Husband planning to take this train to see "the real Africa" and experience serious African drumming. Anyone have any experience with this train? (I'm researching this for my own peace of mind. Or, worst case scenario, perhaps I'll quadruple his life insurance policy before he leaves!) He cares not about anyone's horror stories and has *specifically* asked me not to research this for him because he's not interested in hearing what is likely to be negative feedback about the trip.
Senegal to Bamako train
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Confusion reigns...sorry for double post.
You may want to add a post on Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree. I have a friend who's addicted to trains, and we've researched this trip, but haven't taken it (yet). From what I understand, its long, uncomfortable and delayed, but incredible. I have no reason to expect its unsafe -- Senegal and Mali are very safe travel destinations.
Here's the latest entry from The Man in Seat 61 (www.seat61.com) - the definitive train-travel-nut website...
As at July 2007, the Dakar-Bamako train is running every 8 or 9 days, to no set schedule. Dakar station can advise you of the next departure a few days beforehand, telephone 221 849 46 46. It's also reported that the train is starting from the Gare de Hann, 3km out of Dakar, and not from Dakar station itself, so please double check locally.
However, things are improving, slowly. Back in 2003, it was reported that there were no trains at all operating between Dakar and Bamako due to the condition of the track. Operation of the railway has been handed to a Canadian company which is working to improve things. In 2005, a weekly express was reinstated from Dakar to Bamako and back, albeit reduced to running every 8-9 days in early 2007 due to yet more engineering work on the line.
Is he then going by river boat or bus up to Timbuktu? Oughta.
Agree about the river trip! I did this from Mopti to Timbuktu in 1996 and it was fantastic!! Mali is such a great destination..why is it virtually ignored on this forum?
Thank you all for the tips & information. Much appreciated.