Lake Manantali Reservoir

Lake Manantali is a reservoir in western Mali formed by the Manantali Dam on the Bafing River; the dam and reservoir were completed in the late 1980s as a regional development project.

The lake functions mainly as a multipurpose reservoir - its primary uses are hydropower generation, seasonal flow regulation for downstream irrigation and flood control, and support for local fisheries. Shoreline access is often used by local fishing communities rather than large-scale tourism.

The reservoir was created when the Manantali Dam was built on the Bafing River; the dam provides the hydroelectric generation that defines the lake’s purpose. The project altered seasonal flows in the Senegal River basin and supported development schemes in the surrounding region.

Geographically the reservoir lies in Mali’s Kayes Region in the western part of the country, on the Bafing River which is a headwater of the Senegal River system.

• Hydropower project: Completed in the late 1980s as part of a multipurpose project for hydropower and river flow regulation.
• Local uses: Supports local fisheries and irrigation by regulating seasonal river flows in the Bafing/Senegal basin.

What to See#

• Manantali Dam: Sits at the outlet of the reservoir and houses the hydroelectric plant that supplies power to the downstream grid; it was completed in the late 1980s and is the infrastructure that created the lake.

Lake Manantali is reached from Kayes and regional towns by road. Travel typically involves driving on paved highways followed by secondary roads; local operators and guides can facilitate the last miles to the dam and reservoir area.

• Combine Lake Manantali with a visit to the dam infrastructure to understand its role in regional irrigation and power.
• Travel with local guides who know seasonal road conditions-some routes become difficult in the rainy season.
• Bring sun protection; shade is limited around parts of the reservoir.