao
History & People
Gao Today
Gao Fast Facts

What Will My Vacation Look Like? Visit the On-line Gao Photo Gallery.

Planning Your Trip
Getting to Gao
Travel Agencies
Tour Guides
Best Times to Visit
Visas / WHO Cards
Gao Trip Planner
Gao Tourist Map

Where to Stay & Eat
Lodging
Restaurants & Bars

Other Info
Gao Cultural Norms
Health & Safety
Mali in the News
More Info?  Links!
FAQs

Other Great Places to Visit in Mali
Timbuktu
Dogon Country
Mopti
Djenn� Mud Mosque
Bamako & S�gou

Learn About Mali
History & People
Mali Today
Mali Fast Facts

Mali Photo Gallery

About Us
What is OMATHO?
Gao Tourist Center
Meet the Staff
Contact Us

Appearance
With this conservatism comes a fairly conservative approach to dress and public behavior.  Women generally dress in a matching long skirt and top in a variety of patterns and colors. Most local women cover their heads, shoulders and legs at all times, although this is changing slowly with younger women in Gao.  Men generally dress in traditional clothes (a loose long top, matching pants, and turban) or slacks and a collared shirt. Men and women of all social classes place a heavy importance on appearance and tend to dress as nicely as their means allow on a daily basis.  Men and women never wear shorts, unless they are playing a sport.

Visitors should take this into account when planning their trip to Gao.  Although tourism is not widely understood by many residents, it is not uncommon for residents to see tourists here.  Visitors should feel comfortable wearing whatever clothes will make them most comfortable, however, if in doubt, you should choose your more conservative option out of respect for local norms.  As tourists travel further into the country away from Gao, acceptable standards of appearance become generally more conservative.

Alcohol Consumption
Most residents of Gao do not drink alcohol, as Islam forbids it.  That's not to say that alcohol is not available or prohibited here. Alcohol is available at bars, night clubs, some restaurants, and most hotels. Tourists should feel completely comfortable drinking alcohol in those establishments, but the public consumption of alcohol outside of these places is strongly discouraged.

Picture Taking
Tourists will find two completely separate responses to taking pictures of people in Mali.  Some people love it and will be especially excited to have their picture taken.  Others will be afraid or angered and will not be happy to have their picture taken.  The best policy is always to ask first and that way any misunderstandings can be avoided.  Even if you don't speak any of the languages here, show the person your camera first, as they will most likely understand your intentions.

Picture taking permits are not required for tourists in Mali, as they are in some other West African countries.  Tourists can take pictures of almost anything they want, but like almost anywhere in the world, taking pictures of police, military or gendarme installments, etc. is a bad idea, prohibited by Malian law and should never be done without written permission from the Malian government.

The Left Hand & The Colored Teakettles
In Mali, the left hand is generally considered unclean and is reserved for bathroom hygiene purposes.  If you take note, no Malian will ever hand you something with their left hand.  You can return the favor by never taking something from someone or handing something to someone with your left hand.  Although no one will ever say anything to you if you do use your left hand, it is seen as rude and disrespectful.

Visitors might also notice colorful teakettles near or in almost every single bathroom in Mali.  These are for personal cleaning after using the bathroom.  Even if you do not intend to use the teakettle (e.g. because you brought your own toilet paper) it is better for appearances to take it with you to the toilet and bring it back out after you have finished.

Other Info

Gao Cultural Norms

Health & Safety

Mali in the News

More Info?  Links!

FAQs