Niger,Sengal & Volta River

The Volta River (above)

The Senegal River (above)
Niger River (above)

The Niger River is the principle river of western Africa. The Niger bend is important because it is one of the Sahara's water sources. The water in the Niger River is mainly used for hydro power although it permits irrigation. The river has many tributaries. The most important tributary is the Benue River.

The Senegal River makes the border between Senegal and Mauritania. It is 1,021 miles long. The main head streams are the Bafing and Bakoye. They meet in Mali forming the Senegal proper. The Senegal river basin is home to 3.5 million people. Hydroelectricity brings power to many cities.

The Volta River is located in west Africa. The Volta is divided into the Black Volta, the White Volta and the Red Volta. The Volta flows along Ghana and eventually empties into the Gulf Of Guinea. Major tributaries are the Afram and the Oti.