Lake Débo

Lake Débo is not a lake in the ordinary sense but the widest part of the inner Niger delta, where the river spreads out across a shallow basin after the flood and then contracts again as the water falls, so that its extent changes enormously through the year. It is one of the most important waterbird sites in West Africa, holding vast numbers of ducks, waders and herons through the northern winter, and Fulani herders bring cattle to its edges.

What you actually see

• The flood expansion - a basin whose extent changes enormously through the year.
• The waterbirds - vast wintering concentrations of ducks, waders and herons.
• The Fulani herds - cattle brought to the receding edges of the water.
• The delta setting - the widest part of the inner Niger delta.

When to go

November to February is when the flood is high and the birds are present. Water falls sharply from March and boats become limited. The rains run June to September.

Honest expectations

Boat travel depends entirely on water levels and is impossible at low water. There is no infrastructure anywhere on the lake. Journeys from Mopti take a full day each way.

Nearby

Mopti is upstream, and Niafunké is downstream.