Moonrise over the Niger River

Continuing with my West African posts in the various memes, I found these photos which I took while overnighting in Bamako, Mali. We were on our way out on break, which is the term mining expats use when going out on leave. Our hotel overlapped the Niger river; I took these photos from the verander where we were served meals and refreshments.

African tranquility at its best

The Niger is the third longest river in Africa, stretching over 2 500 miles /4 000 km in a great arc that extends northward. Originating in the Fouta Djallon highlands in Guinea, the Niger river flows through four West African countries; 1 100 mile/1 700km of the river flows through Mali.

It turns back toward the south and makes its way through Niger and Nigeria to empty into the Gulf of Guinea. Mali sits at the northern apex of the curve, where the river splits into a vast 12 500 miles/20 000km inland delta before reforming itself to return southward. The Niger is of vital importance in Mali, providing irrigation for agriculture and serving as a major transportation artery. For a country that is so arid the Niger literally brings life to some of Mali's interior, with fruit and vegetables cultivated all along its banks.

The freshwater fish the river provides, especially in the Niger inland delta, provides food and a source of income for thousands of Malians.

For visitors to the country, the Niger offers a magnificent and leisurely means of travel and touring. During the high water months (between August and November), large river boats ply the river, traversing more than half of the country over a period of six or seven days. Smaller and slower vessels also offer river passage, including pirogues, Mali's small traditional canoes, and pinasses, slightly larger and motorized boats.

The moon rises over the Niger river which flows through the Malian capital of Bamako. 400km / 250 miles up -river is the legendary, but very real city, Timbuktu

For more Scenic Sunday scenes click here