Gouina Falls, Waterfall on Senegal River, Kayes Region, Mali.
Gouina Falls is a wide cascade stretching about 430 meters across, dropping over granite rocks and creating a continuous display of rushing water. The falls descend in stages over the river's rocky bed, forming a dramatic shift in the water's movement as it flows downstream.
Plans to use this site for generating electricity emerged in the 1920s as Mali began exploring ways to develop its water resources. These early studies laid the groundwork for later thinking about energy projects in the region.
The place has been woven into the daily lives of nearby communities for generations, with people adapting their routines to the river's rhythm and seasonal changes. Their connection to this spot remains visible in how they use the surrounding land today.
The site is easier to approach during the dry season when water volume decreases and the surrounding ground becomes more accessible. During the rainy season, expect heavy water flow and more challenging conditions for getting close to the falls.
Over thousands of years, circular potholes about two meters deep have formed in the rock face above the falls, visible to visitors who explore the area. These natural pools demonstrate how persistent water flow gradually shapes stone through patient erosion.
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