Félou Falls

Waterfall Seasonal waterfall on the Senegal River in Mali

A set of rapids on the Sénégal River near Kayes, noted for seasonal fluctuations and historically significant river navigation; visited for riverine scenery and local transport links.

Main image
Chutes Felou1.jpg
Chutes Felou2.jpg
Chutes Felou3.jpg
Feluo Falls, Upper Senegal, from 1892 book The Story of Africa and its Explorers.png
Le Tour du monde-03-p048.jpg
Plan Felou Falls 1749.jpg

Félou Falls is a set of rapids and falls on the Sénégal River in the Kayes Region of western Mali. The feature is characterized by seasonal changes in flow that produce rapids and shallow cascades rather than a single high waterfall.

It is an important local river feature influencing river ecology and has historically been a notable location on the Sénégal River in the Kayes area. The falls lie within the river corridor west of inland Mali and are visible from nearby roads and river approaches.

  • River feature: Forms a series of rapids and seasonal falls on the Sénégal River in western Mali and affects navigation and local riverine habitats seasonally.
Félou Falls
14.3564, -11.3452

How to Get to Félou Falls #

Félou is reachable from the regional hub of Kayes in Mali. Travel inland by road or river transport; local buses and bush taxis serve the region. Hiring a local guide is recommended for safe passage and up-to-date transport arrangements.

Tips for Visiting Félou Falls #

  • River flow and water levels change seasonally-measurements and local guides are essential if planning to reach the falls by boat.
  • Bring sun protection and sturdy shoes: riverside trails can be muddy and uneven.
  • Consider combining a trip with a visit to the nearby town of Kayes for lodging and transport connections.

Best Time to Visit Félou Falls #

Wet season shows the falls at their most dramatic, but dry season offers more reliable travel conditions.

Wet season
June-October · 25-35°C
Higher river volumes make the falls more impressive, but travel can be harder.
Dry season
November-May · 20-30°C
Lower water levels, easier overland access; clearer skies for photos.

Weather & Climate near Félou Falls #

Climate

Félou Falls's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with very hot summers (peaking in May) and hot winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 19°C to 43°C. Moderate rainfall (625 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.

Best Time to Visit
FebruaryJanuaryDecember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
47°
Warmest Month
10°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.

95 Ideal

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
19° 32°
21%
Humidity
Dry

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
11.3h daylight

February

February is hot with highs of 36°C and lows of 21°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.

97 Ideal

Comfort

28°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
21° 36°
16%
Humidity
Dry

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
11.6h daylight

March

March is hot with highs of 39°C and lows of 23°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.

89 Excellent

Comfort

31°
Feels Like Hot
31°C
Temperature
23° 39°
14%
Humidity
Dry

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.5
UV Index
Extreme
11.9h daylight

April

April is hot with highs of 42°C and lows of 26°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.

87 Excellent

Comfort

34°
Feels Like Hot
34°C
Temperature
26° 42°
16%
Humidity
Dry

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
12.3h daylight

May

May is the hottest month with highs of 43°C and lows of 27°C. Light rainfall.

85 Excellent

Comfort

35°
Feels Like Hot
35°C
Temperature
27° 43°
25%
Humidity
Dry

Weather

13 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
12.7h daylight

June

June is hot, feeling like 34°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

73 Very Good

Comfort

34°
Feels Like Hot
33°C
Temperature
26° 39°
46%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

71 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
12.8h daylight

July

July is hot, feeling like 34°C. Significant rainfall (158 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

67 Good

Comfort

34°
Feels Like Hot
29°C
Temperature
25° 34°
70%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

158 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
12.8h daylight

August

August is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (212 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

61 Good

Comfort

33°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
24° 32°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

212 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
12.5h daylight

September

September is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (130 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

33°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
24° 33°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

130 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

October

October is hot, feeling like 34°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm).

79 Very Good

Comfort

34°
Feels Like Hot
30°C
Temperature
24° 36°
68%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

39 mm
Rainfall
1.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
11.7h daylight

November

November is hot, feeling like 28°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.

87 Excellent

Comfort

29°
Feels Like Hot
29°C
Temperature
22° 35°
44%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
1.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.0
UV Index
Very High
11.3h daylight

December

December is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.

95 Ideal

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
20° 32°
30%
Humidity
Dry

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
11.2h daylight

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