Niger River

The Niger River is the 3rd longest river in Africa, after the Nile and Congo. It begins by Guinea, then crosses Mali, Niger, before dropping into the Atlantic. In Mali, it plays an important role. With the bad state of the roads, or non existence in some places, the only means of communication between people and business is this river. It flows through Bamako, Segou, Mopti, Djenne, Gao and Timbuktu. In a country that is dry, they use it for washing, laundry or kitchen utensils, children come to play and bathe, and use it for irrigation and rice cultivation. In many cities, including Mopti and Djenne, you can go on a walk along the river.