Al Ain to Mali

The second largest city in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain is an upcoming travel destination in the United Arab Emirates that offers a plethora of recreation activities and opportunities for tourists to delve in. There are a number of museums and recreation parks in addition to towering mountains, natural mineral springs and seven desert oases, making it simply a perfect tourist destination for many. On a trip to Al Ain, travellers can discover Al Ain oasis- the largest natural oasis in the region; explore the treasures of the Al Ain National Museum and Al Ain Palace Museum and enjoy surfing, kayaking and other sporting activities at Wadi Adventure- an exciting recreation park. One of the star attractions of the city is the Hili Archaeological Park- a Bronze Age site that is known for its rich archaeological heritage. Al Ain Zoo is an excellent place to visit with family and friends on an Al Ain tour. There are plenty of shopping and dining options as well in this city that suitably meet the individual preferences of the visitors. Al Ain Mall, Al-Jimi Mall and Bawadi Mall are three major shopping malls, where travellers can find a number of unique offerings along with well-known brands. Aptly called the ‘Garden City,’ this place represents a perfect haven of fun and relaxation in the middle of a desert region. MakeMyTrip presents several excellent travel packages, availing one of which can make any tour to this city an unforgettable experience.

Among the biggest countries of Africa, Mali is tucked in the western part of the continent. This landlocked country faces a hot, dry climate. Bamako, the capital city, lies along the banks of River Niger. National Museum of Mali here houses 3000 exhibits of ancient artefacts. The tallest building in the nation, BCEACO Tower dominates the city’s skyline while the pre-colonial mud-brick mosque, Grande Mosquée de Bamako stands in stark contrast. A number of restaurants dot the city centre with San Toro restaurant serving authentic local cuisine. Le Byblos and Bla Bla Bar are the best pubs to enjoy the local nightlife scene. The city of Timbuktu is a must-visit. This ancient centre of Islamic scholarship is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Djingareyber, Sankore and Sidi Yahia are three of the oldest mosques here. Another ancient city, Djenné, is famous for the Great Mosque of Djenné that is considered the pinnacle of Sudano-Sahelian architecture. The mosque is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mount Hombori Tondo, about 370 km from Timbuktu, stands as the highest point in Mali with an altitude of over 1500 m above sea level. This rocky peak marks the end of the Cliffs of Bandiagara, which are surrounded by Dogon villages. To explore the best of Mali, book a flight and hotel through MakeMyTrip.