Sédhiou

Sédhiou is a region of southern Senegal in the Casamance, created in 2008 out of what had been Kolda region. It comprises three departments — Sédhiou, Bounkiling, and Goudomp — along the Casamance River, an area long known for rice, millet, and peanut farming. The regional capital, also called Sédhiou, was originally a Banyun settlement at an important river crossing and the upper limit of the Casamance River's tidal flow; it later became a constituent kingdom of the Kaabu federation under Mandinka rule, then a French military post from 1838 and the capital of colonial Casamance from 1883 until 1906, when the colonial capital moved to Ziguinchor.

November to May is the dry season, with the most comfortable travel conditions from November to February; June to October is the rainy season, when heavy rain can affect rural roads.

Roads connect Sédhiou to Ziguinchor and Kolda. Bush taxis serve the region.

• Sédhiou — regional capital, on the Casamance River.
• Bounkiling — capital of Bounkiling Department, on the N4 Trans-Gambia Highway.
• Goudomp — riverside capital of Goudomp Department.
• Marsassoum — town on the Soungrougrou River.
• Diattacounda — village on the Casamance River near the Guinea-Bissau border.
• Tanaff — town in Goudomp Department.
• Madina Wandifa — town in Bounkiling Department.

Casamance rice dishes, fresh fish, and tropical fruits are typical of the region's cuisine.

The Casamance is home to Diola (Jola) and Mandinka communities among others, each with their own traditional practices.

• Explore the Casamance River area around Sédhiou and Goudomp.
• Visit the regional market in Sédhiou town.