Segou isn’t really a ‘highlight’ sort of place, and there is no one particularly outstanding attraction. Paradoxically this is what makes it such a good ‘chill-out’ place, as there is no compulsion to rush around seeing the sights. However, this does not mean that there is nothing to see. There is some beautifully well preserved colonial architecture, a number of historical sites in the area, villages specialising in arts and crafts, and of course, the Niger River. Segou is not too crowded, and there is little evidence of the privations to be found in towns elsewhere in Mali. There are some good eateries around town, as well as Internet cafés. A boat trip to the village of Kalabougou, to see the pottery production, is an excellent day out. ${QuickSuggestions} Segou is a good base for more specialist type trips, like fishing and bird-watching on the river. Tours with guides can be organised by Savana Tours at the Hotel Savana, although there are a number of tour operators around town. If you go to visit a village under your own steam, and without a guide, then remember to pay the tourist tax of CFA2500 on arrival. This allows you to take photos and generally wander at leisure around the place. If visiting the ancient capital of the Bambara kingdom at Segou-Koro without an official guide, you may be denied entry to the village. The Hotel L’Auberge in town has a swimming pool open to non-residents. ${BestWay} The town is small enough to be covered on foot. Trips to surrounding villages are usually by pirogue on the river, or less commonly by local road transport. Prices for pirogues vary depending on the size of the party, distance travelled, and number of hours. Shop around.
From journal Slowing Down in Segou