Kedougou

Kédougou sits on the Gambia river in the far southeast, in the foothills where the Fouta Djallon begins and the flat Sahelian country finally ends. It is the base for everything in the region: the Bassari and Bedik villages in the hills, Dindéfélo falls, Niokolo-Koba to the north, and the gold workings that have transformed the local economy. The town itself is small and hot, with a market and a river crossing, and it is a very long way from Dakar.

What you actually see

• The Gambia river - the river running past the town, crossed by bridge and pirogue.
• The hill country - the beginning of the Fouta Djallon foothills, unlike the rest of Senegal.
• The market - a regional market drawing from the surrounding hill villages.
• The base position - Bassari country, Dindefelo and Niokolo-Koba all within reach.

When to go

November to March is the dry season and the practical window. April to June is severely hot. The rains from July make the hill tracks difficult but green the whole region.

Honest expectations

It is around fifteen hours by road from Dakar, or a flight to Tambacounda and onwards. Accommodation is basic. Visits to Bassari and Bedik villages should be arranged through people who work with the communities rather than turned into a drive-by.

Nearby

Dindefelo is south, Bassari country is west, and Niokolo-Koba is north.