Niger Delta, River delta in southern Nigeria
The Niger Delta is a sprawling river mouth in southern Nigeria where the Niger divides into many arms before flowing into the Gulf of Guinea. The landscape consists of flat floodplains crisscrossed by waterways, lagoons, and large mangrove stands along the coast.
In the late 19th century Britain controlled the region for its palm oil trade and later established petroleum extraction. The economic importance of the region grew during the 20th century with the discovery of large oil reserves.
The Niger Delta contains more than 40 ethnic groups, including Ijaw, Ibibio, and Urhobo peoples, who speak over 250 distinct dialects across the region.
The area is connected by a dense network of waterways that make many communities accessible only by boat. Travelers should be prepared for humid tropical weather and consider local guides to navigate the branching channels.
The mangrove forests of the region form breeding grounds for numerous fish species and other marine life. This ecosystem ranks among the most productive coastal zones in Africa and also attracts migratory birds during their journeys.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
