Traveling Along the Niger River in Mali
Adventures in Mali
The Niger River flows through the heart of Mali. It’s waters provide an invaluable life source to much of the local population. Farming, fishing and commerce rely heavily on this mighty waterway.
Much of the road from Bamako to Pays Dogon and Tombouctou follows close to the path of the Niger. The fabled Mud City of Djenne, a World Heritage site, Segou and Segoukoro (old Segou) and the bustling river port city of Mopti are destinations well worth visiting that lay on the banks of the Niger. Even Tombouctou is only a few kilometers from the river.
The following photos were taken along the river in Segou, Seoukoro, Djenne and Mopti and from the decks of a local river boat, called a Pinasse, during an amazing river voyage from Tombouctou to Mopti.
Haute Couture Africa Mode
At a Dress Shop in Segou
A Laden Pinasse
A Pinasse Arrives with Cargo in Segou
Off Loading a Pinasse
Loading Goods onto Donkey Carts in Segou
The Riverfront
Activity on the Niger River in Segou
Washing the Mercedes
A Man Taking Care of His Car in Segou
Fulani Boy and Horse
A Boy Takes His Horse into the River for a Bath
Horse Having a Bath
Animals are Well Looked After in Mali
Horse and Boy
On the Waterfront in Segou
After the Bath
Horse and Boy After Washing the Horse in the River
Donkeys and Pirouge
On the Banks of the Niger, Segoukoro
Cattle Crossing the River
Cattle Cross the Niger in Segoukoro
Design on a Pinasse
Blue and White Design on Pinasse in Segou
Detail of Pinasse in Segou
Note Handcrafted Wooden Paddle
Calabashes for Sale
In the Market in Segoukoro
The Ferry Crossing at Djenne
Horse Cart Waiting for the Ferry
Djenne
A World Heritage Site
Djenne, the City of Mud
A Place Not to Miss!
Mud Cloth in Djenne
Bogolan, or Mud Cloth Originated in Djenne
Djenne
One of the Fabled Mud Buildings
Mud Architecture, Djenne
Window in a Wall in Djenne
Window in Djenne
Window in a Wall in Djenne
Going to Market
Horse Cart Headed for the San Market
San Market
Horse Cart at the Market in San
San Market
Lady Selling Dried Fish
Color is Everywhere in Mali
Horse Cart at the Market in San
Cart Horse’s Amulet
San Market
Cart Horse’s Amulet
San Market
Close Up of a Donkey
San Market
Donkey in Harness
San Market
Pottery For Sale
San Market
San Market
Man Selling Kola Nuts in the San Market
Pure Shea Butter
For Sale in the Market in San
Lady Weighing Shea Butter
Shea Butter is One of Mali’s Primary Exports
Lady Selling Watermellons
San Market
Calabashes on the Waterfront in Mopti
Calabashes of Every Size For Sale
Salt on the Waterfront at Mopti
Transported from the Distant Salt Mines of the Sahara
The Waterfront in Mopti
The Bustling Port of Mopti
Close Up of Pinasse
Showing Steering Mechanism
Man in Orange Boubou
Reflecting on the River
Ladies in Twin Boubous
Ladies Crossing the Water in Mopti
Man in Purple Boubou
Man on the Waterfront in Mopti
Small Boats on the River
Scene From the Mopti Waterfront
Man in a Blue Boubou
On the Waterfront in Mopti
Bob Marley Pinasse
Everyone Loves Bob Marley!
Boatman
Boatman in Mopti
Design on Pinasse
Color is Everywhere in Mali
Malian Woman
Colorful Dress on the Waterfront in Mopti
Malian Ladies in Beautiful Boubous
Elegant Ladies Attending Mopti Festival
Young Man in Traditional Dress
Mopti Festival
Cultural Festival in Mopti
People of Diverse Malian Cultures Display Their Finery in Mopti
A Face in the Crowd
Man at Festival in Mopti
Mural on the Wall
Colorful Mural on the Wall of a Restaurant in Mopti
Man With a Blue Blanket
Hand Woven Wool Dyed with Indigo
Blankets on Display
Like Male Peacocks Displaying Their Tails
Blanket Vendors in Mopti
Beautiful Locally Made Blankets on Display
Turban Seller in Mopti
Turbans in the Colors of a Rainbow
Nafunke
Pinasse at Nafunke
Commercial Pinasse
Large Pinasse Stop Along the River to Deliver and Load Goods
Cattle on the River
Children in Pirouge with Cattle Grazing on the Bank
Herd of Sheep
River Dwellers in Pirouge with Sheep
Moto in Pirouge
Everyting Imaginable is Transported by Boat!
Colorful Boatman
Fisherman on the River
Clothing Vendor on the Niger
Local Vendor Selling Clothing from Pirouge