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Sunday, August 2, 2009

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

14 comments:

  1. Nice one here pretty. Happy Sunday. Mine is ready too.

    Mine is here ready for a visit

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  2. Hi JBar;) thanks for visiting and your kind comment.

    Hi momgen;) welcome to my blog.

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  3. It looks very peaceful there ! Nice landscape. Thanks for your kind comment on my post, do you have a cat too ? I don't remember.

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  4. Moonrise over the Niger River sounds almost lyrical, like the opening lines to a song! Lovely sense of serenity a nd enjoyed the information.

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  5. Lovely moonlit scene. Thanks for the info too. I remember learning about the Niger in school (50 years ago)but I'm not very knowledgable about African countries.

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  6. My son and dil just returned from Niger where they'd been for 2 years with the Peace Corps. They posted some lovely shots of the Niger River, also, I think when they were in Niamey. Its surrounding land there is beautifully green in September. These evening scenes are great! Thanks for sharing.

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  7. Hi Gattina;) I have EIGHT cats! (LOL) My post tomorrow is on a meme and about one of these furry spoilt, but much-loved kids of mine. Thanks for popping in. Hugs Jo

    Hi Gemma;) yes, it is wonderfully serene and calm in the middle of a bustling, hectic African city.

    Thanks diane, for visiting. At least we have Google today. I had to check where this mighty river stood in the hierachy of long rivers in Africa.

    Hi Pat;) I think I remember your posts re your son and dil to Esther who actually lives in the country Niger. The river flows through there as well. Thanks for visiting (((Hugs))) Jo

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  8. What an exotic vista. Thanks for the info on the river. You have certainly had a lot of interesting travel experiences!

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  9. Beautiful scenes. Another wonderful shots. Thanks for sharing Jo.
    Have a blessed week ahead.

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  10. Beautiful photos - love the sky and the city skyline!

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  11. Hi LinneaW, thanks for visiting my blog;)

    hi Regina;) may you have a wonderful week ahead. Blessings

    Hi Cheri, thanks for visiting my blog. Yes, the large rectangular building on the skyline is the Bank de Commercial. Bamako is a bustling city and often dignitaries/govt officials are driven (raced) through the streets in their huge black limos on their way to meetings with other heads of state. This city seems to be the hub of these gatherings.

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  12. Hi Jo,
    Lovely photos.
    Everyone in Finland knows Namibia. Do you know why?
    If you like answer, my address is here.Thank you.

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  13. What a beautiful scene from an exotic land!

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  14. Hi Mia N, thanks for visiting.

    Thanks Janie, I popped over to your blog again and LOVED your skies this week.

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Thank you for visiting my blog and taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate your feedback. Jo