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Manantali Dam

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Manantali Dam (Mali)

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The Manantali Dam on the Bafing River is a masterpiece of hydraulic engineering and a symbol of West African regional cooperation under the Senegal River Basin Development Organization (OMVS). Built between 1982 and 1988, this multipurpose dam serves the collective interests of Mali, Senegal, and Mauritania by providing hydroelectric power, stabilizing river flow for navigation, and supporting large-scale irrigation schemes. The facility hosts a 200 MW power station that feeds a sophisticated regional grid, delivering clean energy to major urban centers and mining operations across the member states. Its massive reservoir, spanning hundreds of square kilometers and holding over 11 billion cubic meters of water, acts as a critical buffer against the perennial droughts of the Sahel, ensuring a year-round water supply for agricultural development. The dam's impact is transformative, enabling the irrigation of over 250,000 hectares of land downstream and facilitating navigation from the Malian border to the Atlantic coast. Despite the environmental complexities associated with such a large-scale project, Manantali remains the cornerstone of Mali's energy strategy and a vital asset for the socio-economic integration of the Senegal River basin, showcasing the benefits of shared water management in an increasingly water-scarce world.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252831333430272626262524
Rain mm1259451522473422377740

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Manantali Dam on the Bafing River in Mali generates hydroelectric power and regulates water flow for agriculture. It is one of the country's key infrastructures.
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Visiting
The dam is usually not open to individual visitors, but occasional guided tours may be available. From the surrounding hills you get a good view of the dam wall and reservoir.
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Where to view it
The best public viewpoint is on the road that crosses the dam. From there you see the full width of the structure and the reservoir.
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Local products
Rice, millet, and vegetables are cultivated in the region, benefiting from the regulated water flow. Fish from the reservoir is also a local product.
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Active season
The dam operates year-round, but power generation peaks during the rainy season. Agricultural water use is critical during the dry season.
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Nearby
Combine the visit with Bafing National Park or the Félou Waterfalls. The town of Kayes has accommodation and local markets.

Geography

Coordinates
13.18000, -10.43000

Facts

  • Power Capacity: 200 MW installed hydroelectric power
  • Reservoir Volume: Holds approximately 11.3 billion cubic meters
  • Construction Period: 1982–1988 for the main structure
  • Dam Length: 1,460 meters spanning the Bafing River
  • Management: Operated under the tri-national OMVS treaty
  • Impact: Critical for navigation and drought mitigation in Sahel

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Bafing Faunal ReserveBafing Faunal Reserve42 km · WExplore →
Tabakoto Gold MineTabakoto Gold Mine49 km · SWExplore →
Kandjoura ValleyKandjoura Valley72 km · SEExplore →
BafoulabéBafoulabé82 km · SEExplore →
Birgo MountainsBirgo Mountains88 km · NWExplore →
KéniébaKéniéba97 km · SWExplore →
Kéniéba PlateauKéniéba Plateau99 km · SExplore →
Kita MountainsKita Mountains105 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Manantali Dam (1)

Foyer de Manantali🎭 culture

Situated by the immense Manantali Dam, this arts centre acts as a cultural gathering hub for the surrounding community.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the main purpose of the Manantali dam?
Power generation and irrigation for agriculture.
Is the dam interesting for tourists?
The dimensions of the dam are impressive and it is a technical monument.
Can one visit the reservoir?
One can visit the area, but the infrastructure is limited.
What has changed for the region due to the dam?
Water supply for agriculture has been significantly stabilized.
Where exactly is the Manantali dam located?
In western Mali on the Bafing River.
Manantali Dam: where is it located?
Manantali Dam is located in Mali.
Manantali Dam: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Manantali Dam: why is it worth visiting?
The Manantali Dam on the Bafing River is a masterpiece of hydraulic engineering and a symbol of West African regional cooperation under the Senegal River Basin Development Organization (OMVS).
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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