The Tenda historically occupied much of what is now southeastern Senegal. In particular, the stretch of the
Gambia River between the Nieriko and Niokolo Koba was not navigable by water but offered many excellent fords. It was a preferred crossing place for caravans plying the trade routes that linked
Kaabu, the
Futa Jallon, the states of Senegambia, the gold fields of
Bambouk and
Bure, and the great
Niger River cities such as
Djenné. The area was a major source of slaves from the 1670s to the 1730s. ==Languages==