Some domestic flights are provided by Air Mali. Between July and December there are weekly services between Bamako and Gao via Timbuktu along the River Niger. However, because of drought in the Sahel desert, services are sometimes suspended. Between December and March, travel is only possible between Mopti and Gao.
Food is available on the boats and first-class cabins can be booked in advance.
Since the completion of the Manantali Dam in 1988, work has continued to improve the navigability of the River Senegal. There is a daily service from Bamako to Kayes, en route to Dakar on the Senegal coast. There are two trains, one Malian and one Senegalese - the Senegalese train is far superior, with air conditioning and buffet car. The railway line is Mali's most important method of transport, over and above the road link. There is also a daily service from Bamako to Koulikoro.