Things to see and do Kayes Region

This deep river passes through a hilly region, making it more attractive than the river Niger. The canoe traversed at sunset is particularly beautiful.

Come to the limit of the Khasso district, stay along the river. You're going over a little marigot. From there, follow the magnificent path that winds in the middle of the vegetable crops and runs along the river. After a little half an hour, you will discover a superb bathing place: a beautiful beach wet in a crystal clear water.

4 km from Medina Fort lies the falls of Felou. The road between the fort and the falls is beautiful. It runs along the river Senegal and crosses Medina village. Falls are less spectacular than the Chutes falls, but the place is still very pleasant. On the outskirts of the falls is a stele in tribute to the first French colony of Mali. The falls are famous also for their «giant pots», large stone bowls polished by the torrents. Take care of the siphons if you want to swim. Drownings have already taken place.

The fort, located 12 km from Kayes, was built in 1855 by Faidherbe to protect Medina's city against the attacks of the Toucouleur troops of El Hadj Omar Tall, who increasingly threatened French interests in the region. In 1857, the latter attacked the princes of Khasso refugees in the strong and allies of the French. The siege lasts three months until the arrival of Faidherbe, which releases the fort and breaks the troops of the Muslim conquerors. The fort also sheltered part of the French treasure (gold reserves) during the Second World War to remove it from the German occupier. Today, the various parts of the fort can be rebuilt: the residence, the prison, the officers'mess, the lingerie, the school… The monument to the dead, high on order of General Faidherbe, Governor of Senegal, the train station, the slave market, the French cemetery and the watch tower are located outside the fort. The tombstone of the young Mary Duranton lies in the fortress of the fortress. Today, restoration works in Medina Fort attempt to revive a collective memory.

The holy water of Kita could make you a billionaire!

Place of pilgrimage. The town of Kita would, according to its inhabitants, be the second religious city after Rome.

One of the first churches in the country, to visit. The construction was initiated by brother Jacques in 1890.

The tourism office in the region. The services of a local guide can be requested. The reception is warm towards the visitor.

Less impressive than the Chutes falls, but much more accessible, it really is, especially during the rainy season, a site that is worth a detour. From Kayes, take the road to Sadiola, and after 8 km take a path on the left. You should arrive in the village of Diele. From there, just ask, you have almost arrived.

These are the main buildings in the city. They are built of stone size.

Very colourful and animated, it attracts traders and customers from all over the region. Along the faded walls of centuries-old buildings stands this crossroads of all shops and meetings. As a good neighbour, the Senegal River brings fresh fish.

They were built along the Senegal River at the time of French colonization. You can even read on the tiles of the houses the date of manufacture and the address of gardens (often late th century, from Marseille or Var).

Tourist information on restaurants, bars, leisure areas, transport facilities, excursions in the region.

You can carry out "à la carte" excursions on the Senegal River, to the falls of Felou, De, Manantali… Very beautiful islets round the path. Diarra, "Bakary Somono", current president of the Association des transporteurs fluvial, can organize any trip to the map. He does not understand French very well, but he knows his profession. You can give it to the Hotel Khasso. As an indication, it takes CFAF 25 000 per day per person. The more travellers account for travellers, the cheaper the price.

From Kayes, St. Louis's Senegal can be reached in about Two days.