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Zambezi River Facts

Zambezi River Facts
The Zambezi River is located in Africa and is the continent's fourth longest river flowing from North Zambia 1,599 miles to Mozambique to discharge into the Indian Ocean. The Zambezi River's watershed (area of land drained by the river) is 540.000 square miles. It is Africa's longest east-flowing river passing through six countries on is journey to the ocean. The Zambezi is also one of the least explored rivers in the world and is still considered to be pristine. Along the Zambezi River are several National Parks and safaris as well as Victoria Falls - waterfalls on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia considered to be the largest in the world based on width and height of the falling water sheet.
Interesting Zambezi River Facts:
The first known European explorer of the Zambezi River was David Livingstone between 1851 and 1860.
The Zambezi River flows through Zambia, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
Although Victoria Falls are the most famous waterfalls along the Zambezi River, there are several others including Chavuma Falls, and Ngonye Falls.
Hydroelectric dams along the Zambezi River include the Kariba Dam which powers Zimbabwe and Zambia, and Mozambique's Cahora Bassa Dam which powers Mozambique and South Africa. Victoria Falls also houses a small power plant.
On a white water rafting scale, the Zambezi River rates a 5 which means it is the most challenging river for rafting.
The Zambezi River's watershed is very diverse, including dry forests, wetlands, water systems, and farmland. The Zambezi River is referred to as the River of Life by those who rely on it to sustain their lifestyle.
Many locals believe that water spirits protect the river. They refer to the spirits as Nyami-Nyami.
Many sections along the Zambezi River cannot be inhabited because of flooding. Some sections flood periodically and inhabitants must move to higher ground when the rainy season begins.
Because of the gorges, waterfalls and other characteristics of the Zambezi River, it is not a main transportation route. Some short sections are used when transportation long distances is not required.
The Zambezi River and its watershed are home to many species of wildlife and species of fish. These species include the bull shark, which are growing in number, crocodiles, hippos, lions, elephants, and black rhinos.
Main tributaries of the Zambezi River include Chifumage River, Luena River, Kabompo River, Lungwebungu River, Luampa River, Cuando River, Gwayi River, Sengwa River, Sanyati River, Kafue River, Luangwa River, Panhane River, Luia River, Luenha River, and Shire River.
Major towns or cities along the Zambezi River include Katima Mulilo, Mongu, Lukulu, Livingstone, Sesheke, Victoria Falls, Kariba, Songo, and Tete.
Because sewage treatment is not always sufficient there are outbreaks of cholera, dysentery and typhus from time to time among the populations along the Zambezi River.
Major crossings of the Zambezi include the Chinyingi suspension footbridge, Katima Mulilo road bridge, Kazungula Bridge, Victoria Falls Bridge, Kariba Dam, Otto Belt Bridge, Second Chirundu Bridge, Tete Suspension Bridge, Dona Ana Bridge, and Caia Bridge.
Approximately 80% of the people in the Zambezi Valley depend on the river for agriculture and their survival.


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