A small village until 1876 when it became the capital of the Kénédougou Kingdom. The city remained the capital until 1898 when it became a part of the French colonial empire.

In contrast to other parts of Mali, Sikasso has a subtropical climate and there are plenty of fruit and vegetables throughout the year.

Map of Sikasso (city)

The city is 100 km (62 mi) from Mali's border to Cote d'Ivoire and 45 km (28 mi) to Burkina Faso.

There are plenty of bus services from the capital Bamako, with SONEF being the largest operator.

Some touristic sites:

• 11.315027-5.6662711 The Mamelon. Located in the city centre, the Mamelon hill used to be a sacred site of the Kénédougou kings. Now a French colonial tower stand at the site. (updated Mar 2019)
• Missiricoro caves. (updated Mar 2019)
• Farako falls. (updated Mar 2019)

• 11.314211-5.6972091 Hôtel Du Cinquantenaire de Sikasso, ☏ +223 21 62 29 55. One of few high end hotels in Sikasso, includes a restaurant and pool. (updated Oct 2018)
• 11.314164-5.684192 Hotel Tata, ☏ +223 21620411.