Introducing Kayes
You wouldn’t come here just to see Kayes (pronounced ‘Kai’), but as the principal settlement in the west of Mali, it can be a reasonable place to break up the long journey between Bamako and Dakar. Kayes is hot and dusty, and was the first place the French settled in Mali (several colonial buildings remain). There’s a thriving, chaotic market, and the town is largely hassle-free.
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The Fort de Médine, about 15km upstream from Kayes, was part of a chain of defence posts built along the Senegal River in French colonial times. The crumbling buildings hold a real sense of history, and the old train station is particularly beautiful.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: train to/from Bamako
by taharqa 27 August 2011
I believe the Bamako-Kayes train is still running. But definitely not Dakar-Bamako.
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RE: train to/from Bamako
by kaz 27 August 2011
There used to be a commuter train between Bamako and Kayes - Richard or Simsy, do you know if that is still running?
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RE: Journey from Ziguinchor to Tambacounda
by Strubell 17 February 2011
Just arrived today in Ziguinchor, doing the reverse trip (spread along a few days, not in a rush like you) Ziguinchor to Tambacounda:…
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