Join Bernice Notenboom, explorer, climate journalist and her team on their kayak expedition to Timbuktu in Mali, Africa. Their 750 km journey on the Bani and Niger Rivers tells the story of local tribes – Fulani, Bozo, Tuareg –  surviving a rapidly changing climate and their own adaptation methods to a less predictable monsoon. This is not just a first rate adventure but also exploration into resilience, adaptation and optimism of African people. Each paddle stroke, and bend in the river brings a new adventure: the halt at Talo dam, sand storms from the Sahara, hippo’s hidden in grass, migratory birds caught in nets, crossing Lake Debo, wind, even rain but when they pause at the  stunning Inner Niger Delta, crucial wetlands and walhalla for migratory birds and fish, all hardships vanish. As climate change and a  fast growing world population puts more pressure on agriculture, Mali is losing its battle to provide for its own people. Land grabbing carried out by rich nations  raises awkward questions  as they stumble on the ‘Malilybia’ canal, a 42 km long ditch built by Libya, taking  20% water from the Niger River for growing rice for Libyans. The closer they get to Timbuktu, the more urgent the water crisis. Still, small scale local initiatives started, even in the Sahara desert. Niger: A river under Siege is both an irresistible journey as an inspiration of visionary farmers, fishermen and herders who are getting prepared for a more extreme climate. Follow their 2 month long journey as they paddle the bloodline of the Sahel in one of the harshest environments in the world.