The hottest country in the world that's nearly all desert with temperatures reaching 50C

Travelling in Africa can involve experiencing extreme hot weather and sweltering conditions.

One country in particular can see the thermometer rising to as high as 50C on a regular basis in the summer.

Mali, a landlocked country in Western Africa, has some of hottest temperatures recorded on the globe.

About 65 percent of the country is covered by desert or semi-desert, with the Niger River creating a large and fertile inland delta as it arcs northeast through Mali from Guinea.

The country has three types of weather: the desert climate of the Sahara in the north, the semi-desert climate of the Sahel in the centre, and finally, the tropical climate of the Savanna in the south.

The northern part can be a veritable cauldron to visit during the months of July and August, where the mercury can approach 50C (122F).

Yet in January, temperatures can fall to almost freezing at night, with day time temperatures a pleasant 15C to 20C.

The Sahel in central Mali often experiences top temperatures of 40C from April to June.

From June to September, the monsoon comes and is able to lower the temperature by a few degrees, bringing with it downpours.

Southern Mali has a tropical Savannah climate. Here the summer temperature is lower because of rainfall and cloud cover.

Highs hover around 31/32C, with the hottest months being March and April.

It is in southwest Mali that the capital city of Bamako is located on the Niger River.

One of the fastest growing cities in the world, Bamako sprawls across the flat plains to the north and south of the Niger River, with the Presidential Palace overlooking from the northern escarpment.

The city is a major port, home to Mali's largest international airport and the Dakar-Niger Railway.

Bamako is also a cultural hub, boasting multiple museums, a zoo, botanical gardens, the Bamako Grand Mosque and the Cathedral of Bamako.

The country has been beset by political turmoil and visitors are advised to check with the Foreign Office for the latest travel advice.

Currently Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to Bamako and to places within 25km of the capital, due to the risk of terrorist attacks and kidnaps.