What is the source of the Niger River?

The source of the Niger River is the Guinea Highlands. Measuring approximately 2,610 miles long, the river follows a northeasterly course through Guinea, Mali and Niger, flowing close to the Benin border and then through Nigeria. The Niger River empties its waters into the massive Niger Delta, which is located in the Gulf of Guinea.

Guinea is situated in the western section of Africa, close to the Atlantic Ocean. The Niger River's headwaters, which originate from the Guinea uplands, are found in the rocky eastern portion of Tembakounda. This area produces only minor amounts of sediment, which account for the clarity of the river's waters.