See more
When was the Zambezi River formed?
two million years agoOver two million years ago, the upper-Zambezi used to flow through what is now the Makgadikgadi Pan in Botswana. However, as a result of tectonic uplift, a vast lake was formed, and the river shifted eastwards – dividing the Limpopo and Zambezi rivers.
What is the river Zambezi used for?
The Zambezi River is widely used by wildlife and humans alike. Hippos, crocodiles, baboons, elephants, hyenas and lions are some examples of wildlife you might find along the Zambezi. Humans use the river for transportation, irrigation, tourism and hydropower.
Why is it called Zambezi River?
The Zambezi (meaning “Great River” in the language of the Tonga people) includes along its course the Victoria Falls, one of the world's greatest natural wonders, and the Kariba and Cahora Bassa dams, two of Africa's largest hydroelectric projects.
How does the Zambezi River flow?
The Zambezi River rises in the Kalene hills in north-western Zambia and flows northwards for about 30 km. It then turns west and south to run over about 280 km through Angola and reenters Zambia with an annual discharge of nearly 18 km3. It then flows southwards through marshy plains.
Can you swim in the Zambezi River?
It is dangerous and foolhardy to swim in Lake Kariba or the Zambezi River. Stick to swimming pools, swimming cages on houseboats, or the humble, but effective bush shower (a bucket of water hoisted in a tree!).
Who owns Zambezi River?
governments of Zambia and ZimbabweThe Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) is a corporation jointly and equally owned by the governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is a governed by a four-person council consisting of the Ministers of Energy and Finance of each country.
Where did Zambezi River start from?
Mwinilunga DistrictStarting its journey in the Mwinilunga District of north-west Zambia, Africa's fourth longest river originates as a tiny burbling spring in a secluded stretch of marshy wetland and lush forest; close to where the borders of Zambia, Angola and the Congo meet.
What is the deepest river in Zambia?
It is the second deepest river in Africa and one of the top five in the world....Kabompo River.KabompoCountryZambiaRegionNorth-Western Province, ZambiaPhysical characteristicsMouthZambezi6 more rows
Where does the Victoria Falls water come from?
A major river in south-central Africa, the Zambezi River flows from western Zambia to the Indian Ocean in Mozambique. In the sector imaged here, it flows southeast (top left to bottom right) in a wide bed before plunging suddenly 130 meters over the Victoria Falls into a narrow gorge.
What causes the Zambezi wave?
After eddying through a deep pool upstream, the river then accelerates through a narrow gap, increasing in velocity before it smashes into and folds across Rapid 11, causing a tubing river wave that rivals the intensity of any ocean-borne wave.
What are the 5 longest rivers in Africa?
The longest rivers in Africa (in kilometers)CharacteristicLength in kilometersNile6,650Congo4,700Niger4,180Zambezi2,5746 more rows•Jun 21, 2022
Where does Zambezi River gets its water?
This tributary originates in the north-east of Zambia. The total discharge entering Lake Cabora Bassa from Zambia is estimated at about 77.5 km3 /year. Leaving the lake the Zambezi River flows south-eastwards and receives water from its last great tributary, the Shire, with an annual discharge of nearly 16 km3.
How do the people of Zambia benefit from the Zambezi River?
The Zambezi has two massive dams which are a source of hydroelectric power, the Kariba Dam in Zimbabwe, and the Cahora Bassa Dam in Mozambique. Both are man-made dams constructed to provide hydroelectric power to Zambia and Zimbabwe, and Mozambique and South Africa respectively.
How many countries use Zambezi River to generate hydro electricity?
The Power of the Zambezi River has been harnessed along its journey at two points, the first being Kariba Dam in Zimbabwe and the second Cahora Bassa Dam in Mozambique. Both these dams are sources of hydroelectric power and supply a large portion of power to Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
What animals live in the Zambezi River?
Elephants are common over much of the river's course, particularly in areas such as the Sesheke Plain and near the Luangwa confluence. Game animals include buffalo, eland, sable, roan, kudu, waterbuck, impala, duiker, bushbuck, reedbuck, bushpig, and warthog.
What are the 5 longest rivers in Africa?
The longest rivers in Africa (in kilometers)CharacteristicLength in kilometersNile6,650Congo4,700Niger4,180Zambezi2,5746 more rows•Jun 21, 2022
Where is the middle course of the Zambezi?
The Zambezi’s middle course extends about 600 miles from Victoria Falls to the eastern end of Lake Cahora Bassa in Mozambique. It continues to form the boundary between Zambia and Zimbabwe until it crosses the Mozambique border at Luangwa.
When does the Zambezi discharge diminish?
The Zambezi, according to measurements taken at Maramba (formerly Livingstone), Zambia, experiences its maximum flow in March or April. In October or November the discharge diminishes to less than 10 percent of the maximum.
What is the name of the river that drains a large portion of South Central Africa?
Alternative Titles: Zambesi River, Zanbere River. Zambezi River, also spelled Zambesi, river draining a large portion of south-central Africa. Together with its tributaries, it forms the fourth largest river basin of the continent. The river flows eastward for about 2,200 miles (3,540 kilometres) from its source on the Central African Plateau ...
What river is Victoria Falls on?
The Zambezi River basin and its drainage network. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River as seen from Zambia. G. Holton/Photo Researchers. Britannica Quiz. Geography of Africa Quiz.
What is the name of the river that drains Lake Nyasa?
Near Vila Fontes the river receives its last great tributary, the Shire River, which drains Lake Nyasa (Malaŵi) some 210 miles to the north. At its mouth the Zambezi splits into a wide, flat, and marshy delta obstructed by sandbars. There are two main channels, each again divided into two.
Which river crosses the borders of six countries?
The river either crosses or forms the boundaries of six countries—Angola, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique —and the use of its waters has been the subject of a series of international agreements. Zambezi River. The Zambezi River basin and its drainage network. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River as ...
How long is the gorge below the falls?
Below the falls a gorge some 60 miles long has been formed by the trench-scouring process, through which the river descends in a series of rapids. Just upstream of Lake Kariba the river valley widens and is contained by escarpments nearly 2,000 feet high.
Where is the Zambezi River located?
The source of the mighty Zambezi River lies at about 1 500 m (4 900ft) above sea level in the Mwinilunga District, very close to the border where Zambia, Angola and the Congo meet.
How far does the Zambezi River run?
The river runs south now for a distance of about 800 km (500miles) and in this distance only drops about 180m (590ft). It is very slow flowing for most of this section as it enters an area known as the Barotse Floodplain where the width of the river reaches up to 25 km (16miles) in the rainy season. The upper part of the Zambezi River is only ...
What is the name of the river that brings water to the Tonga River?
One local folk law is that the Zambezi River has a spirit called Nyami Nyami – this spirit brings them water to grow their crops and fish to eat – and so they call the river “the river of life”. The name is believed to come from “ Nyama Nyama ” for “meat”. This Tonga River God is believed to have been moving from the Indian Ocean ...
Why is the Zambezi named after the Tonga?
It is the longest east flowing river in Africa. The name Zambezi comes from the Tonga phrase “ Kasambabezi ”, which means “only those who know can swim or take bath”. This was mainly because you were supposed to be careful when taking bath on the banks of the river as it is infested with crocodiles. The name is made up of two words, “ kasamba ” – ...
What are some examples of wildlife that can be found along the Zambezi River?
The river’s beauty has attracted tourists from all over the world and provides great opportunities for game viewing and various water sports. Hippopotamus, crocodiles, elephants and lions are some examples of wildlife you will find along various parts of the Zambezi River.
How long is Lake Kariba?
Lake Kariba is 226 km long and in places up to 40 km wide and supports a thriving commercial fishing industry and is a fantastic tourist attraction. More on the Lower Zambezi in the next article…. By Misheck Samanyanga.
What is the boundary between Zambia and Zimbabwe?
The Victoria Falls are considered the boundary between the upper and middle Zambezi. For the next 500 km the river serves as the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Below the Falls the river continues to flow due east for about 200 km (120miles), cutting through gorges of basalt rock between 200 to 250 metres (660 to 820ft) high.
Where does the Zambezi River originate?
The Zambezi River originates in the Mwinilunga District in north-west Zambia, 1500m above sea level. More specifically, the source is a marshy black wetland, known as a dambo, in the centre of the iconic Miombo Woodlands.
What river did the Upper Zambezi flow through?
8. It used to flow through the Makgadikgadi Pans. Over two million years ago, the Upper Zambezi used to flow through what is now the Makgadikgadi Pan in Botswana. However, as a result of tectonic uplift, a vast lake was formed, and the river shifted eastwards. 9.
What are some interesting facts about the Zambezi River?
10 Things You Didn’t Know About The Zambezi River. One of the most fascinating rivers in Africa, the Zambezi is not only a major tourist attraction, but a lifeline and constant source of income for millions. Traversing a wide variety of landscapes, and overcoming various obstacles along its lengthy journey, it is truly a gem ...
What are some activities on the Zambezi River?
To find out more about this fascinating water course, or to book a range of Zambezi River activities such as tiger fishing, white water rafting, canoeing, river boarding, and sunset cruises, simply contact Ilala Lodge on [email protected], or phone +263 13 44737.
What is the most famous feature of the Zambezi River?
It flows over several waterfalls. By far the most notable feature of the Zambezi River is the mighty Victoria Falls – one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and World Heritage Site.
How long is the Zambezi River?
With a total catchment basically covering 1 390 000km² and a length of approximately 2700km, the Zambezi River is ranked fourth when it comes to largest rivers on the African continent. It follows The Nile, The Congo/Zaire, and the Niger.
Why is the Zambezi River important?
10. It provides nourishment for endless wildlife. Due to the fact that the Zambezi River runs through many game reserves and national parks, it provides sustenance to a diverse array of game, birdlife and fish species.
Where did the Zambezi River originate?
The Zambezi River originates from a small burbling spring.
Where is the source of the Zambezi?
The Source of the Zambezi is located in a small protected forest. It’s surrounded by a rich Miombo woodland and a strip of Mushitu forest. The area is rich in biodiversity, with nearly 200 bird species and mammals including the Tree Pangolin, Long Footed Rat, Red-Tailed Monkey, and African Palm Civet.
What is the name of the river that flows over Victoria Falls?
The Zambezi is Zambia’s most important river. It gives the country its name, and it most famously flows over Victoria Falls. Along the Barotse floodplain, it’s the location of Zambia’s most famous cultural ceremony, the Kuomboka of the Litunga. It’s the fourth longest river in Africa, and it gets its start along its 1,677-mile (2,700-kilometer) journey to the Indian Ocean from a small spring in the Northwestern corner of Zambia.
What river cuts through the rocky terrain then drops off to form these misty falls?
The Kaveri River cuts through the rocky terrain then drops off to form these misty falls.
How far is the Mwinilunga site from the Mwinilunga site?
The site is located approximately 34 miles (54 kilometers) from Mwinilunga along a dirt road that is in the process of being improved. The best way to reach the source would be to take a taxi from Mwinilunga, or to drive a private vehicle with four-wheel drive. There is a sign to mark the turnoff to the source along the Mwinilunga-Ikilenge road. Camping is available at the site.
Overview
The Zambezi River (also spelled Zambeze and Zambesi) is the fourth-longest river in Africa, the longest east-flowing river in Africa and the largest flowing into the Indian Ocean from Africa. Its drainage basin covers 1,390,000 square kilometres (540,000 sq mi), slightly less than half of the Nile's. The 2,574-kilometre-long river (1,599 mi) rises in Zambia and flows through eastern Angola, …
Course
The river rises in a black marshy dambo in dense undulating miombo woodland 50 kilometres (31 mi) north of Mwinilunga and 20 kilometres (12 mi) south of Ikelenge in the Ikelenge District of North-Western Province, Zambia, at about 1,524 metres (5,000 ft) above sea level. The area around the source is a national monument, forest reserve and Important Bird Area.
Delta
The delta of the Zambezi is today about half as broad as it was before the construction of the Kariba and Cahora Bassa dams controlled the seasonal variations in the flow rate of the river. Before the dams were built, seasonal flooding of the Zambezi had quite a different impact on the ecosystems of the delta from today as it brought nutrient-rich fresh water down to the Indian Oce…
Climate
The north of the Zambezi basin has mean annual rainfall of 1100 to 1400 mm which declines towards the south, reaching about half that figure in the south-west. The rain falls in a 4-to-6-month summer rainy season when the Intertropical Convergence Zone moves over the basin from the north between October and March. Evaporation rates are high (1600 mm-2300 mm), and much water is lost this way in swamps and floodplains, especially in the south-west of the basin.
Wildlife
The river supports large populations of many animals. Hippopotamuses are abundant along most of the calm stretches of the river, as well as Nile crocodiles. Monitor lizards are found in many places. Birds are abundant, with species including heron, pelican, egret, lesser flamingo and African fish eagle present in large numbers. Riverine woodland also supports many large animals, such as buffalo, zebras, giraffes, and elephants.
Tributaries
Upper Zambezi: 507,200 km , discharges 1044 m /s at Victoria Falls, comprising:
Northern Highlands catchment, 222,570 km , 850 m /s at Lukulu: Chifumage River: Angolan central plateau Luena River: Angolan central plateau Kabompo River: 72,200 km , NW highlands of Zambia Lungwebungu River: 47,400 km , Angolan central plateau Central Plains catchment, 284,630 km , 196 m /s (Vict…
Geological history
Up to the Late Pliocene or Pleistocene (more than two million years ago), the upper Zambezi used to flow south through what is now the Makgadikgadi Pan to the Limpopo River. The change of the river course is the result of epeirogenic movements that uplifted the surface at the present-day water divide between both rivers.
History
The first European to come across the Zambezi river was Vasco da Gama in January 1498, who anchored at what he called Rio dos Bons Sinais ("River of Good Omens"), now the Quelimane or Quá-Qua, a small river on the northern end of the delta, which at that time was connected by navigable channels to the Zambezi river proper (the connection silted up by the 1830s). In a few of the ol…