The channel taken was by the right, until El Shwadiyat was reached, whence it crosses to the left bank and continues thus as far as Rakabat El Gamal; here the river becomes a maze of small islands. The channel continues by the left (?) bank of Dulka Island (known by the natives as Dirbi), smaller islands being left on the starboard side.
The current thence became very strong, and continued so until Kirbekan Rapids was reached.
At the bottom of these rapids the steamers were stopped, but the cataract, after examination, having been considered passable without haulage, each steamer went over it separately, in order to prevent any risk of one hampering another.
The main stream was then followed as far as Uss Rapids; here the volume of water was very great. From the top of Uss Rapids the channel followed was by the left bank as far as Sherari Island, whence it passes by the right bank of that island, and thence between it and Shirri Island to the right bank of the river.
The river now becomes very broad, and navigation is practicable on either bank from Salamat to Hebi. From Hebi to Abu Selem the channel is by the left bank. In Huella Rapids there was a strong rush of water.
The river now becomes much intersected by small islands, and, though navigation is not very difficult, skilful pilotage is necessary.
Wood was found in the following places:—
| El Bana. | Salamat. |
| Hosh El Geruf. | Abu Selem. |
| Uss village. | Left bank, just below Mograt Island. |
Itinerary (Left Bank) from Abu Dom Sanam to opposite Hebi (or Hebba)
(Major Slade, R.A., February, 1885.)