Why are the River Niger and River Benue always searched together? From the colonial history of Lokoja to the natural “Y” shape that defines Nigeria, we explore 10 facts about the meeting of these two African giants.
Most history books give you dates; Candice Millard gives you the dirt. In this book review of River of the Gods, we’re looking past the Victorian pedestals to the flawed, desperate men who “found” the Nile’s source—and the unsung heroes like Sidi Mubarak Bombay who actually kept them alive. From the East African slave trade to the burning of Burton’s legacy, it’s time to talk about what really happened on the riverbanks.
Current monitoring shows water levels nearing bank-full at the Oued El Makhazine Dam and the Loukkos River basin as of February 3, 2026. The situation has escalated into a humanitarian crisis as the city of Ksar El Kebir is described by locals as a “ghost town,” with half the population now displaced. While the rains have ended years of drought, the sheer volume of water—exceeding annual averages by 159% in just one week—has pushed Morocco’s hydraulic infrastructure to its absolute limit, prompting a massive mobilization of the Royal Armed Forces.
While the history books obsession over ink-on-paper maps, the true story of the Nile was written in silt and cedar. Behind every ‘discovery’ claimed by the Victorian elite was Sidi Mubarak Bombay, a man who translated the roar of the rapids into a path forward. It’s time to look past the brass compasses and see the man who actually held the paddle.
Current monitoring shows water levels beginning to recede at the Olifants River High Water Bridge as of January 19, 2026. While the “Red Level 10” weather system has finally moved off, the aftermath has left a landscape of severed roads and washed-out bridges, forcing the park to implement a strict visitor quota system to manage the remaining accessible routes.
Deep within the heart of the rainforest, where the air hangs thick with the scent of damp earth and the calls of unseen creatures echo through the emerald canopy, a different kind of music rises. It’s a rhythm born not of drums or flutes, but of water and air, a pulse that resonates with the very spirit of the river. This is Liquindi, the ancient and extraordinary music of the Baka Forest People.
The Okavango River, a defiant force of nature, defies expectations by turning inland. This audacious river carves its own path through the heart of Africa, creating a breathtaking oasis that captivates the imagination. Unlike most rivers that flow towards the sea, the Okavango River takes a different course, creating a unique and awe-inspiring ecosystem.
On a recent River Mixer trip to Ghana, the powerful works of Ghanaian artist Enil Art were discovered. He uses his talent to expose environmental injustice, painting with the “tears” of the Pra River.
