Main image

Jacques Taberlet CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Félou Falls

Waterfall

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.

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In this guide

Félou Falls essentials

Country: Mali
Driest months: Jan-Mar
Pay in: Franc (Fr)
Language: French
Emergency: 18

Félou Falls at a Glance

About Félou Falls

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.
When to Go

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.

Air Quality: AQI 92 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
FebruaryJanuaryDecember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
47°
Warmest Month
10°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Ideal 19° - 32° 26° 0 mm mostly sunny 21% 2.4 m/s 1.9 very high 11.3h
February Ideal 21° - 36° 28° 0 mm mostly sunny 16% 2.7 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.6h
March Excellent 23° - 39° 31° 0 mm mostly sunny 14% 2.9 m/s 2.5 extreme 11.9h
April Excellent 26° - 42° 34° 1 mm mostly sunny 16% 2.5 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.3h
May Excellent 27° - 43° 35° 13 mm some cloud 25% 2.6 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.7h
June Very Good 26° - 39° 34° 71 mm partly cloudy 46% 2.9 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.8h
July Good 25° - 34° 34° 158 mm partly cloudy 70% 2.5 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.8h
August Good 24° - 32° 33° 212 mm partly cloudy 81% 1.9 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.5h
September Good 24° - 33° 33° 130 mm partly cloudy 81% 2.0 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.1h
October Very Good 24° - 36° 34° 39 mm some cloud 68% 1.5 m/s 2.3 extreme 11.7h
November Excellent 22° - 35° 29° 0 mm mostly sunny 44% 1.7 m/s 2.0 very high 11.3h
December Ideal 20° - 32° 26° 1 mm mostly sunny 30% 2.2 m/s 1.8 very high 11.2h
Getting There & Around

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.