Why is The Gambia river important?

The most important function of the Gambia River in modern times is its use as a waterway for transporting cargo, people, and mail across various distances. Ferry services operate along the course of the river, allowing north-south river crossings connecting the northern and southern parts of the nation of The Gambia.

Are there crocodiles in the river Gambia?

RIVERS & CREEKS: The River Gambia is known to have crocodiles, which are common along the length of the river and in tributaries, and hippos which reside upriver in the central regions. You should avoid swimming anywhere along the river, as well as various streams as you could encounter one of these animals.

Where is The Gambia river located in Africa?

western Africa
The Gambia River runs for approximately 1,130 km in western Africa from Guinea, through Senegal to The Gambia. The basin contains a range of habitats (including estuaries, marshes, swamps and mudflats), and harbours a high level of floral and faunal biodiversity.

When was The Gambia river discovered?

15th and 16th centuries. The European discovery of the Gambia began in the 15th century, with the push toward exploration by the Portuguese Prince Henry the Navigator. In 1446, Portuguese captain Nuno Tristao made contact with the inhabitants of Cape Vert, and made a treaty of commerce and friendship with them.

Is the Gambia River the river of the Gambia?

It is often said that “The Gambia River is the Gambia and the Gambia is the river Gambia”. It is a major tourist attraction and the dominant feature running through the heart of the country.

Where does the Gambie River start and end?

Alternative Title: Gambie River Gambia River, river in western Africa, 700 miles (1,120 km) long, rising in the Republic of Guinea and flowing westward through The Gambia into the Atlantic Ocean. Its major tributaries are the Sandougou and the Sofianiama.

How long is the bridge on the Gambia River?

Opened in January 2019, it provides a link between the stretches of the Trans-Gambia Highway on the North and South Bank of the river. It also provides an expedited connection for Senegalese trucks traveling to and from Casamance. The bridge is 1.9 kilometers long and replaces a previously-unreliable vehicle ferry.

Where are the mangrove swamps in the Gambia River?

Dense mangrove swamps fringe the lower river for 60 miles (97 km) inland, after which freshwater swamps and salt flats on low-lying stretches alternate with dense clumps of small trees and shrubs that line the cliffs. On the higher slopes of the riverbank, swamps and shrubs give place to parkland and tall grass.