Ségou

Ségou Region lies along the Niger River in central Mali and is the historic heartland of the Bamana Empire. The regional capital Ségou was the seat of the Bamana kings and is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, the Festival sur le Niger, traditional puppetry, pottery, and mudcloth.

The best time is November–February, when the Festival sur le Niger takes place. The rainy season (June–October) is good for Niger River boat trips.

Paved roads connect Ségou to Bamako (235 km). Bush taxis serve all regional towns. The Niger River is navigable by pinasse during high water.

• Ségou — Historic capital on the Niger River
• San — Historic town with traditional mosques
• Niono — Office du Niger irrigation centre
• Markala — Niger River dam town
• Ké-Macina — Niger River port
• Bla — Agricultural town
• Barouéli — Cotton-growing area
• Sokolo — Sahelian outpost
• Dioro — Riverine fishing community
• Cinzana — Traditional Bamana village

Rice is the staple. Fresh fish from the Niger is abundant. Dishes include riz gras and capitaine (Nile perch).

The Festival sur le Niger (February) is Mali's premier cultural event. Traditional Bamana puppetry and Ségou's pottery tradition are nationally famous.

• Attending the Festival sur le Niger
• Visiting Kalabougou pottery village
• A pinasse boat trip on the Niger River
• Exploring Bamana architecture in Ségou
• The Markala Dam