Exploring Mali's Natural Wonders: A Family Adventure in Boucle du Baoulé National Park

Saying Goodbye to Boucle du Baoulé

As our Malian adventure draws to a close, I find myself filled with a mix of emotions. This trip to Boucle du Baoulé National Park was more than just a vacation; it was a deeply personal journey to reconnect with my roots and share the beauty of Mali with my family. From the wildlife encounters to the vibrant culture, every moment has been a treasure.

Our final day in Mali began with a hearty breakfast at Mr. K's Burger in Bamako. Now, I know what you might be thinking: burgers in Mali? But Aminata and Ibrahim were craving something familiar, and Fatoumata and I were happy to indulge them. It was a surprisingly delightful start to the day, and the kids were thrilled. The place had a small terrace, an inside room, and a bar area. They offer everything from K's Chili Dog for those with a small appetite to Only The Brave for big eaters. I had the Mr. K's Egg, Fatoumata had the Mr. K's Chicken, and the kids had the Mr. K's Fish. It was a nice change of pace, and everyone left satisfied, ready for our final adventure.


Indulge in delicious burgers with a local twist at Mr. K's Burger in Bamako – where flavor meets fun!

After breakfast, we decided to do some last-minute shopping at OUTLET223. Fatoumata wanted to pick up a few souvenirs for family back in Montreal, and I was hoping to find a traditional Malian instrument for my collection. The shop had a wide array of goods, from clothing and jewelry to local crafts and artwork. Aminata and Ibrahim were fascinated by the colorful fabrics and intricate carvings, and they each picked out a small keepsake to remember our trip by.


Explore OUTLET223 in Bamako, the ultimate shopping mall blending modern retail with local culture, offering diverse shops and delightful dining.

Travel is more than seeing the sights; it's about experiencing the soul of a place and connecting with its people.

For lunch, we ventured to Kinshasa Kitchen Bamako, a restaurant known for its authentic Malian dishes and lively atmosphere. I was excited to introduce my family to the flavors of my homeland, and Kinshasa Kitchen did not disappoint. The restaurant is vibrant and serves authentic Malian dishes with a fusion of flavors. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, perfect for a family gathering. We started with some flavorful appetizers, followed by a selection of traditional stews and grilled meats. Aminata and Ibrahim were a bit hesitant at first, but they soon warmed up to the delicious spices and unique ingredients. Fatoumata and I savored every bite, reminiscing about our childhoods in Mali and sharing stories with the kids. They also have a bar where you can unwind with refreshing beverages. The restaurant's decor reflects local culture for an immersive dining experience.


Discover the vibrant culinary scene at Kinshasa Kitchen Bamako, where Congolese flavors meet Malian hospitality in every dish.

After lunch, we embarked on our final excursion: a visit to La Dune Rose. Though technically located in Gao, the images I had seen were too captivating to pass up, even if it meant a bit of a drive. Known locally as Koïma, this stunning sand dune gets its name from the pinkish hue it takes on at dawn and dusk. The drive was long, but as we approached the dune, the landscape transformed into a surreal desert scene. The ochre sands stretched as far as the eye could see, and the wind sculpted the dunes into ever-changing shapes. The kids were ecstatic, running and playing in the sand, while Fatoumata and I took in the breathtaking view.


Discover La Dune Rose in Koïma, Mali: a breathtaking scenic spot with unique pink sands, perfect for serene escapes and stunning photography.

We spent the afternoon exploring La Dune Rose, climbing to the top of the highest dune and marveling at the panoramic vista. The colors of the sand shifted with the changing light, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Aminata, ever the budding photographer, snapped countless photos, trying to capture the beauty of the landscape. Ibrahim, with his boundless energy, raced down the dunes, laughing and shouting with glee. As the sun began to set, the dune transformed into a magical wonderland, bathed in a soft, pink glow. It was the perfect ending to our Malian adventure, a moment of pure joy and connection.

Our final dinner in Bamako was at Soukhothai by Siam, a Thai restaurant that offered a delightful change of pace. While I typically prefer to immerse myself in local cuisine when traveling, Fatoumata had been craving Thai food, and I was eager to try this highly-rated establishment. The restaurant had a clean and nice environment surrounded by exotic green plants and a water fountain. The waiters were friendly and assisted with the descriptions on the menu. The food was delicious and healthy. The restaurant is known for its beautiful decor and carefully chosen furniture. We ordered a variety of dishes, from Pad Thai to green curry, and each one was bursting with flavor. The kids, surprisingly, loved the spicy dishes, and even Ibrahim, who usually shies away from anything too adventurous, devoured his plate of noodles. It was a fitting end to our culinary journey, a reminder of the diverse and delicious flavors the world has to offer.


Discover the flavors of Thailand at Soukhothai by Siam in Bamako - where authentic dishes meet warm hospitality.

As I sit here tonight, reflecting on our time in Boucle du Baoulé National Park, I am filled with gratitude. This trip has been an incredible opportunity to reconnect with my Malian heritage, share my culture with my family, and create lasting memories. I've shown my children a part of me that they had not seen before, a connection to the land of my birth. I am grateful for the opportunity to have shared this experience with them. While I am excited to return to Montreal and resume our daily lives, I know that a piece of my heart will always remain in Mali. The experiences we've had, the people we've met, and the memories we've created will stay with us forever.

Tomorrow, we begin our journey back to Montreal. It’s always bittersweet leaving a place that has captured your heart, but I know we’ll carry the spirit of Mali with us always. I hope that through these blog posts, I've been able to share a glimpse of the magic of Boucle du Baoulé National Park and inspire others to explore the world and embrace different cultures. Until next time, au revoir from Mali!

I already look forward to planning our next adventure. Perhaps we will explore more of West Africa, or maybe we will venture to South America. The possibilities are endless, and I am excited to see where our travels take us next.