Point G Hill

Point G is the sandstone escarpment that rises directly behind Bamako, taking its name from a colonial survey marker, and the hospital and university sit along the top of it. In caves and under overhangs on the slope are paintings in red and white, animals and schematic figures, made long before the city existed. From the edge the whole of Bamako and the Niger are laid out below, which is the reason most people drive up.

The landscape

• The rock paintings - red and white figures under the overhangs on the slope.
• The city view - Bamako and the Niger spread out from the escarpment edge.
• The sandstone cliff - the scarp rising directly behind the capital.
• The hilltop institutions - the hospital and university along the top.

When to go

November to February is cool and clear. The harmattan haze from December can reduce the view. March to May is extremely hot.

Good to know

The paintings are hard to find without someone who knows the caves and are damaged by graffiti. There is no interpretation. The hill is built up in places.

Nearby

The National Museum is below, and central Bamako is beyond it.