Map of Mali – Regions, Cities, Borders & Geography
Explore Mali using this interactive map and country guide to its regions, cities, rivers, desert landscapes and neighbouring countries. Mali is a large landlocked nation in West Africa, stretching from the greener southern valleys and the Niger River to the Sahara Desert in the north. Use the map to locate Bamako, Timbuktu, Gao, Mopti and other important places.
Mali is in West Africa, bordered by Algeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Senegal and Mauritania. Its capital is Bamako. Mali has 19 administrative regions and the separate District of Bamako. The Niger River is a major feature of its southern and central geography.
Interactive Map of Mali
Zoom in to locate cities, main roads, the Niger River and individual settlements. Zoom out to see Mali’s size and its position between the Sahara and neighbouring West African countries.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Where Is Mali Located?
Mali lies inland in West Africa, between the Sahara Desert and the savanna landscapes farther south. It has no coastline. Algeria borders it to the north, Niger to the east, Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire to the south, Guinea to the southwest, and Senegal and Mauritania to the west.
Because Mali extends over a large north–south distance, conditions vary across the country. The far north is predominantly desert, the middle includes semi-arid Sahel landscapes, and the southern portion receives more seasonal rainfall. Population and agricultural activity are concentrated mainly in the south and along major waterways.
Mali's 19 Regions and Bamako District
Mali's administrative reorganisation in 2023 established 19 regions, in addition to the separate District of Bamako. Some older maps still show the former arrangement, so their internal regional boundaries may differ from more recent official maps.
| Region or district | General location | Places and features |
|---|---|---|
| Kayes | West | Kayes, Sénégal River basin |
| Koulikoro | Southwest | Koulikoro, areas around Bamako |
| Sikasso | Far south | Sikasso, agricultural landscapes |
| Ségou | South-central | Ségou, Niger River |
| Mopti | Central | Mopti, Inner Niger Delta |
| Tombouctou (Timbuktu) | North-central | Timbuktu, Sahara fringe |
| Gao | East | Gao, Niger River |
| Kidal | Northeast | Kidal, Adrar des Ifoghas |
| Ménaka | Far east | Ménaka, Sahel landscapes |
| Taoudénit (Taoudenni) | Far north | Taoudenni, Sahara Desert |
| Bandiagara | Central | Bandiagara escarpment |
| Douentza | Central-east | Douentza, Gourma |
| Nara | West-central | Nara, Sahel |
| Nioro | West | Nioro du Sahel |
| Kita | Southwest | Kita, western interior |
| Dioïla | South | Dioïla, agricultural belt |
| Bougouni | South | Bougouni, road links towards Sikasso |
| Koutiala | Southeast | Koutiala, cotton-growing area |
| San | South-central | San, inland farming region |
| Bamako District | Southwest | National capital on the Niger River; separate from the regions |
Major Cities and Towns
Bamako, in the southwest on the Niger River, is Mali’s capital and its principal urban centre. Sikasso is an important southern city, while Ségou lies along the Niger River east of Bamako. Mopti is associated with the Inner Niger Delta, a broad seasonal floodplain and wetland system.
Timbuktu (also written Tombouctou) is a historic settlement near the southern edge of the Sahara. Gao lies farther east along the Niger River. Other towns and regional centres include Kayes, Koulikoro, Koutiala, Kidal, Bandiagara, Bougouni, San, Douentza and Ménaka. Smaller places appear as you zoom in.
Rivers, Desert and Other Landmarks
The Niger River enters Mali from Guinea, passes Bamako and Ségou, expands into the Inner Niger Delta around Mopti and then turns east towards Timbuktu and Gao before continuing into Niger. The Senegal River system is another major feature of western Mali.
Much of northern Mali forms part of the Sahara Desert. The northeast includes the rocky Adrar des Ifoghas highlands. Central Mali contains the Bandiagara escarpment, while the southern landscape includes savannas and cultivated areas. Historic places such as Timbuktu and Djenné are noted for their cultural importance, although current site access may be restricted.
Roads, Airports and Travel
Major road routes connect Bamako with southern and western cities, including Kayes, Ségou and Sikasso. Road coverage is much thinner in remote desert regions. Mali's main international air gateway is Modibo Keïta International Airport near Bamako, also known as Bamako–Sénou Airport.
Map visibility does not guarantee safe or practical access. Security conditions, road availability, border procedures and transport operations can change, particularly across remote areas. Check current official travel advice and local information before making travel arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of Mali?
Bamako is Mali’s capital, located in the southwest beside the Niger River.
Which countries border Mali?
Mali borders Algeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Senegal and Mauritania.
How many regions does Mali have?
Mali has 19 administrative regions and the separate District of Bamako, following the 2023 reorganisation.
Is Mali landlocked?
Yes. Mali has no direct access to the sea; its borders are entirely with other countries.
Where is Timbuktu located?
Timbuktu lies in north-central Mali near the Sahara, northwest of Gao and north of the main Niger River channel.
Which river flows through Bamako?
The Niger River flows through Bamako and continues through central and eastern Mali.
Why do some maps show different region boundaries?
Mali reorganised its administrative regions in 2023. Older map sources may retain boundaries from the earlier system, and map updates can take time.
About This Map
This interactive map is intended for general geographic reference. Use the zoom controls to compare Mali's settlements, waterways, roads and physical features. Administrative boundaries and available map detail can vary by scale and data update.
Disclaimer: This map is for general reference only. Locations, boundaries and transport details may change. Verify important information with official sources.