Things to see and do Sikasso Region

In Mali, we say that we do not come here by chance. Moreover, few Sénoufo know the caves of Missirikoro («old mosque», in bambara). 12 km south-west of Sikasso, the rocks are 50 metres high. Rocks resemble a mosque and Arabic scriptures are carved on the wall of one of the caves. The soil is covered with a fine sand, which would have mystical properties and even therapeutic properties. Caves serve as a place of worship and animists come to make sacrifices. Inside, you may have the opportunity to see an old man in the middle of a few gourds, pretending to ignore the world around him. Don't photograph it, don't importunez it. It is one of the mysteries of this cave and nobody here speaks to him. We must therefore respect his silence. The ascent, which is barefoot due to the sanctity of the places, is not difficult. Large chains are planned on the steepest walls. At the top, the panorama is superb. We recommend this visit. Take a little tip for the guide which, even if it doesn't give you any explanations, will lead you inside the cave and allow you to take pictures.

This is an important element of the military architecture. It was built by King Tiéba, anxious to have an overview on Sikasso so as not to be surprised by the enemy. A pyramid form and a height of 30 m, it now serves as a show stage and has a gallery of thousand places. From the Nipple, we have a very beautiful view of the large market.

It was a grave grave that was used to defeat enemies and undesirable people. In the past, this place also served to sacrifice human sacrifices.

Diakassan Moussa was the son of Midia, of the family of Diakité, current chiefs of Bougouni. He served as ambassador to the king bambara of Segou. During his multiple journeys, Diakassan learned Arabic and converted to Islam. At his death, his parents remained animists, inhumèrent with his holy books, according to the fetishist custom. Before dying, Diakassan asked God that a tree grows at the bedside of his grave so that his soul is immortal. His wishes were fulfilled: A majestic balanzan stands next to his grave. This is where ritual sacrifices are taking place (kola, chickens, cattle…). These ceremonies are always led by the Dean of the Diakité Clan.

In this plain, more than three thousand people fell into one day under the bullets of Samory, emperor of Du.

These waterfalls, 25 km from Sikasso, are located on the road to Bobo-Dioulasso.

In Mali, according to tradition, the great personalities were buried in their own homes. These graves are still being vénération on the part of certain populations. This can be seen in the tombs of the father, mother and sister from Tiéba to Bougoula, 3 km from Sikasso. Tiéba's tomb lies inside the tata.

The Sikasso market is rich in artisanal and agricultural products. It is even the best supplied fruit and vegetable market in the country. There are sweet peas, yams, bananas, pineapples, oranges, potatoes… This market, which is taking place on Sunday, even attracts traders from Bamako, Segou, Mopti and neighbouring countries.

The love of culture, and more particularly of sénoufo culture, is in the eyes of Father Emilio. The man, peaceful and humanistic, tells us that he has lived in the villages of the region for over forty years and that, with his great regret, the historical memory of this people is becoming lost. Hence the idea of creating this Research Centre. An innovative, innovative project that has not received any grants since its creation in 2005. On the shelves of the library, documents carefully classified according to media and themes: audio cassettes reproducing wedding celebrations, translation of tales, photos of habitat, dances and daily life. A valuable legacy for this people of growers who turn to the oral tradition. The Centre also preserves and restores beautiful masks, statues and doors dating back to the th century. Father Emilio is not very proud to be able to exhibit them in a museum…

The Tata is the most remarkable and comprehensive model of West Africa's great fortresses. The visit of the Tata reveals, a century after the capture of Sikasso, the ingenuity with which the wall was built. A symbol of resistance to foreign occupation, the Tata allowed Tiéba to valiantly resist the-month siege of Samory, and Babemba to relentlessly repel the French.

The museum opened in 2010. It shows an exhibition called "Sikasso: Crossroads of civilizations», composed of objects of rites, ceremonies and also of everyday life. Through its various parts, this museum recounts the history and customs of civilizations that founded the Sikasso region as it is now: green attic in Mali, mainly sénoufo, but not only.

Kola is a small village situated less than 10 km from Bougouni towards Sikasso, 1,5 km from the tar. This museum, all in the nubiennes valley and vaults, houses old fetishes of ceremonies, old masks and tam tam, and other weapons and grey-grey chasseurs. There is a warm welcome and a lot of legends. The villagers have not set entrance prices to the museum, so it is the visitor's goodwill.

Kola is also a site of traditional merchants.

Dissan is a small village between Bamako and Bougouni. From the capital you have to leave the tar on the left just after the village of Sido. In the other direction, it is indicated by a sign of the OMATHO, the Malian Tourist Office. To make good use of these reptiles, come before 16 pm, they are couche. The kola are always welcome to offer the old ones. Also provide a small ticket to leave for the visit.