The green pool
Clear water below the rocks.
Ji-Elle — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ji-Elle — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ji-Elle — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ji-Elle — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ji-Elle — CC BY-SA 4.0
The Kota Falls are a chain of waterfalls on the eastern side of the Atacora range in northwest Benin, one of the country's protected areas. They lie in the Kotopounga district, about 13 km in a straight line from the town of Natitingou. The falls are formed by the small Kota River, part of the Kéran basin, dropping an estimated 100 metres over a series of rock steps. Unlike many streams in the region that run dry in the long dry season, the water here keeps flowing all year, fed by groundwater. Researchers from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew recorded 133 tree species along the river and near the falls. The water spills down a wall of layered grey sandstone into a clear green pool ringed by palms and forest. A small metal footbridge crosses the rocks, paths lead through the trees to the top of the falls, and nearby is a camp of round mud huts with thatched roofs. The climate is Sudano-Guinean, averaging 28 degrees, with a single rainy season from May to October. Rocks near the water are slippery, so take care on foot. The UK Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to this area, so read the current advice before you plan.
Clear water below the rocks.
Layered sandstone.
Over the rocks by the water.
Kotopounga, near Natitingou, Atacora, Benin
Yes, groundwater keeps it running all year.
The UK Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel there; check the advice.