Everyone who at least once read Korney Chukovsky’s tales remembered the phrase: “Through the wide Limpopo, where hippopotos walk ...” The word “limpopo” is associated with a fairy tale for many. It seems to be something non-existent. But in fact, the Limpopo River is very real. It is Africa's second largest waterway. Locals call it the "crocodile river", because in some places these predators are directly teeming there. Beautiful scenic areas along the banks of the reservoir attract tourists. In its vicinity you can find all the sights of Africa.
Limpopo River: Description
It originates at an altitude of about two thousand meters on the slopes of Mount Witwatersrand. This aquatic artery flows through mountainous terrain, jungle and savannah, takes in several tributaries and flows into the Indian Ocean. The Limpopo River is located in Southeast Africa and flows through the territory of South Africa. She walks along the border with Bodswana, enters Mozambique and flows through Zimbabwe.
This not very deep river has a length of about 1,600 kilometers and is a source of food for many people. Its pool covers an area of 440 thousand square kilometers. In the middle and lower reaches, the Limpopo River is navigable; people built several reservoirs there to irrigate the fields. Before the water artery flows into the ocean, it passes enormous 43-km rapids. In the upper reaches, it is less full and in the summer often dries up, because it feeds mainly on rainwater.
Picturesque places of the river basin
Limpopo attracts tourists by the fact that on its shores you can find everything that characterizes the nature of the continent. There are harsh mountains, and impregnable canyons, and impenetrable rainforests, and endless savannahs. Several rumbling waterfalls and many small tributaries have this river.
In its upper reaches was created the transnational Limpopo park, where many tourists come. And in the lower reaches, the river passes through the world famous Kruger reserve. Traveling through this truly fabulous country will be remembered by tourists for a long time. But it can be dangerous, as many dangerous predators live on the banks of the river. There are especially many crocodiles there, because it is not in vain that this river is called the crocodile.
Crocodiles on the Limpopo River
The people living near it know many legends and beliefs associated with these dangerous predators. Reptiles of almost three meters in size hunt mainly at night. They can do without food for about three years, but even hungry crocodiles attack and drag their prey under water. During the breeding season of these animals, often in the vicinity of the river you can hear a loud roar, from which the blood freezes in your veins. So crocodiles roared, from which they stole eggs from the nest. It is believed that their voice is the loudest, and it can not be compared with anything.
What other animals live on the banks of the river
In the Limpopo river basin you can find many amazing animals. There live the highest inhabitants of our planet - giraffes, the largest birds - ostriches, the fastest predators - cheetahs. Huge herds of elephants, many leopards resting on trees, and large flocks of herons and vultures. Lions, buffalos, antelopes and rhinos are found there.
The fairy-tale hippo that we know about from Chukovsky’s poem also lives in Limopopo. This is a very dangerous animal that does not allow people to approach and can reach speeds of up to 30 kilometers per hour. Therefore, traveling on this river can be dangerous. It is recommended not only not to get out of the car, but not even open the windows, because tsetse fly bites can be fatal.
But still this fabulous place is worth a visit to lovers of the exotic. The Limpopo River is clearly visible on the map, and this shows that this waterway is very important for local residents. She feeds them with fish and provides water for irrigation of fields. And, of course, the picturesque places of its coasts delight the eye with its beauty.