Conversation so far:
what is the importance of the niger river to africa
The northern part of the river is a focal point of trade across the western Sahara, and the centre of the Sahelian kingdoms of Mali and Gao.
what does the name niger river mean
The name Niger derives in turn from the phrase gher n-gheren, meaning “river among rivers,” in the Tamashek language.
which countries does the niger river run through
The Niger River runs through Guinea, Mali, Niger, Benin, and Nigeria.
what is a unique feature of the niger river
An unusual feature of the river is the Inner Niger Delta, which forms where its gradient suddenly decreases. The result is a region of braided streams, marshes, and large lakes.

Question: what is the river's route like
Self-contained rewrite: what is the niger river's route like