SWIMMING IN THE THIRD LONGEST RIVER IN AFRICA. скачать в хорошем качестве

SWIMMING IN THE THIRD LONGEST RIVER IN AFRICA.

I once swam in the River Niger, Africa’s third longest river. But that swim wasn’t just into water—it was a dive into history, culture, and life itself. Between Kwara State and Niger State in Nigeria lies Jebba, a quiet town where the River Niger flows with authority. Jebba is known for the Mungo Park Monument, marking the burial place of the Scottish explorer who died while searching for the source and course of this great river—particularly whether it connected to the Congo River. For centuries, the River Niger has puzzled explorers, sustained empires, and shaped civilizations. 🌍 Where the River Niger Is on the Map The River Niger begins in the Fouta Djallon Highlands of Guinea, flows northeast through Mali, bends sharply southeast in Niger Republic, and finally enters Nigeria—where it pours into the Atlantic Ocean through the Niger Delta. It stretches over 4,180 kilometers, making it the 14th longest river in the world and Africa’s third longest, after the Nile and the Congo. 🎨 The Colour of the River Unlike clear mountain rivers, the River Niger has a brownish to greenish colour. This comes from: Fine sediments and silt Decaying vegetation Seasonal flooding that stirs riverbeds That colour isn’t pollution—it’s actually a sign of fertility and life, the reason farming communities thrive along its banks. 🗺️ Countries the River Niger Passes Through The River Niger flows through five African countries: Guinea Mali Niger Republic Benin (briefly along the border) Nigeria Each country depends on it for water, food, trade, and energy. 🇳🇬 Nigerian States the River Niger Passes Through In Nigeria, the River Niger flows through or borders these states: Kebbi Niger Kwara Kogi Anambra Delta Bayelsa At Lokoja in Kogi State, the River Niger meets the River Benue, forming one of the most important river confluences in Africa. 🏗️ Dams Connected to the River Niger & Their Purposes Several major dams are built on the River Niger to control flooding, generate power, and support agriculture: Kainji Dam (Niger State) Generates hydroelectric power Controls flooding Supports irrigation and fishing Home to Kainji Lake National Park Jebba Dam (Kwara State) Hydroelectric power generation Supports Nigeria’s national grid Shiroro Dam (Kaduna State – tributary connected to Niger) Power generation Water supply and irrigation These dams play a critical role in Nigeria’s electricity supply, agriculture, and water management. 💰 Economic Importance of the River Niger The River Niger is an economic artery: Supports millions of farmers through irrigation Provides fish for local and commercial markets Enables river transportation and trade Supports industries, hydroelectric power, and oil activities in the Niger Delta Entire communities—adults, children, and infants—grow up depending on the river for survival, culture, and identity. 🧠 Cultural Identity: Many Names, One River Across Africa, the river bears different names: Jeliba – Mandingo Isa Ber – Songhai Kworra – Hausa Odo Oya – Yoruba Oshimiri – Igbo Mayo Balewo – Fulani Gher – Tamasheq Each name reflects reverence, power, and spiritual connection. 🎬 Closing The River Niger is not just a river. It is Africa’s memory, a conveyor of culture, a source of life, and a witness to history. From ancient empires to modern cities, from children playing along its banks to farmers depending on its floods—the River Niger continues to flow, unchanged in purpose, unstoppable in impact #documentary #travel #nature #trip #riverniger