paulinette
Niger river via Pinassee boat
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.
The more adventurous can get to Timbuktu by boat, which is 5 or 6 days from Mopti. The boat is called a "pinasse", the fisherman's boat that will take 2 or 3 people, until the big boats full of passengers and goods, animals and water supplies, can be used , but I don´t guarantee when or how to get there. Wear a sarong to keep you warm, and bring enough water for a full day. If you hurry, see Timbuktu by boat, and return with a bus.
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