The region is irrigated by several rivers, including the Niger, Baoulé, Sankarani, Baogé, Bani and Bafing.

The climate of the region's south has the high rainfall typical of the Sudan, while north of the Kita-Bamako axis, it tends to a Sahelian aridity.

The largest cities of the region are Kati, Koulikoro, Kolokani, Nara, Banamba and Dioïla; however the most populous commune is Kalabancoro.

The Boucle du Baoulé National Park and the natural reserves of Fina, Kongossambougou and Badinko shelter a diversity of wildlife.

It is also an important port on the Niger River which makes it possible to serve the towns of Ségou, Mopti, Tombouctou and Gao.