Missirikoro Grotto

Missirikoro is an isolated limestone outcrop rising out of the plain near Sikasso, riddled with chambers and passages, and it is used as a place of prayer by two traditions at once: one cave functions as a mosque with a mihrab cut into the rock, while others are used for animist offerings, and people from both come to the same hill. Bats roost in the deeper chambers. The name is said to come from the words for mosque and hill.

The main sights

• The rock mosque - the chamber used for prayer with a mihrab cut into the stone.
• The animist caves - the chambers used for traditional offerings.
• The outcrop - the limestone hill rising alone out of the plain.
• The bat colonies - the roosts in the deeper passages.

When to go

November to February is the cool dry season. Fridays bring worshippers to the mosque cave. The rains from June make the track difficult.

Practical notes

This is an active place of worship for two traditions and behaviour matters; a local guide is expected. Caves are dark and a torch is essential. Photography inside needs permission.

Nearby

Sikasso is east, and Farako Falls are northeast.