Bamako - Post Report Question and Answers
What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Much socializing is done at private homes - dinners and parties. The American Club is a great place to meet people, covid allowing. - Apr 2021
House parties, concerts and the American Club are typical ways to socialize with expats. I haven't found a good way to socialize with locals... the economic gap is simply so wide. There are also nightclubs, where you will typically see a range of a few to a lot of prostitutes. - Apr 2017
Bars. Live music. There are two fancy pool/social clubs (Le campement and Badalodge). There are no book stores/cinemas so we have to make our own entertainment, which is probably why there is ALWAYS something to do and someone to do it with! People hike, rockclimb, host bookclubs, pool parties, go on road trips, etc. - Aug 2014
BBQ, pool party, BBQ. - Jul 2011
For fun people go out for dinner/lunch; play bowling (new in town!), have friends over for dinner to play games or watch a movie; movie nights at the American Club; cultural events at the French Cultural center; French dubbed movies at the Babemba movie theater; National park; National Museum; Kangaba campement; Badalalodgge; visiting Pays Dougon, Segou, Bandiagara, Mopti, Timbuktu, Djenne (many UNESCO sites); Pirogue River ride. - Jul 2011
You'll find yourself hosting and being invited to many dinner parties. Other than that, going out to restaurants and to see live music shows is another part of social life in Bamako. There are frequent live music concerts at the French Cultural Center (CCF), Le Diplomate, Le Tempo, Le Savanna, and Exodus. - Oct 2010
Bars, clubs, hash, house parties, american club events, french cultural center events, live bands. - May 2010
Mostly in each others' homes, although there are about a half dozen "day resort" type places (restaurant, pool/bar, lounge). There are also quite a few nightclubs -- which apparently go until the sun comes up. - Sep 2009
Mostly among the community. Encourage you to mingle with Malians. Wonderful place for exploring Malian music. - Apr 2009
Mostly done at home-dinner parties, sports, hikes, day trips-or lunch out at restaurants. - Feb 2009
Most entertaining is among friends, in people's homes. We had some big embassy community parties. - Feb 2009
Restaurants, nightclubs, occasional function at the American club, and nights at friends' houses. - Jan 2009
