Preserve Cultures

Preserve Cultures

The Gambia River

the Gambia River flowing between green graces.

This article is about the Gambia River. If you want to know about the river, then keep reading this article. Because, after reading the article, you will have much knowledge about the river. I have explained almost everything about the river, such as its geography, dimensions, course, tributaries, waterfalls, islands, and many more.

So, without further waiting, let’s get into the facts of the river.

Geography, Dimensions, and Course of the Gambia River

The Gambia River is flowing in West Africa. Earlier name of the river was Gambra. The word may also be spelled as Gambie. It is a major river in the Gambia. The Gambia is a small state in the African mainland. The river is flowing through the Gambia, Senegal, and guinea. It originates from the republic of Guinea. Then flows towards west via the Gambia. Finally, the river reaches to the Atlantic Ocean.

The total length of the river is 700 miles or 1120 kilometers. The source of the river is Fouta Djallon whose elevation is 438meters. The ends or mouth of the river is Atlantic Ocean.

Tributaries of the Gambia River

There are two major branches or tributaries of this River. These are the Sofianiama and the Sandougou. In Africa, the Gambia River is best way for water transport among others. Also, it is a solo river in western Africa which is easily approachable for the ships that travels in the ocean. The lands at both side of the river, forms the Gambia state that gives a factor of unification for the Gambia.

In 1978, the Gambia River Development Organization was formed between the Senegal and Gambia, as well as joined by the Guinea in 1980. However, due to the political isolation between the Senegal and the Gambia, the improvement of the river’s resources and its basin has been obstructed for long times.

Islands of the Gambia River

the Gambia River in a cold season with a crystal clear form surrounded by trees and sand

There are many islands formed by the process of braiding, in the middle of river. The braiding is a process in which the river divides and unite again, so, as a result the island came into being in the middle. The largest two among others are the McCarthy Island and the Elephant Island.

This is formed by many creeks. These creeks are known as the Bolons. Among the Bolons the Bintang Bolon is the largest that drains into the river from south. Beside the banks of river, the width of the valley changes frequently. The valley of river has been cut into sandstones’ plateau since approximately 65-2.6 million years ago. That was the times of Neogene and Paleogene.

The Barra Kunda Falls

There is a waterfalls on the upstream side of the river, which is a best place to visit. This waterfalls belongs to the Gambia and Senegal. The word Barra Kunda also spelled as Barra Kunda. It is situated at a distance of about 480 kilometers or 300 miles on the upper side of the Gambia River’s mouth. The waterfalls is located on the border of Senegal and the Gambia. So, for the tourist it is a best spot to sight.

Conclusion

To conclude, the Gambia River is a river which is flowing in the Gambia, Senegal, and Guinea, West Africa. The river originates from the Guinea and ends in the Atlantic Ocean. The river is formed by many creeks which are known as Bolons. The total length of the river is 700 miles or 1120 kilometers. Sofianiama and Sandougou are the major tributaries of the river.

There are many islands in the river which are formed by the Braiding phenomena. Also, there is a beautiful waterfalls known as Barra Kunda waterfalls. So, I hope, after having read this article, you would have got some information about the Gambia River.

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