Plizio Visual Lab

Sélingué Dam

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

Weather…

The Sélingué Dam, located on the Sankarani River, a major tributary of the Niger, is a vital multi-purpose infrastructure located about 140 km south of Bamako. Completed in 1980 after four years of construction, the dam was for many years the primary source of electricity for Mali's capital, fueling its rapid urban and industrial growth. With an installed capacity of 44 MW, it remains a key component of the national energy mix. The dam created a massive reservoir covering over 400 square kilometers, which has had a profound impact on the local economy, particularly in the fishing sector. Sélingué is now one of Mali's most productive inland fisheries, providing thousands of tons of fish annually and supporting a large community of artisanal fishers. Furthermore, the reservoir enables the irrigation of vast agricultural perimeters, predominantly dedicated to rice cultivation, which is essential for regional food security. The area surrounding the lake has also developed into a recreational zone for Bamako residents, boosting local tourism. Beyond power and food, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating the Sankarani's flow, helping to manage water levels downstream in the Niger River and mitigating the effects of seasonal floods and droughts.

Location: Mali
Top sights: Lake Sélingué · Tagandougou · Binko, Sikasso
Nearby: Kangaba (40 km)

Best time to visit & climate

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	24	28	31	32	31	28	26	25	25	27	26	24
Rain mm	1	1	3	27	74	149	231	299	233	74	4	0

📋 Practical info

🏭

What is this place?

The Sélingué Dam is one of Mali's most important hydroelectric plants on the Sankarani River. It secures the electricity supply for Bamako and is an impressive engineering feat that attracts visitors.

🚪

Visiting

The facility is accessible from the outside; typically the dam and reservoir can be viewed from designated viewpoints. Visiting the dam itself often requires a guided tour or permission from the authorities.

👀

Where to view it

The best public viewpoints are along the roads above the reservoir and near the dam wall. From there, visitors can enjoy a wide panorama of the Sankarani River and the surrounding savanna landscape.

🧺

Local products

Typical agricultural products like millet, cotton, and shea butter are grown in the region. Local markets also offer fresh fish from the Sélingué reservoir.

📆

Active season

The power plant is most active during the rainy season from June to October, when water levels in the Sankarani rise. This is when electricity generation peaks.

➕

Nearby

A visit to the dam can be combined with exploring traditional villages along the Sankarani River. Trips into the surrounding savanna landscapes or to Bamako are also worthwhile.

Geography

Coordinates

11.62000, -8.23000

Facts

Capacity: 44 MW hydroelectric power generation
Completion Date: Finished and operational in 1980
Reservoir Area: Spans approximately 400 square kilometers
Fisheries: Produces thousands of tons of fish per year
Location: Sankarani River, south of the capital Bamako
Irrigation: Supports a major rice-growing perimeter

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Sankarani15 km · SWExplore →

Kangaba40 km · SEExplore →

Yanfolila Forest46 km · WExplore →

Ouelessebougou47 km · NEExplore →

Niani47 km · EExplore →

Yanfolila49 km · WExplore →

Mali-Guinea border forest65 km · SExplore →

Kodiéran Gold Mine71 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Sélingué Dam (3)

Lake Sélingué📍 landmark

Lake Sélingué is a reservoir created by the Sélingué Dam, used for irrigation and fishing.

Tagandougou📍 landmark

Tagandougou is a village near Lake Sélingué, with farming as main activity.

Binko, Sikasso📍 landmark

Binko is a settlement in the Sikasso region, surrounded by fields and savanna.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is the Sélingué dam known?

Due to the hydroelectric power plants and fishing in the reservoir.

Can one buy fish there?

Yes, Lake Sélingué is an important center of fishing.

Is the reservoir a destination for trips?

Yes, some people visit the area on weekends for recreation.

How do you get from Bamako to Sélingué?

It is reachable in a comfortable day trip by car.

Is the electricity here used for the whole country?

Yes, the power plant feeds into the national electricity grid.

Sélingué Dam: where is it located?

Sélingué Dam is located in Mali.

Sélingué Dam: what is there to see?

Highlights include Lake Sélingué, Tagandougou, Binko, Sikasso.

Sélingué Dam: when is the best time to visit?