Happy TravellerWelcome to Kédougou, a vibrant town located in the Kédougou region of southeastern Senegal, near the borders of Mali and Guinea. Founded in the early 20th century by the Malinké people, Kédougou means the Land of Man. The town lies at an elevation of 167 m (548 ft) above sea level and offers stunning views of the Pays Bassari hills and Fouta Djallon foothills. Kédougou is accessible by the N7 road and is situated along the River Gambia. The town is known for its rich agricultural landscape, small-scale commerce, construction, and gold mining.
Local attractions in Kédougou include the breathtaking Dindefelo Falls and the Niokolo-Koba National Park, both of which provide a unique opportunity to experience Senegal’s natural beauty. The Dindefelo Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the heart of the Bassari Country, where visitors can hike and explore the region’s diverse flora and fauna. Niokolo-Koba National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts a variety of wildlife such as lions, elephants, and hippos, as well as an abundance of bird species.
Kédougou is a multi-lingual town with Pulaar, Bassari, Bedik, Diakhanké, Malinké, and French being the most commonly spoken languages. The town has a population of approximately 18,860, according to official estimates in 2007. The mayor of Kédougou is Amath Dansokho (as of 2005).
Transportation to Kédougou is primarily by road, and a proposed railway branching off the existing line at Tambacounda is currently in the works. Mining, particularly gold mining, has brought several large-scale foreign mining companies to the area, but this has been a source of tension with some local residents who feel that there are not enough jobs available to them. In late 2008, protests over the practices of gold mines in the region turned violent, resulting in the burning of government buildings and widespread destruction of property.
Kédougou has a tropical savanna climate (Köppen Aw) featuring hot to sweltering, rainless winters and hot, rainy summers.
Come and experience the beauty and culture of Kédougou, and discover for yourself why this town is a hidden gem in southeastern Senegal.
