Lake SélinguéLake Sélingué at a Glance
About Lake Sélingué
Lake Sélingué is a reservoir in southern Mali’s Sikasso Region created by the construction of the Sélingué Dam on the Sankarani River. It functions as both a hydroelectric reservoir and an irrigation and fisheries resource for the surrounding region.
The reservoir supports seasonal fisheries and irrigation schemes, and the dam supplies electricity to parts of southern Mali. Lakeside villages and agricultural land depend on its regulated water levels for crops and livelihoods.
The dam project was completed in 1982 and transformed a river valley into a managed reservoir that now plays a major role in regional development. Management focuses on balancing power generation, irrigation needs and fishing productivity.
The reservoir lies on the Sankarani River in Sikasso Region, downstream of the central highlands and serving communities in southern Mali.
- Creation and use: The reservoir was formed when the dam was completed in 1982, and is used for hydroelectric power, irrigation and fisheries.
What to See#
- Sélingué Dam: Concrete gravity dam completed in 1982 that impounds the Sankarani River and created the reservoir used for hydroelectric generation and irrigation.
Best Time to Visit Lake Sélingué
Lake Selingué (Sélengué) in southern Mali is most accessible during the dry season; rainy months can make travel difficult and roads muddy.
Weather & Climate near Lake Sélingué
Lake Sélingué's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with very hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 15°C to 38°C. Abundant rainfall (1031 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 15° - 33° | 24° | 1 mm | mostly sunny | 27% | 2.0 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.4h |
| February | Ideal | 19° - 36° | 27° | 2 mm | mostly sunny | 22% | 2.1 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.7h |
| March | Excellent | 22° - 38° | 30° | 5 mm | mostly sunny | 25% | 2.7 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Excellent | 23° - 38° | 30° | 31 mm | some cloud | 38% | 2.6 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.3h |
| May | Very Good | 24° - 37° | 32° | 84 mm | partly cloudy | 55% | 2.4 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.5h |
| June | Good | 22° - 34° | 30° | 136 mm | partly cloudy | 68% | 2.8 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.7h |
| July | Good | 21° - 31° | 26° | 230 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 2.3 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.6h |
| August | Good | 21° - 30° | 25° | 281 mm | overcast | 85% | 2.2 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.4h |
| September | Good | 21° - 31° | 26° | 190 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 1.7 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Very Good | 21° - 33° | 29° | 66 mm | some cloud | 75% | 1.6 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.8h |
| November | Excellent | 19° - 34° | 27° | 5 mm | mostly sunny | 54% | 1.5 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.5h |
| December | Ideal | 16° - 33° | 25° | 0 mm | mostly sunny | 38% | 1.9 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.3h |
How to Get to Lake Sélingué
Lake Sélengué is located in the Sikasso Region of southern Mali, formed by the dam on the Sankarani River. The nearest larger towns are Sikasso and Bamako (further away); local roads connect communities around the reservoir. Travelers should consult local authorities and guides for access and security information.
Tips for Visiting Lake Sélingué
- Coordinate travel through regional authorities-Sikasso and surrounding regions have limited tourist infrastructure.
- Bring strong sunscreen and shade-Sahelian climates can be intense even in early mornings.
- Hire local guides familiar with the reservoir's shores and seasonal changes.