Europeans first discovered the Zambezi River in the 19th century (D. Livingston), and the indigenous people of Africa call it Casambo Wasey. The coastline stretches across the six states of the African continent. Where does the Zambezi River flow? Directly to the Indian Ocean, forming the widest delta. Its length is about 2600 km. On this river, a beautiful waterfall - Victoria, was formed. It is unique in its kind and known throughout the world. A dam was built on it, which formed the world-wide Carib reservoir. The Zambezi River basin is striking in its size, its area is 1.57 million square meters. km
From source to delta
Zambezi originates in the territory of Zambia, in the north-west, where the terrain is swampy and hilly. The source is located at an altitude of 1.5 km above sea level, there are dense, almost impassable forests. The river heads southwest, then turns south (240 km from the source) to let the first small tributaries flow into its waters and be fed by groundwater.
Here, vegetation also changes - this is the territory of the savannah: a rare dry forest and shrubs. After a small Chavum waterfall, crossing the border of Angola, the river returns to Zambia.
Further, the watercourse expands due to large tributaries (Lungwebungd, Kabombo), and after the Ngwambe waterfall, its flow becomes floodplain, gradually slowing down and turns to the southeast.
After the Ngonier waterfall, the Zambezi expands due to a large tributary - the Gwando River - and turns to the east, slowing down in front of the “main” waterfall (Victoria). Passing the Cabora Bassa reservoir, the Zambezi rushes into the valley, where the channel is smaller and branching. Downstream, the water stream communicates with Lake Nyasa (a tributary of the Shire) and rushes to the Indian Ocean. See the rivers of Africa on the map for more details.
The Zambezi Delta has a large length from north to south with an area of 5 thousand square meters. km However, shipping is difficult due to natural sand deposits and shallowing of the sleeves. This is due to the construction of dams. The only passable sleeve for ships is Shinde.
Zambezi River Regime and Nutrition Features
Zambezi originates in a mountainous region with a subtropical climate. In this area during the summer season, heavy rainfall occurs in the form of prolonged rainfall. These rains, in fact, form the river, they are also the main source of food. And to a lesser extent, the watercourse is fed by the groundwater of the marshland. This type of nutrition is characteristic mainly in the upper reaches.
The Zambezi river regime is accompanied by constant changes in water levels. From March to November (South African winter and drought), the flow is greatly reduced, and in November it replenishes again, increasing its level by 1.5 m. In the rainy season, this river can be called stormy, it moves a huge amount of water masses with a high flow rate.
Using
The population living in the Zambezi basin is mainly occupied by agriculture. However, the Zambezi river regime is so variable that it is not always possible to use its water for irrigation. But here fishing is well developed. The watercourse abounds with both small and large fish, many of the species are endemic. Fishing is the main income of the local population. Fish is used not only for food, but also for breeding in aquariums: Zambezi is a natural habitat for everyone's favorite barbs and cichlids.
River facilities
This water stream provides energy to several states in the south of the continent, due to the hydropower plants of Carib and Cabora Bass. However, the special regime of the Zambezi River served as the reason for the construction of canals that ensure the stable operation of hydroelectric power stations. But this leads to another problem: the dams crush the arms of the delta. However, in other places (below Cabor-Bass), on the contrary, the river became navigable.
The Zambezi path runs through several states and many regions, so an important fact is the presence of five full-fledged bridges that provide interregional and interstate communication.
Natural diversity
The waters of the Zambezi are not only abundant in a variety of small fish. Here you can also meet large predators: bull shark, crocodiles and monitor lizards. The coastal zone is home to many animals and birds: hippos, elephants, giraffes, zebras, herons, eagles and pelicans. Tourists can watch them both traveling in a boat, and visiting one of the many nature reserves or safari parks.
Tourism
The Zambezi River attracts fishermen and tourists. You can hire gear here. Due to the many thresholds, extreme rafting lovers are quite popular alloys for this stream.
The world famous Falling Smoke Falls (Victoria) is world famous. It has a unique ratio of width and height (1800 x 120 m). In the reserves adjacent to the waterfall, entire families of large animals live, and there are individuals of rare white rhinos. A little downstream, lovers are offered kayaking.
In order to spend the most interesting time and visit the Zambezi water stream and other African rivers, on the map you can see the exact routes of organized excursions.