The most beautiful natural sites to discover Mali

2 km southeast of Djenné, you can visit Djenné Djeno, the archaeological site of the old Djenné. Before visiting the museum, it is advisable to visit the museum, located in the cultural mission. It gathers a collection of beautiful pieces, mainly pottery and statuettes, updated as a result of archaeological excavations on the Djenné Djeno site. Although research continues, most of the site appears to have delivered its secret, thanks to the work of Susan and Roderick MacIntosh, between 1977 and 1981.

By demonstrating that Djenné Djeno was already a thriving city before the first Arab merchants were installed, they discovered the oldest known city in sub-Saharan Africa. The first occupation, highlighted by the traces of the wall in a circle around it, was dated, thanks to carbon 14, to 250 years BC According to the extracted elements, Djenné Djeno was already an important crossroads of trade around 800 BC and housed several thousand inhabitants. Its golden age would be in the th century.

The city occupies an essential place in river traffic and caravans from West Africa until the beginning of the th century. In the th century, trade eroded, to the benefit of Djenné. It was at that time that it suddenly abandoned. Several hypotheses have been established to try to explain this phenomenon. But for many, the site's desertion would have been programmed to appease the powerful Muslim elite, offended by the city's past pagan practices. If the two sites had to coexist at a time, the influence of Muslims probably forced the entire population to emigrate to Djenné, a devout city.

Built on a small hill on the edge of the Niger, the archaeological site is devoid of buildings. Foundations are even difficult to identify without the explanations of an excellent guide (the best, in this case, being the leader of the cultural mission). The remnants of pottery, over seven centuries old, on which we can still see geometric shapes and drawings, are impressive. They litter the soil at a loss of sight, so you cannot avoid walking on it. Curious feelings!

It is the most spectacular waterfall in the region. The location is ideal for a day and a swim. From August to January only.

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.

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

It allows for the development of water sports and fisheries. The Bozo left the area of Mopti to settle in Sélingué after the creation of the lake. Many bozo villages have settled on the banks. It is interesting to visit these villages, especially late in the afternoon, when fishermen bring the fish back.