Mali - The Magui Lake Natural Reservoir

Located in Kayes, the first Administrative Region of the Republic of Mali, the natural site of Lake Magui is a basin whose meander course extends over 78 km long and 15 km wide. With an area of ​​24,740 hectares, Magui is a permanent freshwater lake fed by several streams. It crosses three rural communes of the Circle of Kayes: Maréna-Diombogou, Ségala and Séro Diamano. The first two communes (Maréna-Diombogou and Ségala) are located on the Kayes-Bamako road less than 60 km from the city of Kayes and the third (Séro Diamano) on the Kayes-Yélimané axis about 50 km from the city of Kayes. About thirteen (13) villages are around the lake. Lake Magui has some uninhabited islands, including Alamuta. Lake Magui is a permanent natural water reservoir in the Kayes region. The variations of the water level are from 3 to 6 meters. The lake is fringed with herbaceous and woody plants and is home to a very rich biodiversity, including small mammals (hinds, warthogs, jackals, hyenas), reptiles, fish and waterfowl and grain-eating birds. Agricultural activities are practiced during recession periods on flat surfaces that can be flooded. Fishing is done in a traditional way and is the favorite activity of local populations. Lake Magui is the only natural reservoir for watering domestic and transhumant livestock in the Kayes Region.