The largest rivers in Africa. The longest and deepest rivers in Africa

Given the general aridity of the mainland, the rivers of Africa play a huge role for the locals. Not surprisingly, their basin and shores are mostly densely populated. Agriculture is best developed in the deltas, and fishing is not just an important occupation, but a necessary condition for their survival.

In matters of measuring the length of rivers, researchers do not always agree on data. The primary reasons are inaccessibility, bends and drying of the channel. Among the water arteries of the African continent, the Nile stands apart - the longest of the rivers.

River tourism is an opportunity to see Africa in all its splendor. Picturesque green spaces, animals rushing to the watering place, natural attractions - all this is available to travelers in the area of ​​the Congo, Okavango, Jubba, Mary and other rivers.

The largest rivers in Africa

The largest and longest, drying and full-flowing. List of interesting and beautiful rivers for tourism. Photos with titles and a brief description!

Nile

The most long river Africa. Geographically belongs to Egypt, Uganda, Sudan and South Sudan. The length is more than 6.8 thousand km. There are many legends and disputes connected with the Nile. One of them concerns the location of the source of the river. The coastal zone is densely populated, especially in Egypt, where 97% of the country's population lives near the Nile. Any sphere of local life is connected with the river. There are unique species of fauna and flora, for example, the Nile perch, reaching 140 kg.

Congo

flows into Central Africa. There are other names: Zaire, Lualaba. The length is approximately 4.3 thousand km. There is a single branched network of shipping routes. There are many cities on the river, including Kinshasa, the capital of the DR Congo. Attractions: Stanley Falls in seven steps and Livingston Falls, forming a cascade. Lakes Tanganyika and Kivu are part of water system Congo.

Niger

The source is located in Guinea, is considered sacred by the natives. It flows in a total of 5 countries and carries its waters to the Gulf of Guinea. The length is more than 4.1 thousand km. The channel resembles a boomerang in its shape. There are ports, but navigation is possible only in some areas. In the Niger region, 3 national parks and a special protected area - river basin management have been established.

Zambezi

A river in the southern part of the black continent. It originates in the swamps of Zambia and, before flowing into the Indian Ocean, overcomes five more countries. The length is more than 2.5 thousand km. The reservoir is important for agriculture. In the coastal areas there are populations of many species of animals: zebras, giraffes, crocodiles. The Zambezi has a bull shark, also called a bull shark. The main attraction is the Victoria Falls.

orange

Applies to the territory immediately three countries: Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa. The length is 2.2 thousand km. Named after the Dutch Prince William and the Orange dynasty to which he belonged. It flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Brackish water from it periodically enters the riverbed. Shallow water does not allow the use of ships for movement. The basin is mostly covered with desert.

Ubangi

It is a tributary of the Congo, flows in central Africa. The length is more than 2.2 thousand km. It is used for crossings, as the rainy season completely erodes many roads in the region. On the river there are large cities, like Bangui, and small villages. The M'Baiki area is considered the main area for the Pygmies to live. Main attractions: Elephan waterfall, Azande rapids, Zemongo nature reserve.

Kasai

The second largest tributary of the Congo. Refers to the central part of the continent. The length is more than 2.1 thousand km. Part of the channel runs right along the border of the DR Congo and Angola. Around the coast there is dense jungle. Meals are mixed, rain and underground. Partially navigable, there is continuous fishing. Diamonds have been mined in the Kasai Basin for decades. The mines and mines are supplied with energy by 3 HPPs.

Limpopo

It starts at the mountain range in South Africa, and runs through Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique to the Indian Ocean. The length is more than 1.7 thousand km. Very winding, along the shores there are different reliefs from the desert and savannah to the hills. Partially navigable, in the upper sector it can dry out. There are many fish and shellfish near the mouth, including cod and oysters. The Kruger National Park is located near Limpopo.

Okavango

It originates in the Angolan mountains and then carries its waters to Namibia and Botswana. The length is 1.6 thousand km. One of the attractions is the Popa waterfalls. Okavango does not flow anywhere, it winds through the delta and dissolves into the swamps on the outskirts of the Kalahari. There are particularly picturesque areas with acacias, water lilies and reed beds. The coast is not inhabited, there are no enterprises, so the water remained clean.

Senegal

It originates in Mali, flows along the border between Mauritania and Senegal. The length is more than 1.9 thousand km. After floods, silt remains, which increases the fertility of the soil. Since the river is actively used, environmental problems appear. Countries have united to solve them. Several specially protected zones have been created: the Dzhudzh ornithological reserve, the Chat-T-Bul reserve, and the Diavaling National Park.

blue nile

Belongs to the territory of Sudan and Ethiopia. The length is approximately 1.8 thousand km. Arises from Lake Tana. Slightly less than a third of the river is used for transporting people and goods. Part of the Blue Nile in Ethiopia is considered sacred. The volume of water is very dependent on the rainy season. At the capital of Sudan, it merges with the White Nile. The construction of the Hidase hydroelectric power station is underway. It should solve many problems of the region.

Volta

The Ghana River flows into the Gulf of Guinea. Appeared at the confluence of the Black and White Volta. The length is 1.5 thousand km. It is fed by rain, the water level changes throughout the year. It floods heavily from July to October. Thanks to the construction of the Akosombo hydroelectric power station, a reservoir of the same name was formed. There are several ports. However, navigation is limited, not all ships and boats can pass here.

Benue

It is shared between Cameroon and Nigeria. The length is 1.4 thousand km. It is one of the largest tributaries of the Niger. The coast and delta are densely populated, the lands are fertile and actively cultivated. Partially navigable, the rainy season increases the area available to ships. The Benue flood in 2012 brought a huge number of venomous snakes to the area.

Awash

River in Ethiopia. The length is 1.2 thousand km. It flows into Lake Abbe, and during the period of drought does not reach it. The national park of the same name was founded in the upper reaches. Here you can observe populations of antelopes and gazelles. Awash Valley is on the list world heritage UNESCO. Numerous excavations have been carried out here. Evidence of human evolution and the remains of a female Australopithecus have been found.

Kunene

It flows in the southwest of the continent. The length is more than a thousand km. When it flows into the Atlantic Ocean, it forms several bays and diverges into wide arms. Crosses the Namib, while not drying out. Sometimes it spills, and the presence of dams and dams also affects the water level. There is a tourist center in the Cunene delta, historical Museum and protected areas. The main attraction is the Ruacana waterfall.

Gambia

Refers to the western lands of Africa. The length is just over 1.1 thousand km. Before flowing into the Atlantic Ocean, it expands greatly. On the river stands the city of Banjul. Along the banks there are different types of birds, crocodiles, hippos, gibbons. The relief and types of vegetation near the channel replace each other. Mangrove forests turn into steep cliffs, and then dense thickets begin on the plains.

Vaal

Located in South Africa, the largest tributary of the Orange. The length is about 1.1 thousand km. Reservoirs have been built on the river so that people do not depend on the season. The river is useful for agriculture and mining. A popular and modern aquatic center has been opened in the city of Denisville. Here you can take scuba diving lessons and more. One of the tourist attractions is yachting.

Draa

The longest river in Morocco, flowing along the border with Algeria. The length is approximately 1.1 thousand km. Over time, Draa's origins have changed. Now it starts from the reservoir. The coastal zone is inhabited, 23 villages and only 2 cities. There are rock carvings and stone figurines in the area. Age of the early work the art found here is over 300 thousand years old.

crowbars

Refers to the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The length is more than 1.2 thousand km. There are rapids and waterfalls along almost all channels. The rainy season is from September to April. The water level rises, the valley floods. Around Lomami there are monkeys and a flowering plant named after the river. Boats are used to move downstream. Trees reach in some parts of the coast right down to the water.

Bandama

The longest river in Ivory Coast. Length - 800 km. In the 70s, a hydroelectric power station was built on it, which still provides the region with electricity. At the same time, Lake Kossu was formed because of the dam. Rapids and low water levels have limited navigation to a rather small area. The largest city near the river is Yamoussoukro, the capital of the country. An annual rally is held along the riverbed.

Kwanzaa

Angolan river that flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Length - 965 km. Partially navigable with restrictions for large boats. The lower sector of the valley is used for agriculture, including the cultivation of sugar cane. The largest hydroelectric power station in the country, Kapanda, was built on the river. About 50 species of fish live in Kwanza. Fishing is popular with both locals and visitors. Landmark - Church of Lady Victoria.

Oti

It flows in West Africa on the territory of 4 countries. It flows into the Volta reservoir. There are large tributaries like the Dudodo and the Uke. Length - 520 km. The floodplains are used by the locals for grazing when there is a drought. During the rainy season, the coastal forest is partly submerged. There are hunting grounds and places for crops. It flows through 2 national parks: Penjari and Oti-Keran.

Luangwa

Refers to Zambia and Mozambique. Length - 770 km. During the year, the strength of the flow changes, as the food is rainy, and the climate is arid. In the lower reaches, the population density is high. The main occupation of the locals is fishing. The catch is impressive even without special devices and means. Hunting reserves and national parks of South Luangwa and North Luangwa have been formed.

Uele

Belongs to the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Upstream is called Kibalu. The length is 1.2 thousand km. It originates in the Blue Mountains. It is a tributary of the Ubangi, at the confluence with it merges with the Mbomu. The rainy season lasts from March to October. Partially the reservoir is polluted and looks reddish due to the high content of iron oxide. Nearby attraction is Lake Albert.

Quando

It can be found in southwest Africa. Belongs to 4 countries, the source is in Angola. Length - 731 km. It is a right tributary of the Zambezi. During the year, the intensity of the current changes significantly. Some areas around the riverbed are swampy. It flows through or borders 6 national parks. Reserves and protected areas are designed to restore populations different types animals that have been poached in the past.

Mara

Occurs in Kenya and Tanzania. Length - 395 km. It flows into Lake Victoria. In the vicinity of the river, the Masai Mara reserve is organized. The ungulates that live in it make their migration routes through the Mara. For some of them, this route is fatal, as there are many crocodiles on the shores. A little further on is the territory of the Ikorongo nature reserve. Here the channel makes several turns.

Jah

The Cameroon River, one of the major tributaries of the Congo. Length - 720 km. It is navigable, but mostly small boats can pass. In the delta is the Ja Faunal Nature Reserve. Since 1987 it has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Its goal is to keep rainforest region. The Nki National Park is also founded near the river. Poachers got into the habit here for ivory.

omo

Ethiopian river flowing into Lake Rudolph. Length - 760 km. In the mountains it is much narrower than in the plains. Almost along the entire length there are thresholds. In the high-water period it is used for alloys. The construction of the HPP cascade should solve the issue of providing the capital with electricity. The main attraction is the historical monument Omo-Kibish. The remains of the most ancient people are found here.

Fish

River in Namibia. Length - 650 km. It flows through the most arid territories of the country, so part of the year becomes shallow or completely dry. There is a reservoir formed due to the construction of a dam. This reservoir of fresh water is a salvation for the region in especially harsh periods. Cities are founded on the banks, although there are few inhabitants in them. Attractions: the canyon of the same name and the Ai-Ais resort.

Jubba

The source is located on the border with Ethiopia, and the main part of the channel is in Somalia. The length is just over 1 thousand km. It flows into the Indian Ocean. The river serves as an important water artery. Used for irrigation of fertile fields. There is a lot of vegetation on its banks due to high humidity and heavy rainfall. Hyenas, gazelles, giraffes, hippos gather at the watering hole near the shore.

Umm er Rbiya

It flows through Morocco. Length - 556 km. It flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The flow is heterogeneous, in the mountains it is more stormy and impetuous. In the summer it becomes shallow, exposing parts of the bottom. It is actively used for agricultural activities. Six dams regulate runoff and water levels from season to season. The main recharge comes from rains and melting mountain snows.

Kuiseb

Namibian river flowing through the desert. Length - 560 km. It can completely dry out within a year. After heavy rains, it fills up with water again. Despite this variability, it is important for a super-arid region. It is the border of two relief zones. On one side lie rich red sand dunes, on the other - wasteland, covered mostly with light sand.

Tugela

Originates in the Dragon Mountains in South Africa. Length - 502 km. Numerous tributaries have expanded the basin. It flows into the Indian Ocean. Activities of the locals Agriculture and forestry. Among the ichthyofauna there are endemics. The main attraction is the waterfall of the same name, which is the highest in Africa. The Tugela was the boundary between the lands of the farmers and the realm of the Zulus.

Ruaha

River of Tanzania. Length - 480 km. There are problems with drying out, so several large protection funds wildlife are dealing with this issue. The national park of the same name was founded in the upper reaches. In the lower reaches there is a hunting reserve. Diverse animal and vegetable world, about 400 species of birds. Rich potential for fishing, partially realized. The river basin is densely populated.

salum

Refers to the territory of Senegal. The length is about 250 km. It flows into the Atlantic Ocean. In some areas it is very tortuous. Numerous turns of the channel in a small area create bizarre natural landscapes. Particularly picturesque sections of the coast are thickets mangroves. In the Salum Delta, a national park of the same name was formed. Since 1981 it has been a biosphere reserve protected by UNESCO.

The “Black Continent” is the name of Africa, on the vast territory of which you can find a variety of landscapes. The second largest continent after Eurasia crosses many rivers and washes 2 seas and 2 oceans: the Mediterranean - in the north, the Red - in the northeast, the Atlantic Ocean - in the west, the Indian - in the south and east. Full-flowing rivers flow through Africa, some of them are considered the largest and deepest on the planet.

Rivers and lakes of Africa on the map:

Nile: the longest river in Africa

This is the second longest river on the planet after the Amazon and the first of the African continent. The great Nile saw the dawn of mankind. Representatives lived on its banks ancient civilization preserved evidence of their life. In all ages, peoples worshiped the greatest river.

The source of the Nile - a mystery of millennia

Throughout the largest river in Africa has tributaries, so it is difficult to determine where it originates from. Geographers have been dealing with this issue for centuries. The ancient Egyptians - the indigenous inhabitants of the valley - could not give an intelligible answer to the question. Therefore, the ancient Greeks tried to solve it, in particular, the great thinker Herodotus argued that the Nile is born from the depths of Africa in the south, and then spreads around. But this version was found to be erroneous.

Closer to the truth was the astronomer Ptolemy Claudius, who wrote in his scientific writings that the Nile originates in the Lunar Mountains (Rwenzori Range at the present time). But in 1858, the English officer J. Hennig Speke discovered the high-mountain lake Victoria (1184 m above sea level), and scientists received evidence. They were then reinforced by other researchers that the Nile flows from there, more precisely, from the Victoria Lakes, the Kagera River originates, which is divided into tributaries. One of them is Rukarara, and its source is the beginning of the great White Nile.

Flow geography

The mighty river carries turbulent waters to the north of the mainland, tending down, so rapids and waterfalls are often found along its length. The largest is the 40-meter Murchison, it erupts into Lake Albert, and the waters flowing from it are already called the Albert Nile. The further path runs through the territory of Uganda, across the plain, and the seething stream calms down. Upon reaching the state of South Sudan, the artery changes its name again, and for 716 km it is called Bahr el-Jabel. In South Sudan, it has a very branched appearance - many branches and islands between them.

Further, the river merges with Lake No and carries its waters to the capital of Sudan - Khartoum. Until now, the color of the stream was yellow due to an excess of impurities of light clay, but outside Khartoum, the White Nile merges with the Blue, and then the great Nile flows majestically across the continent. At 300 km from the capital, the Atbara tributary flows into it. Having become even more full-flowing, the Nile enters the Sahara desert, more precisely, into its eastern part- Nubian.

Here the Nile makes a sharp turn to the south, then back to the north, and then his path runs through Egypt. On the border of Sudan and Egypt, it turns into Nasser - the largest man-made lake in the world (area 5250 m²). It was created by the Nasuan Dam, which hidden the rapids of the Nile and prevented its spill. Further, the stream flows full-flowing and wide across Egypt, pouring into the Mediterranean Sea not far from the Suez Canal, cities are spread on its banks, including the capital of Egypt, Cairo. After leaving it, the Nile breaks up into branches that create a vast delta 160 km long, in which 10 cities are located, and this is a large-scale ecosystem.

Congo (Zaire): the deepest river on the planet

It is the deepest river in Africa and the second longest. In terms of basin area, it confidently leads the list of African rivers. Most of it passes through the territory of the Republic of the Congo. The discoverer is a navigator from Portugal, Diogo Can.

Geography of the river

The source of the Congo is located in Zambia at an altitude of 1600 m. The mountains are gradually replaced by a plain, where the stream freely spills into the valley with the formation of branches, channels and natural reservoirs, in some places 20 km wide. When the Congo reaches the South Guinean Highlands, it is squeezed into a gorge with a minimum width of only 300 m. Here it reaches its maximum depth (up to 230 m), which puts the Congo on the pedestal of the deepest rivers in the world. In addition, the site is famous for the rapids and drops that have a name - Livingston Falls. At the end of the journey, the Congo pours into the Atlantic near the city of Banana.

Congo has strategic importance for the hydropower of the whole world, which is explained by its full flow and a large degree of fall of the channel.

Niger: mystical river

The third longest artery in Africa crosses 5 countries. For the state of Mali, Niger is the only source of fresh water, without which the life of the local population would be extremely difficult.

Flow geography

What is mystical in Niger, you ask. This is a unique river that, contrary to the laws of physics, does not go directly to a salty reservoir, but has a boomerang path. The stream, following a winding route, has confused researchers for centuries. In addition, the peoples inhabiting the shores of Niger still believe that ancient spirits live in its waters.

The source of the river falls on the eastern region of the Kong mountains (Guinea) at an altitude of 850 m above sea level. At first, it flows north, in the opposite direction from the ocean, but in Mali it changes direction to the southeast, and then to the south. The mouth falls on the Gulf of Guinea of ​​the Atlantic Ocean. At the meeting point with the Gulf, Niger forms a huge delta with an area of ​​25 thousand m². It starts near the city of Aba in Nigeria, 180 km from the Gulf of Guinea. It mainly contains swamps and mangroves. Niger has another, the so-called inner mouth, the Malians call it Masina. This is a swampy floodplain 425 km long, consisting of lakes of branches, rivulets. At the other end, all reservoirs again create a single channel.

The Niger is a flood river, during the monsoon period (from June to October) it overflows and rises widely. Its waters are home to a variety of fish, the main source of food for the coastal inhabitants.

Among the tributaries of the Niger, the Benue is the largest, at its widest point it is 3 km, and the waters here are the most powerful and turbulent. Navigation in Niger does not pass along the entire route, but only in places, but the channel is unusually picturesque and attractive to tourists. Rapids and waterfalls occur in the upper reaches, and then the river flows through the plains and has a calmer course.

In addition to the three longest, other water streams on the continent deserve attention:

• Zambezi. The fourth longest river is famous for the most famous waterfall in the world - Victoria. Many travelers are interested in who discovered the Zambezi. It was David Livingston, an African explorer, a missionary from Scotland, who later discovered the waterfall. Only 5 bridges were built across the river stream, two large power plants are fed from it;
• Limpopo. It exists not only in the fairy tale of Korney Chukovsky, but actually flows in southern Africa. Another name is the Crocodile River, alligators and hippos live on the banks and coastal waters.
• Orange river. The origins are in the Dragon Mountains of Lesotho in South Africa, the artery flows west and flows into the Atlantic Ocean.

Huge Africa is crossed by many water arteries. In rapid streams they rush from mountain heights, through plains and deserts, dissolving in the salty waters of the seas and oceans. In an extremely arid and hot climate, under the scorching rays of the sun, all the rivers of Africa bring prosperity and life to the inhabitants of the continent.

African inland waters

Ground and underground waters

Ground and underground waters are of great importance for deserts and semi-deserts. Groundwater is mainly distributed linearly in the form of underflow flows of episodic rivers. Large artesian basins are especially important in the Sahara and in the arid regions of South Africa. In the Sahara, fresh or slightly saline groundwater is confined mainly to the Lower Cretaceous continental sandstones. In the semi-deserts and deserts of South Africa, groundwater accumulates mostly in cracks in bedrock, in karst limestones and, presumably, in the sandstones of the Karoo system. Where groundwater comes to the surface, oases form. Date palms, various fruit trees grow in oases, tropical crops are grown. Watering places for livestock are arranged near artesian wells. Search, extraction and rational use groundwater is one of the vital important issues African states located in the arid regions of the mainland. Hydrogeologists from Russia are helping to search for groundwater in the deserts of North Africa.

Rivers of Africa

By total volume annual runoff(4600 km3) Africa ranks third after Eurasia and South America, and in terms of layer thickness (less than 160 mm) is inferior to all continents, except for Australia and Antarctica. The main watershed of the African continent runs along its most elevated eastern margin, so more than 1/3 of the surface has a drain into the Atlantic Ocean, only about 1/4 into the Indian Ocean, and even less into the Mediterranean Sea. About 1/3 of the surface of Africa (approximately 9 million km2) has no runoff into the ocean and belongs to internal basins or is completely devoid of surface runoff. The distribution of surface waters over the territory of the mainland is extremely uneven, and both the distribution and the regime of flowing waters show a close dependence on the amount and regime of rainfall in one or another part of the mainland. Snow and glacier nutrition plays an insignificant role in Africa. In the equatorial regions, the rivers have a uniform discharge throughout the year, without pronounced minimums, but with two periods of maximums due to rains. Areas with a subequatorial climate (Sudan, southern part basins of the Congo and others) are characterized by a pronounced summer runoff maximum and a corresponding increase in river flow. On the northwestern and southwestern margins of the mainland, the rivers have a clearly defined winter maximum associated with winter cyclonic rains in each hemisphere.

Between the areas with summer and winter runoff maximums there are vast territories that are generally devoid of a permanent runoff. These are the Sahara in the northern and a significant part of the Kalahari in the southern hemisphere, which are practically devoid of watercourses; they are crossed by a network of dry channels, filled with water only for a short time after rare occasional rains. A developed network of dry channels and an abundance of dry depressions, which are only periodically filled with water and are characteristic of the now arid regions of Africa, testify to the existence earlier within its boundaries of more humid climatic conditions. The last pluvial period corresponded to the period of the last glaciation at high latitudes northern hemisphere. All the most significant rivers of Africa irrigate vast basins, separated from the oceans by plateaus and mountain ranges. The uplifts caused a revival of erosional activity and contributed to the formation of large rapids and waterfalls in the valleys of many rivers. They impede navigation and greatly reduce the transport significance of African rivers, but at the same time contain huge hydropower resources, the use of which is expanding in recent decades in a number of African states

North Africa

North Africa

Nile - Egypt, Sudan
White Nile - Sudan
Upper Nile - Uganda
Atbara - Sudan, Ethiopia
Tekeze - Sudan, Ethiopia
Blue Nile - Sudan, Ethiopia

West Africa

Bandama - Ivory Coast
Cavalli - Liberia, Ivory Coast
Gambia - Gambia, Senegal
Niger - Nigeria, Benin, Niger, Mali
Weme - Benin
Saint Paul - Liberia
Sanaga - Cameroon
Senegal - Senegal, Mauritania, Mali
Volta - Ghana, Burkina Faso
Black Volta - Burkina Faso
White Volta - Burkina Faso
Red Volta - Burkina Faso

East Africa

Juba - Ethiopia, Somalia
Dawa - Ethiopia
Gabele - Ethiopia
Wabe-Shabelle - Ethiopia, Somalia
Kerio - Kenya
Maputo - Mozambique
Mara - Kenya, Tanzania
Rufiji - Tanzania
Ruvuma - Tanzania, Mozambique
Tana - Kenya

Central Africa

Congo
kwango
Kassai
Lualaba
crowbars
Ubangi - Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic
Uele
Mbomou
Gabon
Upper Kwilu - Niari - Congo
Mbini
Ntem
Nianga - Gabon
Ogooue - Gabon

South Africa

Bride - South Africa
Kwanza - Angola
Fishriver - Namibia
Groot - South Africa
Kuiseb - Namibia
Kunene - Angola - Namibia, Botswana
Kwando - Namibia (in the lower Linyanti)
Limpopo - Mozambique, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana
Molopo - Botswana, South Africa
Okavango - Botswana, Namibia, Angola
Orange - South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia
Tugela - South Africa
Vaal - South Africa
Zambezi - Angola, Zambia, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique
Shire - Malawi, Mozambique

The longest river in Africa - the Nile (6671 km) - is the longest river on Earth. The area of ​​the Nile basin is 2870 thousand km2. Aswan's average water discharge is 2600 m3/s. By features natural conditions basin, the nature of the hydrographic regime and the significance that the Nile has in the life of the peoples living in its valley, this is one of the most peculiar and wonderful rivers peace. The source of the Nile is the Kagera River, which originates at an altitude of more than 2000 m in one of the massifs of East Africa, south of the equator, and flows into Lake Victoria. A river called the Victoria Nile emerges from the lake. It flows through Lake Kyoga and flows into Lake Albert, below which it is called the Albert Nile. Throughout this segment of the course, the river has a mountainous character, very rapids and forms several waterfalls. Most large waterfall- Cabalega (Murchison) on the river. Victoria Nile - reaches 40 m in height. Coming out of the highlands under the Arabic name Bahr el-Jebel, which means "river of mountains", the river enters a vast and flat basin. Its course slows down, and the channel splits into branches. The largest tributaries in this part of the course are El-Ghazal ("river of gazelles") and Sobat. Flowing down the mountains, Sobat carries cloudy yellow water containing a large amount of suspended material. Below Sobat, the river is called the White Nile (Bahr el Abyad). At the Sudanese city of Khartoum, the White Nile merges with the Blue Nile (Bahr el-Azraq) and here it is called the Nile. The Blue Nile originates in the Ethiopian highlands, flowing from Lake Tana. From the same upland, the Nile receives its last high-water tributary, the Atbaru. Below its confluence, the Nile cuts through a plateau composed of hard sandstones and crosses a series of rapids (cataracts). In total, there are six rapids between Khartoum and Aswan. Below Aswan, the Nile flows in a valley 20-50 km wide, which at the beginning of the Anthropogen was a bay of the Mediterranean Sea. The valley of the Nile ends with a delta, formed on the site of a bay, gradually filled with sediment from the river. The area of ​​the delta is 24 thousand km2.

Slide #10

The Nile is the only river in North Africa that crosses the Sahara and carries its waters to the Mediterranean Sea, being the source of life in the waterless desert. The permanent flow of the Nile exists due to the precipitation that falls in the more southern regions and feeds its sources. The White Nile, starting in the equatorial zone, is fed by rains that fall throughout the year. In the upper reaches, the water level in the river is very high and fairly constant, as it is regulated by the lakes. But within the Upper Nile Basin, a large amount of water is lost to evaporation, and the White Nile plays a lesser role in feeding the Nile below Khartoum than the Blue Nile, which carries abundant water (60-70% of the total flow) after summer rains falling on the Ethiopian highlands. The highest discharge on the lower Nile during this period is about five times the discharge in low water. The tributaries of the Nile, flowing down from the Ethiopian highlands, bring a large amount of silt that settles during the spill. Before the construction of the high-rise Aswan Dam, there was no through navigation route along the Nile due to numerous rapids. It was possible to overcome the rapids throughout the year only by boat. For permanent navigation, the sections between Khartoum and Juba, Aswan and Cairo, Cairo and the mouth of the Nile were used. Several dams and reservoirs have been built on the Nile to regulate the flow of water throughout the year. At one time, a large hydroelectric complex near Aswan was created to irrigate cotton fields. However, these obsolete hydroconstructions did not solve the most important economic problems - the expansion of sown areas and obtaining cheap energy. With help Soviet Union at the end of the 60s. a large dam was built in the Nile Valley near Aswan, thanks to which the area of ​​\u200b\u200birrigated land in Egypt was increased by 1/3, the electricity necessary for the development of the country's economy was generated, and navigation conditions were improved. Above the dam, in a flooded valley, a huge reservoir was formed, called Lake Nasser.

Slide #11

Congo river

Slide #12

The Congo occupies the second place among the rivers of Africa in length, but in terms of basin area and water content, the Congo ranks first in Africa and second in the world after the Amazon. The sources of the Congo are the Lualaba and Chambeshi rivers (a tributary of the Luapula, which flows into the Lualaba). The length of the river from the first source is 4320 km, from the second - 4700 km. The area of ​​the basin is about 3.7 million km2. The average annual discharge at the mouth is 46 thousand m3/s, i.e. it is more than 15 times the average flow of the Nile. The Congo flows in the northern and southern hemispheres, crossing the equator twice. Before flowing into the Atlantic Ocean, the river cuts through a highly elevated array of crystalline rocks. The major tributaries of the Congo are Ubangi, Sanga (right), Kwa (Kasai), Ruki, Lomami (left). The upper reaches of the Congo and its tributaries, crossing high plateaus and mountains, are replete with rapids and waterfalls. The rivers form seven waterfalls at the equator, named after the African explorer Stanley. Stanley Falls (or, as they now appear on maps, Boyoma Falls) ends the upper section of the Congo. In the middle reaches, within the basin, the Congo flows calmly in a wide valley. The river bed in some places forms lake-like extensions, reaching 20 km in diameter. Here the Congo receives its largest tributaries. In the lower reaches, cutting through the crystalline massif, the Congo again forms a series of waterfalls (there are 32 of them), united by the common name of the Livingston waterfalls. Having reached the coastal plain, the Congo expands, reaches a great depth (up to 70 m) and becomes navigable. The river at the mouth breaks up into branches and ends with a wide and deep estuary. In the Atlantic Ocean, the Congo channel continues in the form of an underwater furrow at a distance of 150 km from the coast. Large masses of water carried by the Congo desalinate the ocean at a distance of several tens of kilometers. The huge value of the Congo's runoff is explained by the equatorial position of the basin and the fact that the river receives inflows from the northern and southern hemispheres, in which the maximum precipitation falls on different time of the year. The northern tributaries bring the bulk of the water to the Congo from March to November. Discharge in the middle and lower Congo, gradually increasing, reaches a maximum in October-November. The second maximum, more significant, is associated with the rains of the southern hemisphere and occurs in February - April. The nutrition and regime of the Congo and the Amazon have much in common. During floods, the Congo overflows its banks in the middle reaches and floods the flat surface of the basin for hundreds of kilometers. All rivers of the Congo Basin have huge reserves of water energy. Several hydroelectric power plants have been built in the Shaba region, the most important mining area within the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

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Niger River

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The Niger River is inferior to the Congo and the Nile in terms of the length and area of ​​​​the basin, but is still one of the largest rivers on Earth. The length of Niger is 4184 km, the basin area is more than 2 million km2. Its average annual flow significantly exceeds the flow of the Nile (9300 m3/s). The Niger begins on the North Guinean Upland, at an altitude of 900 m. Its sources are only a few tens of kilometers from the ocean, from where the Niger flows first to the northeast, and on the border of the Sahara, it sharply changes direction to the southeast. In this part of the basin there is a vast inland delta of the Niger, formed during the existence of an ancient reservoir into which the upper Niger carried its waters. Flowing into the Gulf of Guinea, the river forms a vast delta. The largest tributary of the Niger - the Benue - flows into it in the lower reaches on the left. In the upper and lower reaches of the Niger there are rapids, on average it has the character of a flat river. The peculiarities of the Niger regime are due to the fact that its upper and lower reaches are located in areas rich in precipitation, and the middle course basin is characterized by great dryness and strong evaporation. There are two floods in the lower reaches of the Niger, and one in the middle and upper reaches. The upstream flood depends on summer rains, lasts from June to September and is transmitted downstream. In the middle reaches, there is a gradual rise in the level. Niger floods, water fills numerous branches, and dry channels accompanying the main stream. Due to the dryness of the climate, a lot of water in the middle reaches is spent on evaporation; this flood is transmitted to the lower reaches in a weakened form around January. In the lower reaches, there is another flood associated with local summer rains. On the border with the Sahara, Niger has great importance in the irrigation system: several dams and canals were built there, and a large rice-growing area was created.

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Zambezi River

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The Zambezi is the largest river in South Africa and the largest of the mainland's rivers flowing into the Indian Ocean. Its length is 2736 km, the basin area is 1330 thousand km2. The average annual flow of the Zambezi is very high (16,000 m3/s): it is more than 1.5 times the flow of the Niger and many times the average flow of the Nile. Zambezi originates at an altitude of more than 1000 m on the Congo-Zambezi watershed plateau. On its way, the river crosses flat basins and plateaus separating them, forming numerous rapids and waterfalls. The largest waterfall on the Zambezi and one of the largest in the world - Victoria - has a height of 120 m and a width of 1800 m (). Water falls into a basalt gorge, located perpendicular to the riverbed. For the deafening noise of falling water, which is heard at a great distance, and the snow-white column of spray, the locals gave the waterfall a figurative name - “thundering smoke”. Lake Nyasa (Malawi) across the Shire River has a drain in the Zambezi. High water on the Zambezi occurs in the summer of the southern hemisphere. The navigable value of the Zambezi due to sharp fluctuations in water content is small. For large vessels, it is available only in the lower reaches for 450 km. The hydropower resources of the Zambezi are used by the countries located in its basin. Below the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, a powerful Kariba hydroelectric complex was built, above the dam of which a reservoir of the same name was created - one of the largest in the world. Another large hydropower plant - Cahora Basa - is located on the territory of the Republic of Mozambique, and the energy it produces is used by several states of South and East Africa.

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great african lakes

The African Great Lakes are several large lakes located in and around the East African Rift Valley.
List of lakes:
Tanganyika
Victoria
Albert
Edward
Kivu
Malawi
Some include only the Victoria, Albert and Edward lakes among the Great Lakes, since only these three lakes have a drain into the White Nile. Tanganyika and Kivu drain into the Congo River system, while Malawi flows into the Zambezi via the Shire River.

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Great Lakes region

Great Lakes region

The region is one of the most densely populated in the world with approximately 107 million people. Due to past volcanic activity, this part of Africa has some of the best grassland in the world. The height above sea level determines the relatively temperate climate, despite the equatorial position. Due to population density and agricultural surpluses, the Great Lakes region has historically been divided into a number of small states, the most powerful of which were Rwanda, Burundi, Buganda and Bunyoro. Due to the long search for the source of the Nile, the region attracted the interest of Europeans for a long time. The first Europeans who arrived there were missionaries who did not find laurels when converting the natives to Christianity, but opened the region for subsequent colonization. Increased contact with the rest of the world led to several devastating epidemics that affected both humans and animals. As a result, the population of the region in some areas has decreased by almost 60%. It was not until the 1950s that the region's population reached pre-colonial levels.

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Lake Victoria

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Victoria is a lake in East Africa, in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. It is located in the tectonic trough of the East African Platform, at an altitude of 1134 m. It is the second largest freshwater lake in the world after Lake Superior and the largest lake in Africa in terms of area. It is also the largest among tropical lakes. The lake was discovered and named after Queen Victoria by British traveler John Henning Speke in 1858.

The area is 68.870 thousand km², the length is 320 km, the maximum width is 275 km. It is part of the Victoria Reservoir. Lots of islands. The high-water Kagera River flows in, the Victoria Nile River flows out. The lake is navigable, the locals are engaged in fishing on it. The northern coast of the lake crosses the equator. The lake with a maximum depth of 80 m belongs to fairly deep lakes. Unlike its deep-water neighbors, Tanganyika and Nyasa, which lie within the gorge system of Africa, Lake Victoria fills a shallow depression between the eastern and western sides of the Great Gorge valley. The lake receives a huge amount of water from the rains, more than from all its tributaries. 30 million people live in the vicinity of the lake. On the southern and western shores of the lake, the Haya people live, who knew how to grow coffee long before the arrival of Europeans. Main ports: Entebbe (Uganda), Mwanza, Bukoba (Tanzania), Kisumu (Kenya), near the northern coast of Kampala, the capital of Uganda.

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Lake Albert

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Albert is a lake in East Africa, on the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In Uganda it is called Lake Nyanza, in Congo (Zaire) in 1973-97 it was called Mobutu Sese Seko in honor of President Mobutu. It is located at an altitude of 617 m. The area is 5.6 thousand square meters. km, depth up to 58 m. It lies in a tectonic depression in the system of the Central African graben. The banks are slightly dissected, mostly steep; the bottom is flat. The rivers Semliki (the drain of Lake Edward) and the Victoria Nile (the drain of Lake Victoria) flow into the lake, and the Albert Nile flows out. The average annual flow of water into the lake due to precipitation is 4.6 cubic meters. km, due to the runoff from the pool of 24.9 cubic meters. km, evaporation is 7.5 cubic meters. km, stock 22 cub. km, surface water temperature up to 30 °C. Rich in fish (over 40 species: Nile perch, tiger fish, etc.). Shipping. The main ports are Butiaba (Uganda), Kasenyi (DRC).
It was discovered in 1864 by the English traveler S. W. Baker and named after the husband of Queen Victoria (see Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha), after whom, in turn, another great lake in Africa, Victoria, was named.

Lake Albert is part of a complex system of reservoirs in the upper reaches of the Nile. The main river flowing into the lake is the White Nile (known here as the Victoria Nile), flowing from Lake Victoria to the southeast through Lake Kyoga, and the Semliki River, flowing from Lake Edward to the southwest. The water of the Victoria Nile contains much less salt than the water of Lake Albert. The river that flows out of Albert, in the northernmost part of the island, is called the Albert Nile, which passes in the north into the White Nile. In the southern part of the lake, at the confluence of the Semliki River, there are swamps. Further south stretched the Rwenzori range, and a series of hills called Blue Mountains rise above the northwest coast. There are several villages on the shore of the lake, including Butiaba and Pakwach.

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Waterfalls of Africa

Tugela (cascade) 933m r. Tugela (South Africa)
Kalambo (cascade) 427m r. Kalambo (border of Tanzania and Zambia)
Augrabis (cascade) 146m r. Orange (South Africa)
Victoria 120m Zambezi (border between Zambia and Zimbabwe)
Cabarega 40m r. Victoria Nile (Uganda)
Boyoma (cascade) 40m r. Zaire (Democratic Republic of the Congo), Congo

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Tugela waterfall

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Tugela is the second highest waterfall in the world. It consists of five free-falling cascades, the largest of which is 411 meters.
Tugela falls in a narrow ribbon from the eastern bluff of the Drakensberg Mountains, in the Royal Natal National Park in KwaZulu, Natal Province, South Africa. It is clearly visible after heavy rain or at the end of the day, shining from the reflection of the Sun. The source of the Tugela River is located in Mont-Aux-Sources, a few kilometers from the cliff from which the waterfall falls. The water above the falls is clean and safe to drink. The cliff is often covered in snow during the winter months. There are two paths leading to the waterfall. One mountain hiking trail to the summit of Mount-Aux-Sources starts at Witsieshoek, from where there is a relatively short ascent to the summit along the path and further along two suspension bridges. Another trail starts at the Royal Natal National Park. A seven-kilometer climb along the gorge meanders through the local forest, then a jump over boulders and a small suspension bridge will lead to the foot of the Tugela waterfall.

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Augrabis Falls - "a ferocious riot of the water element."

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Augrabis Falls is located in the northwest of South Africa, almost at the very border with Namibia. Modern territory national park spread over 10 thousand hectares, which unite deserts, semi-deserts and areas of floodplain thickets. All this biodiversity is located in the area of ​​the famous 130-meter Augrabis waterfall on the Orange River. national park Augrabis waterfall was formed in 1966. The Orange River, on which the Augrabis Falls is located, is the most big river South Africa. Own modern name this river received from the Dutch Boer settlers, who christened it in honor of the Dutch ruling house of the princes of Orange (in Dutch - Orange). The Orange River carries a mighty water stream, it is only two times inferior to the Niger in terms of high water. The river originates in the Dragon Mountains, where it rises almost 4 km above the coast of the Indian Ocean, then follows the High Weld plain, after which it merges with its main tributary, the Vaal River. After long wanderings throughout the African continent, the Orange River flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The Augrabis waterfall along the Orange River is preceded by a 7 km delta with a large number small islands, from where this most powerful water stream rushes into a narrow gap. In the area of ​​the Augrabis waterfall, the flow of the river during the flood exceeds 1000 cubic meters. m per second. Having flown almost 140 meters, the river hits the rocky shores, already below the waterfall waves rise with a height of two-storey house. The name of the waterfall came up with the local residents of the Hottentots, translated from their language Augrabis means "a very noisy place." The Hottentots are still afraid of approaching the waterfall, they are sure that an evil deity lives in a deep pool under Augrabis, and it is as if it is his terrible roar that is heard above the water. Among others, a local legend is known about a large treasure of diamonds at the bottom of the waterfall, as if the Orange River itself brought them to the place of the waterfall from the upper reaches of the Vaal, where diamond deposits have long been known. In general, the Orange River becomes full-flowing only for a short period of time - during the rainy season. And most of the year it is a rather nondescript rivulet. But even in the dry season, the basin of the waterfall is full of water. But at this time, the so-called wells are clearly visible here - for many centuries, falling water has hollowed out quite deep "wells" at the bottom of the basin.

The mainland is completely located on the African plate. Due to its slope in the west, the main flow goes to the Atlantic. A third of all rivers have internal flow. Most of Africa's waterways have rapids and waterfalls, making them unsuitable for navigation. The water level in rivers is mainly affected by the presence or absence of rain. The melt waters of snows and glaciers feed the rivers originating on mountain peaks ah Africa. This article provides a list of the ten largest, deepest and longest rivers in Africa in ascending order, as well as a map of the basins of the great rivers of the continent.

#10: Jubba

The Jubba River has a length of 1004 km. The basin area is 497,504 km², the average water discharge is 187 m³ / s. The source of the Jubba is formed in Ethiopia, and most of the channel is in Somalia, where it flows into the Indian Ocean. A lot of precipitation falls throughout the river, so its banks are covered with abundant vegetation. Gazelles, chamois, hyenas and giraffes come to the river to drink. The Jubba watercourse is located only in two African states: Somalia and Ethiopia.

#9: Shari

The length of the river is 1400 km, the basin area is 548,747 km². The average water flow rate is about 1159 m³ / s. Shari is formed at the confluence of the Uam, Gribingi, and Bamingi rivers. The mouth of the artery is located in Chad. The river is not afraid of drought, and it does not dry up during the dry season. Shari is the main drinking source and the center of the fishing industry for the people of Chad. The river has many tributaries, the main ones being Logon, Bahr-Sarkh and Bahr-Salamat. Due to the fact that large cities are located along the banks, the river is too polluted. If no protective measures are taken river waters from pollution, the region faces an ecological disaster. Shari flows through Cameroon, Chad and the Central African Republic.

#8: Volta

The river stretches for about 1500 km. The area of ​​the basin is 407,093 km², the average water discharge is 1288 m³/s. The river is formed by the confluence of two West African water arteries: the White Volta and the Black Volta. The mouth of the reservoir is the Gulf of Guinea (Atlantic Ocean). The most important tributaries are the rivers Daka, Afram and Oti. The river flows through the Republic of Ghana and is famous for its developed navigation.

#7: Okavango

The length of the river is 1600 km. The basin area is 530,000 km². The average water flow is about 470 m³/s. The source of the Okavango is located in the mountains of Angola. The unique feature of the water artery is that it does not go anywhere. Okavango forms the largest river delta, and dissolves into the sands African desert Kalahari.

The river is predominantly rain fed. The largest tributary is the Quito River. The water in the Okavango is clean, because the shores are practically uninhabited by people and there is no industry.

The river delta is unique place. The banks are overgrown with water lilies and reeds. Acacia grows in the meadows. The Okavango water is a source of drink for a host of animals: antelopes, giraffes, hippos and crocodiles. The river flows through Angola, Namibia and Botswana.

#6: Limpopo

The length is 1750 km, and the basin area is 415,000 km². Water consumption 170 m³/s. The Limpopo begins in South Africa, where the Witwatersrand mountain range stretches, and flows into the Indian Ocean. The river is shaped like a zigzag, it crosses deserts, savannahs and mountain ranges. The Limpopo has several large tributaries: Shangane, Olifants, Notvani.

Food is predominantly rain. Thunderstorms and heavy downpours often occur in southern Africa in summer. In dry years, Limpopo dries up in the upper part. shipping route extends for 160 km from the mouth. Due to the peculiar bend of the river, the waters flow slowly, so a lot of silt forms in them. The land along the banks of the river is very fertile. Floods are rare, so they grow in the lower reaches deciduous forests. Closer to the mouth in the river, you can find cod, mackerel, herring, octopus and oysters. Along the entire length of Limpopo, hippos and crocodiles live on its banks. The river flows through the states of Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa.

#5: Orange

The length of the river is 2200 km. Its basin area is 973,000 km². The average flow rate does not exceed 365 m³/s. The Orange River originates in the Dragon Mountains. There is a lot of precipitation here, which is a source of food. Orange flows into the Atlantic. It crosses almost all South Region continent and plays a vital role in its economy.

The main tributary is the Vaal River. Due to the abundance of rapids, navigation on Orange is impossible. The main wealth of the river are all kinds of minerals. Due to the hot climate, a small variety of animals practically lives here. The river crosses Namibia, the Republic of the Congo, South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho.

#4: Zambezi

The length of the river is 2574 km. The basin area is 1,390,000 km². Water consumption is approximately 3400 m³/s. The river originates in the northwest of Zambia, and its mouth is in the Indian Ocean. From the north, the Zambezi turns sharply to the southwest. In the south, the river becomes much more rapid. On the border of the Central African Plateau is the Victoria Falls, formed as a result of a fault tectonic plate. The river then turns to the northeast. In the lower reaches, it turns to the south and rushes to the ocean. The river crosses African countries such as Angola, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

The main tributaries are the Luangwa and the Kafue. Food - rain. Zambezi is the most flooded in summer, from November to March. Due to seasonal high water, navigation is not very developed. The upper and middle parts of the river flow through the savannas. Grow between the riverbeds dense forests. The lower part of the Zambezi is represented by tropical forests.

There are many fish in the waters. Species diversity divides the Victoria Falls. In the upper reaches bream and pike are found. Where there are no fast currents, crocodiles and monitor lizards live. Many animals in the forests and savannahs. It is convenient to observe them during the dry season, when all the animals go to the watering place to the banks of the Zambezi. The fauna is represented by monkeys, baboons, wolves, cheetahs, zebras and giraffes. The banks of the river are home to pelicans, herons and flamingos.

#3: Niger

The length of the river is 4180 km. The basin area is 2,117,700 km². Water consumption 5589 m³/s. The Niger is the third largest river in Africa, originating on the slopes of the Liberian Highlands. The mouth is located in the Gulf of the Atlantic Ocean.

The nourishment of the river is determined monsoon rains. The channel is first directed to the north. In Mali, the direction changes to the southeast. The main tributaries are the Benue, Kaduna, Sokato, Bani and Milo. The water artery passes through the territories of the following countries: Guinea, Nigeria, Niger, Mali, Benin.

Large cities line the banks of the Niger, including Bamako, the fastest growing city on the continent. Navigation is developed only in the upper reaches. There are two dams and one hydroelectric power station on the river. Thanks to the abundance of ichthyofauna, fishing is developed. In Niger they catch carp, barbel and perch.

#2: Congo

The length is 4,700 km, the basin area is 4,014,500 km². Approximate water flow is 41,200 m³/s. The river originates near lakes Nyasa and Tanganyika, and flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Congo is rain-fed, while the river is the deepest on Earth. In some places, the depth exceeds 200 m.

Main tributaries: Mobangi, Alima, Ruby, Lulongo, Lefeni. The Livingston Falls keep ships out of the ocean. On gentle stretches, between major cities, shipping is well established. Densely populated cities are located along the banks of the Congo. The reservoir has a large energy reserve: two dams and 40 hydroelectric power stations have already been built here.

A mighty water artery provides water to the equatorial forests. They are a favorable habitat for various dangerous animals: spiders, snakes and crocodiles. The Congo crosses Angola, the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

#1: Neil

With a length of 6853 km, the Nile is probably the longest river in the world. River basin - 3,400,000 million km², water discharge 2830 m³/s. The Nile originates in Lake Victoria and flows into the Mediterranean Sea. Large tributaries are the Achva, Sobat, Atbara and the Blue Nile. The river is filled with rainfall. The flood comes in late summer - early autumn, then the river can overflow its banks. Navigation is well developed in the north.

The Nile gives life to many species of plants and animals. A large number of fish species live in the river delta: perch, moonfish, sea bream and barb. Nile crocodile and hippopotamus live along the banks. The number of birds, including migratory ones, is about three hundred species. Giraffes and antelopes live in the river valleys.

The fertile layer of soil along the river allows the growth rare species palm trees and shrubs, which contrast sharply with the nearby desert lands. The Nile flows through Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.

On the vast arid continent of Africa, rivers represent life and prosperity. The life-giving force of water arteries penetrates mountains, plains, deserts, and goes out into the open spaces of the sea. Some African rivers are recognized as the deepest and longest on the planet.

general information

The river system belongs to the global waters of the Atlantic and Indian. The third factor is determined by internal runoff.

The watercourses of the Atlantic waters occupy half of the land of Africa. 30% of the territory falls on internal runoff reservoirs. The Indian Ocean receives flows from a fifth of the mainland.

The characteristic of the intensity of the current is due to undeveloped river channels. The upper reaches are marked by stormy swift streams. In the lower reaches there are rapids with waterfalls. Among them, the Victoria Falls on the Zambezi are world famous. The stepping of the surface affects the restriction of navigation along the entire length of the watercourses. It is carried out only in certain areas. However, this shortcoming is compensated by the development of hydropower, which accounts for 20% of Africa's energy resources.

The state of the water area is affected climatic zones. Most reservoirs are filled with rain. Reserves from precipitation are available to a few reservoirs in mountainous areas. At the equator, high water is observed throughout the year.

Another characteristic of water content in the subequatorial belt, where shallow water begins. In the tropics, river reserves are depleted. Moisture occasionally enters dry riverbeds. The African platform with its slope affects the geography of rivers. A significant flow goes into the bowels of the Atlantic.

Nile - River of Africa

The Nile is the longest river in Africa. She is welcomed on the lands of numerous countries in the north of the continent. On its way, the Nile is exposed to a variety of weather and terrain conditions. The river is recognized as the longest not only in Africa. On a global scale, it is the second after the Amazon.

Characteristics of the watercourse:

• length - 6680 kilometers;
• filling - 2.9 million km2;
• consumption - 2590 m3 / s.

The Nile remains a mystery of geography to this day. Scientists cannot reach a consensus on the place of origin of the natural miracle. The ancient thinker Herodotus wrote that the Nile begins in southern Africa. The version of Ptolemy Claudius claimed that the beginning is the Rwenzori Range (in ancient times, the Moon Mountains). The truth came with the discovery of Lake Victoria in the 19th century. Studies have confirmed that the source is located in one of the tributaries of the Kagera River - Rukarara.

Throughout the course of the Nile, the character changes - calm and rapids, deep and shallow.

The current rushes to the north, rushing from above into the lowlands. Thrown down by the strongest waterfalls. From a height of 40 meters, the Murchison Cascade flows into Lake Albert, from which the Albert Nile is born. The plain of Uganda calms the seething stream. Nile reaches South Sudan, where it is divided into many arms.

The further course of the watercourse intersects with Lake Net and reaches the capital of Sudan - Khartoum. In this place, the water changes color from yellow, due to clay impurities, to a transparent color. For this reason, they begin to call it not the White, but the Blue Nile.

The next tributary, the Atraba, fills the basin in front of the Sahara desert even more. The great Nile flows in a wide strip across the Egyptian expanses to the Suez Canal, where it flows into the Mediterranean Sea. The end of the path is characterized by sprawling into separate branches, the formation of a huge estuary.

Congo

The Congo, or Zaire, is one of the most significant rivers in Central Africa. It is the deepest on the continent.

Streams fall from the 1580 m highlands of Zambia called Chambezi. Along the course, it leaves behind cascades and turbulent streams of Central African territory. It reaches the shores of the Atlantic with a 12-kilometer deep channel.

Characteristics of the watercourse:

• length - 4376 kilometers;
• volume - 3675 km2;
• maximum depth - 240 m.

The African River has many versatile tributaries.

Navigation is developed in many areas. Africans extract oil, clay, sand. The main source of food is river wealth - fish, plants. There are many power plants in operation.

Niger

In the third longest river in Africa, its main advantage is present - fresh water. The Niger River, originating in Guinea, is an indispensable source of life-giving moisture in West Africa.

Characteristics of the watercourse:

• length - 4155 kilometers;
• volume - 2096;
• annual flow - 270 km3

From the mountain peaks of 850 m, the watercourse moves north along the Malian plain, where it sharply changes direction to the south. It flows through the territory of Nigeria, Benin to the Gulf of Guinea - the mouth of the Niger. intricate winding river way at all times instilled mystical moods in the natives. locals consider the source sacred, believe in ancient spirits and protect from strangers.

At the mouth there is a vast delta. The unique reservoir has an internal mouth called Masina. The swampy valley is flooded with rivers and lake overflows for a length of 427 km.

One of the important tributaries, the Benue, makes the watercourse full-flowing and wide - up to 3.5 km. Abundant rainfall combines the tributary with Lake Chad.

Navigation depends on the relief and the fullness of the basin, therefore it is not present on the entire river.

African rivers on the map

The water system of the mainland is made up of lakes and rivers of Africa, marked on the map. The hydraulic system of antiquity has changed over the centuries, thanks to large reservoirs in the place of the current deserts. With climate change, the surface of the earth changed, becoming mountainous on the outskirts of the plateau. Their slopes were sources of new reservoirs. Today they make up modern maps of the water area, deserts and savannahs.

Major African rivers

Noting the largest rivers in Africa, one should characterize the fourth longest - Zamzebi, stretching for 2570 km. Zambezi, overcoming the Angolan savannah, falls into Mozambique. The long river of Africa ends its journey in the waves of the Indian Ocean.

The Orange River is born in the mountains of South Africa. Section 2190 km washes the coast of South Africa, Namibia, ending in the waves of the Atlantic. Vessels do not go along the Orange River due to the shallowness of the watercourse. The name of the watercourse has nothing to do with colors. The name is associated with the name of the Dutch nobleman William of Orange. Over the years, the name has transformed and turned from Orange to Orange.

What is the most famous river in Africa in Russia? The river glorified by the writer Korney Chukovsky is known to everyone as the Limpopo. Throughout waterway at 1590 km it is fed by numerous small and medium-sized watercourses. It flows into the Indian Ocean.

Senegal - a large river in West Africa creates a natural border between states. The filling capacity of the reservoir is more than 400 thousand km2.

List of important river arteries of Africa

1. Atraba - plays the role of a right-hand tributary of the Nile at a distance of 1130 km. It is a geographical landmark of the Ethiopian and Sudanese settlements. During the dry period, the lower reaches dry up, during the monsoon season it fills up and reaches the Nile.
2. Juba is a watercourse of the Ethiopian and Somali lands with a pool of 748 thousand square meters shared with Vebi-Shebeli. km. The full-flowing river of Africa has an important economic importance thanks to shipping.
3. Lualaba is the name of the upper reaches of the Congo, the length of which is 2100 km from the source to the Boyoma cascades.

Conclusion

The river basins of the African continent give life to its inhabitants. Many rivers are not so significant in scale and not the largest, but enliven the landscape, contribute to the development of animal husbandry and agriculture.

Given that most of the peoples of the continent live in poverty, water supply is of strategic importance. Hydroelectric power plants are being built on the rivers. They supply resources to the local population, contribute to the development of industrial facilities. Many reservoirs are taken under protection not only by individual states, but also on a planetary scale.