Kaédi is a city on the bank fo the Senegal River in the extreme south of Mauritania. The capital of the small region of Gorgol has a population of at least 60,000, which-as in the culturally similar Bogué 100 km away-is populated largely by Pulaar. There is a great deal of ethnic and linguistic similarity with the areas on the other side, in Senegal. At the time before the independence of both states, the Pulaar territories in Mauritania and Senegal were grouped together in the historic Fouta Toro region. It is therefore not surprising that it was this region that was particularly affected during the 1989-1991 Senegal-Mauritania conflict. Kaédi, which is characterized by livestock farming and the cultivation of rice and millet, has a long history. Centuries ago it was already an important Islamic center, and today there is still a library with considerable Arabic manuscripts. It is mainly single-storied mud houses that characterize the cityscape of Kaédi. The city's hospital (Mustašfā Kaihaidī), which is not only the largest in southern Mauritania, but has also received awards for its traditional architecture, is known beyond the region. Beyond Kaédi, the malahfas with their colorful batik motifs produced there are also appreciated. If you wish, we will be happy to work out a custom-tailored tour to Kaédi and other places in the south for you.
