Sikasso is a city in Sikasso Region in the south of Mali, 375 km (233 mi) from the capital Bamako. It is the second largest city in Mali with about 230,000 inhabitants.

Understand

A small village until 1876 when it became the capital of the Kénédougou Kingdom. The city remained the capital until 1898 when it became a part of the French colonial empire.

In contrast to other parts of Mali, Sikasso has a subtropical climate and there are plenty of fruit and vegetables throughout the year.

Get in

The city is 100 km (62 mi) from Mali's border to Cote d'Ivoire and 45 km (28 mi) to Burkina Faso.

There are plenty of bus services from the capital Bamako, with SONEF being the largest operator.

See

Part of the former French fortification at Mamelon hill.

Some touristic sites:

• 1 The Mamelon. Located in the city centre, the Mamelon hill used to be a sacred site of the Kénédougou kings. Now a French colonial tower stand at the site. (updated Mar 2019)
• Missiricoro caves. (updated Mar 2019)
• Farako falls. (updated Mar 2019)

Sleep

• 1 Hôtel Du Cinquantenaire de Sikasso, ☏ +223 21 62 29 55. One of few high end hotels in Sikasso, includes a restaurant and pool. (updated Oct 2018)
• 2 Hotel Tata, ☏ +223 21620411.