Segou, one of the major Tourist destinations in Mali, is a city in south-central Mali. History of the place has it that Segou was founded by the Bozo people in 1620 on a site about 10 km from the present town. It was the former capital of the Bambara Empire in the past. Segou is now the capital of Mali's fourth largest administrative region of Ségou. Segou in Mali is also known as the city of 'Balanzan', named after the local tree acacia albida. The city grew to prominence after Biton Mamary Coulibaly became king in 1712 and founded the Ségou or the Bamana Empire. The empire gradually declined and was conquered by El Hadj Umar Tall's Toucouleur Empire in 1861 and then, by the French Army Colonel Louis Archinard in 1892.
You can take a trip to Ségoukoro from Segou. It is a small village about 10 km away from Ségou along the road to Bamako. Ségoukoro is the original site from where Bambara kings ruled a kingdom that expanded for thousands of kilometers across the West Africa in the 18th century. It is a typical Malian Bambara village, composed of walled mud brick houses. Segou is also well known for the most impressive architecture in Mali. The colonial buildings in the government district are the best examples of this. You can also visit the port area as part of your sightseeing in Segou. The port is fairly small compared to Mopti and is best known for its walk along the waterfront from the government district.
You can also visit the craft centre along the Mopti road. It is a bright orange mud building standing next to large mud quarries. You can go for a guided tour which will give you vivid explanation about how Bogoan clothes are made. You can also try your skill at clothe making. Here, you will also find a shop selling stuffs which are of higher quality than the usual ones available in the market stands.
Monday is market day at Segou. Go out, watch the people and pick up some bright hand-woven fabrics for which Segou is famous.
Complete and authentic online information on Segou offered at travel.mapsofworld
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