About fifteen kilometres west of Sikasso, the Missirikoro grotto is a granite outcrop riddled with caves that has been a sacred site for centuries. A small mosque sits in the largest chamber, and pilgrims of three faiths come to make offerings.
The walk through the rock is short but cool and atmospheric — a welcome break from the heat of the plain. Local guides will explain the layers of belief and point out the formations associated with each tradition. The outcrop itself is worth the trip even setting religion aside; it rises abruptly from the flat surrounding bush.