Gambia

The lower Gambia River broadens into a tidal estuary before reaching the Atlantic. Mangroves fringe its creeks and muddy banks, while boats carry people and goods between river settlements. Mandinka rulers held sway along parts of the river when Portuguese merchants arrived in the fifteenth century. The waterway drew African and overseas traders into contact, linking the coast with markets and communities deep in the interior.

The later city of Banjul lies here.