TINKISSO FALL

5 km before arriving in Dabola, coming from Mamou, a sign indicates the Tinkisso dam on the right. After crossing a small teak forest (which can provide a pleasant picnic site), the trail leads directly to the dam and the adjoining artificial lake. At the gate, a guard controls the access to the site, said to be "strategic" because of the power plant that supplies electricity to the whole region (when there is enough water), but here no right of way is required. From the top of the dam, the view of the green plain (in the rainy season and just after) watered by the Tinkisso river to the south is magnificent. As for the panorama on the waterfall, the prettiest one is located halfway up the slope, at the level of a small turret. We reach it by a track leaving on the left just before the dam. The waters of the Tinkisso plunge from the spillway in the middle of granite blocks cut and piled up in improbable stairs. The river continues its course a few dozen meters lower before flowing into the Niger, further on. From March (sometimes even before depending on the rainfall of the year) and until the rainy season in July-August, the waterfall is dry, not a single drop of water pours out of the dam lake itself at low water. Nevertheless, the view is worth the detour and the area around the dam offers a pleasant place to rest, quiet and set back from the road. Perhaps the keeper of the site will even offer you a small coffee.