Happy TravellerWelcome to Bafoulabé, a town and rural commune located in the Region of Kayes in south-western Mali. This charming destination is situated at the confluence of the Bafing and Bakoy rivers, which join to become the Sénégal River. Bafoulabé is the capital of the Cercle of Bafoulabé, which was the first Cercle to be created in Mali in 1887.
Local administration in Bafoulabé is directed by an elected Commune Council of 23 members and a Commune executive of the elected Mayor and three adjutants. The executive is tasked with carrying out the directives voted by the Council. National policies are carried out by a Sub-Prefect, who also carries out certain of the Council’s directives over the local arms or national bodies.
At Bafoulabé, the Bafing and Bakoy rivers meet to form the Sénégal River. In Bambara, Bafoulabé means meeting of two rivers. The Manantali hydroelectric dam and its reservoir, Lake Manantali, the largest in Mali, is located 90 km to the south-east of Bafoulabé on the Bafing. The Commune is bounded to the east by Kontéla Commune and Oualia Commune, to the north Tomora Commune and Sidibéla Commune, to the south by Mahina Commune and to the west by Diamou Commune of Kayes Cercle.
The climate in Bafoulabé is Sahelian, with the June to October rainy season accounting for all the less than 900 mm of precipitation a year. While hot year-round by temperate standards, a hot season lasts from roughly February to June, and a cooler season runs from roughly November to February. Maximum yearly temperature may reach 41 °C in the shade.
The Sahel landscape of the Commune is made up of grasslands punctuated by trees, often large. These include the baobab, the rônier, raffia palm (from which textiles, rope, and palm oil is made), shea (from which Shea Butter is made), duguto, and néré trees.
Bafoulabé had a population of 16,670 in 1998 and 19,955 in 2009. Prior to colonialism, Bafoulabé had been a thriving commercial center. The town’s population consists primarily of Khassonkés, Malinkés, Soninkés, and Fulas. Fily Dabo Sissoko, writer and one of the founding fathers of independent Mali, was a native of Bafoulabé. The Festival dansa/diawoura, a festival of traditional dance, took place in Bafoulabé from April 8 to April 10, 2005. The legend of Mali Sadio, which concerns a hippopotamus who develops a friendship with a young lady called Sadio, takes place in Bafoulabé.
Bafoulabé is a hidden gem that is often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbors. However, this enchanting destination boasts a rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and mouthwatering local cuisine. Come and discover the many treasures of Bafoulabé and experience the warmth and hospitality of its people.