I am interested in visiting West Africa. I'd prefer to do this independently, but most of what I read on the internet recommends a tour. I'd like to go to Timbuctu and Djenne in Mail. I'd also like to visit the other West African countries that are currently safe (I'm reading Ivory Coast and Guinea are currently not). I'd appreciate any advice I can get.

Is air travel within Mail reliable? I keep reading that it is not.