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The largest lakes in Africa. Lakes of Africa. Great lakes of Africa. The deepest lake in Africa Rivers lakes animals mountains of Africa

In Africa, lakes are not particularly localized and are found throughout the continent. The only exception is the East African Rift Valley, where the African Great Lakes are located. The arid climate does not prevent bodies of water from being the center of life. Although some of them are highly dependent on the rainy season, and the rest of the time they can dry out almost completely. The authorities of a number of countries have become concerned about environmental protection and have organized national parks and reserves near the most picturesque lakes.

Species diversity is also protected, so populations are being restored. There are lakes, both salty and fresh. In the first case, industrial extraction of salt is common; in the second, the use of water for Agriculture. In terms of tourism, reservoirs are also attractive. Where there is no infrastructure and large hotels, travelers are lured to go on safari or look at authentic Africa.

The most famous lakes in Africa

1. Victoria

This is the largest lake in Africa by area. Belongs to the territory of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. Area – 69 thousand km², maximum depth – about 84 meters. A dam was built in 1954, making Victoria a reservoir. The average annual air temperature in the district is above +20°C, two rainy seasons in calendar year. Tours to the lake can be booked at any big city region. Even local fishermen conduct excursions.

2. Tanganyika

The most deep lake Africa. Belongs to 4 countries: Tanzania, DR Congo, Burundi, Zambia. The area is almost 33 thousand km², the maximum depth is 1470 meters. The sizes change throughout the year, which is associated with the hot climate and the drying out of the rivers flowing into Tanganyika. Fishing is carried out almost throughout the entire territory. There are large port cities. There are hotels in picturesque bays. Targeted at poor tourists and exotic lovers.

Located in Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania. The area is more than 29.5 thousand km², the maximum depth is 706 meters. Eat sandy beaches, diving opportunities and underwater fishing. The coastal zone is not very populated, the infrastructure in some places is outdated or not developed. Fishing is not typical for all parts of the lake. Tourists are attracted by picturesque views, rare plants and animals. The environment is getting worse every year.

4. Rudolf (Turkana)

Found in Kenya and Ethiopia. Area – 8.5 thousand km², maximum depth – 73 meters. Opened in 1888 and named after the Crown Prince of Austria. The local name Turkana was assigned to the lake already in the 70s of the last century. There are three islands of volcanic origin. There are a lot of crocodiles in the area, including abnormally large specimens. The area is also famous for archaeological finds from different periods.

5. Edward

It is shared between the DR Congo and Uganda. The area is more than 2.3 thousand km², the average depth is 17 meters. Named after the British King Edward VII. Belongs to the Great Lakes system of Africa. A canal links it to neighboring Lake George. There are several national parks in the district, whose activities are aimed at preserving elephants, chimpanzees and other fauna. Included in the route of migratory birds.

6. Natron

It can be found in northern Tanzania. Area – 1 thousand km², average depth – one and a half meters. The presence of salt and microorganisms triggers processes in the water that periodically turn the lake pink. There can be hundreds of thousands of flamingos here at the same time. The pool is protected by the Ramsar Convention. This agreement allows for the conservation of both wetlands and waterfowl species.

7. Retba

Located in Senegal near the Cape Verde Peninsula. Area – 3 km², maximum depth – 3 meters. Thanks to the large number of halophilic archaea, the color of the water is pink or shades close to it. The salt content in water is close to 40%. Constant production began in the 70s of the last century. Staying in water without special equipment for 10 minutes or more risks getting burns.

8. Chad

Belongs to Chad, Nigeria, Niger and Cameroon. The title translates as " big water" The area is more than 1.3 thousand km², the average depth is one and a half meters. Sizes vary depending on the season. Deposits of soda, which is actively mined, and oil have been explored on the lake. Work is underway to prevent the reservoir from drying out. In the coming years, it is planned to build canals and drain runoff from the Congo Basin into Chad.

9. Albert

Located on the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. Area – 5.6 thousand km², average depth – 25 meters. Opened in 1864 and named after Queen Victoria's husband. The banks are mostly steep. There are villages and ports, and shipping between them is developed. The surrounding area is varied, with wetlands, mountains, beaches and tall thickets. Fishing is on stream; there are more than 40 species of fish in the lake.

10. Kivu

Located in the border zone of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. Area – 2.7 thousand km², maximum depth – 480 meters. Belongs to the Great Lakes system of Africa. The Ruzizi River connects it with Lake Tanganyika. There is a legend about the eruption of a nearby volcano, when the water in Kivu boiled and the fish cooked. There are methane deposits at the bottom, which poses a threat of explosion in the event of an earthquake and other disasters.

11. Assal

Crater salt Lake in Djibouti. Area – 54 km², average depth – more than 7 meters. The location of the lake is the most low point continent. The salt level is comparable to the Dead Sea. Salt mining is carried out at permanent basis and is important for the country's economy. The banks look rocky due to the salinity of the soil. A natural attraction nearby is the Gubbet-Kharab Bay of the Gulf of Tadjoura.

12. Manyara

Located in northern Tanzania. Dimensions – 50 by 16 km. It is known due to explored deposits of salts and phosphate. The coastline is characterized by uneven vegetation. There are several hot springs nearby. Included in a number of permanent tourist routes. Lovers of watching animals will be especially interested here. The area is home to buffalos, lions, and rhinoceroses.

13. Tana

Located in northwestern Ethiopia. Area – 3.5 thousand km², maximum depth – 15 meters. About 50 rivers flow into it, and only the Blue Nile flows out. The local population is engaged in fishing and uses water from the Tana for agriculture. The main attractions of the lake are the islands. Built on them Christian monasteries and temples, and many of the country's rulers are buried.

14. Bangweulu

The water system of Zambia, which includes not only a lake, but also a swamp with a floodplain. The area is more than 15 thousand km², the maximum depth is 5 meters, it is fed by almost 20 rivers. Plays an important role in the economy of the region. There are many fishing villages on the coast. Although the tourism infrastructure is poorly developed, the influx of travelers is significant. They come for African authenticity.

15. Mveru

Belongs to DR Congo and Zambia. The area is more than 5 thousand km², the maximum depth is 27 meters. Unlike most lakes, Mweru is not particularly affected by the rainy season. The coast is built up with fishing villages. Bird and animal populations are still recovering from poaching that raged here in the past. Built to the reservoir modern road, which made life easier for locals and tourists.

16. Kyoga

A complex of lakes in Uganda with a total area of more than 1.7 thousand km². Maximum depth – up to 6 meters. Floating islands formed from papyrus drift between small islands. There are wetlands around, partially overgrown banks, and a lot of fish. Together, this created excellent conditions for the reproduction and life of crocodiles. The flow of water from Kyoga to the White Nile is hampered by natural congestion.

17. Nakuru

Located in central Kenya. The translation of the name is “dusty place.” Area – up to 40 km², maximum depth – up to 3 meters. The water is salty, there is a lot of algae and phytoplankton. There is a permanent and impressive population of flamingos. Part of the same name national park. It has expanded since its founding to include part of the savannah. People come here to watch rhinoceroses.

18. Kariba

A reservoir formed in 1959 on the Zambezi River. Belongs to the territory of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Area – 5.4 thousand km², maximum depth – 78 meters. Downstream there is a national park and biosphere reserve. Since the surrounding areas are no longer flooded during the rainy season due to the dam, the fauna has also changed. For example, acacia and floating ferns have grown extensively.

19. Bogoria

Alkaline saline lake in Kenya. Area – 33 km², average depth – 5 meters. Very high performance alkali content. Salinity in dry seasons reaches 100 ‰. You can easily find active geysers on the shores. The height of their fountains reaches 5 meters. It is protected primarily because of its flamingo population - 2 million individuals. It is part of the reserve of the same name. UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011.

20. Bunyoni

Situated in southwestern Uganda. Dimensions – 25 by 7 km. The translation of the name is “place of little birds.” There are 29 islands, each home to exotic birds - about 200 species. It is safe to swim here as there are no crocodiles or tropical diseases. Local residents arrange excursions and canoe trips for tourists for a small fee. From above, the outline of the lake resembles a walking giraffe.

21. Nasser

A reservoir formed on the Nile River. Territorially belongs to Egypt and Sudan. Named after the President of Egypt. The area is more than 5 thousand km², the maximum depth is 130 meters. Appeared in the 60s of the last century. Specialists from the USSR participated in the construction of the dam. During construction, many national ancient monuments were moved from the flood zone, including the Temple of Isis.

22. Naivasha

Kenyan freshwater lake. The translation of the name is “turbulent water”. They rise here periodically strong winds, making the lake restless. This is due, among other things, to its location - the highest part of the Great Rift Valley. Area – 139 km², average depth – 6 meters. The lake is notable for its wide variety of birds - about 400 species, as well as a colony of hippopotamuses.

23. Volta

In fact, it is a reservoir on the river of the same name. Located in Ghana. It appeared in the 60s of the last century after the construction of a hydroelectric power station. Area – 8.5 thousand km², maximum depth – 80 meters. Fishing has been put into operation. Shipping, including tourism, is developed. The shores are densely populated. The terrain is heterogeneous, with savannas in the north and tropical forests in the south.

24. Nyos

Located in the northwest of Cameroon. The area is almost 1.5 km², the maximum depth is 210 meters. It is of crater origin and surrounded by mountains. On the northern side it is limited by a natural dam crossed by a channel. The water is periodically degassed to prevent the 1986 disaster that killed more than 1,700 people. The banks are strengthened and the water level is falling.

25. Mai-Ndombe

Freshwater lake in the southwest of DR Congo. In the past it was named after the King of Belgium, but was renamed after the country gained independence. The area during the rainy season is up to 8.2 thousand km², the rest of the time – 2.3 thousand km². The maximum depth is 7 meters. Formed from a huge endorheic lake that existed here a million years ago. New species of flora and fauna are constantly being discovered in the area.

26. Rukva

Located in southwest Tanzania. Area – 2.6 thousand km², average depth – 3 meters. During dry periods it dries out almost completely. This salt lake has several tributaries. During the rainy season, which lasts from October to April, additional temporary rivers appear. There are many waterfowl, especially pelicans, and about 60 species of fish. Part of the Katavi National Park.

27. Tengrela

Located in the southwest of Burkina Faso. Dimensions – 2 by 1.5 km. There are small settlements on the shore. Fishing is a popular activity of local residents. Rich in aquatic vegetation, especially water lilies. Tourists come here to watch hippos; their colony lives here all year round. It is part of some safaris, although it is not the main attraction.

28. Abbe

This salt lake marks the border between Ethiopia and Djibouti. Area – 320 km², average depth – more than 8.5 meters. The lake has limestone peaks, also called pillars. Steam eruptions sometimes occur above the surface. Their height reaches 50 meters. Mixed meals, including fresh water from the Awash River and thermal springs, rich in salts and minerals.

29. Magadi

Salty endorheic lake in Kenya. Area – 104 km², maximum depth – meter. The area is rich in salty springs flowing from faults. The reservoir has become smaller over the years. In areas left without water there are layers of rock salt. And at the bottom, the so-called “Egyptian salt” is formed, which has been mined here for 80 years. Magadi has only one species of fish, but many species of birds.

30. Chala

Crater lake on the border of Tanzania and Kenya. Area – 4.2 km², maximum depth – 98 meters. Tourists are offered kayaking and swimming, although crocodiles have been spotted here during some periods. You can get to the reservoir by SUV through a tropical forest. There are meetings with Bedouins. The rainy season is short. Nearby attraction: Mount Kilimanjaro.

Among African rivers, in Atlantic Ocean Rivers flow into: Congo (Zaire) - the deepest and second longest river in Africa, Niger, Senegal, Gambia and Orange. To the Mediterranean Sea - the Nile (the longest river in Africa). The flow into the Indian Ocean is carried out mainly by the Za Mbezi River.

The stepped surface causes rapids in many rivers and the formation of waterfalls. Largest and beautiful waterfall in Africa - on the Zambezi River (border of Zambia and Zimbabwe).

About one-third of Africa's area is an area of internal flow, in the main temporary watercourses. Unique a natural phenomenon inland flow - (in Botswana)

Rivers of Africa:

Gambia- river in West Africa(Guinea, Senegal and Gambia). Length about 1200 km. Flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Floods from July to October. It is navigable for 467 km from the mouth, where the city of Banjul is located.

Zambezi- the fourth longest river in Africa. The basin area is 1,570,000 sq. km, length is 2,574 km. The source of the river is in Zambia, the river flows through Angola, along the borders of Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe, to Mozambique, where it flows into the Indian Ocean. The name Zambezi was given to the river by its European discoverer, David Livingstone, and comes from a corruption of Kasambo Wayzi, a name in one of the local dialects.
One of the most striking features of the Zambezi is Victoria Falls, one of the world's greatest waterfalls.
There are many other notable waterfalls in the Zambezi: Chavuma on the border of Zambia and Angola and Ngambwe, in Western Zambia. Along the entire course of the river across the Zambezi there are only five bridges in the cities: Chingwingi, Katima Mulilo, Victoria Falls, Chirundu and Tete.
2 large hydroelectric power stations were built on the river - the Kariba Hydroelectric Power Station, which supplies electricity to Zambia and Zimbabwe, and the Cabora Bassa Hydroelectric Power Station in Mozambique, which supplies electricity to Zimababwe and South Africa. There is also a small power station in the city of Victoria Falls.

Congo (Zaire) - big river V Central Africa, flows under the name Chambesi between lakes Nyasa and Tanganyika at an altitude of 1590 m above sea level, flows Lake Bangweolo and under the name Luapuda - Lake Moero, connects with Luadaba and Lukuga; both in the upper and lower reaches it forms many rapids and waterfalls (Stanley Falls and a number of Livingston waterfalls); flows into the Atlantic Ocean in a wide (11 km) and deep channel.
Congo is 4374 km long and navigable for 1600 km. The basin area is 3680 thousand sq. km.
Tributaries on the right: Aruvimi, Rubi, Mongalla, Mobangi (Ouelle), Saaga-Mambere, Likuala-Lekoli, Alima, Lefini; from left: Lomami, Lulongo, Ikelemba, Ruki, Kassai with Sankuru and Kuango, Lualaba.

Limpopo- a river in South Africa, flows south of Pretoria from the Witwatersrand mountains (1800 m), in upper reaches in its own way, crosses the Mogali Mountains and connects with Mariko. After traveling 1600 km and receiving many tributaries, it flows into the Indian Ocean north of Delagoa Bay.
The Limpopo is navigable from the point where it joins Nuanetsi at 32°E.

Niger- the most important river in West Africa. The length is 4160 km, the basin area is 2092 thousand sq. km, the third according to these parameters in Africa after the Nile and Congo.
The source is in Guinea, then the river flows through Mali, Niger, along the Benin border, then flows through Nigeria and flows into the Gulf of Guinea.
Main tributaries: Milo, Bani (right); Sokoto, Kaduna and Benue (left).

Nile- a river in northern and northeastern Africa, one of the two longest rivers in the world. The length of the Nile (with Kagera) is about 6,700 km (the most often used figure is 6,671 km), from Lake Victoria to the Mediterranean Sea is approximately 5,600 km.
The area of the basin, according to various sources, is 2.8-3.4 million square kilometers (fully or partially covering the territories of Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt). The average flow rate at Aswan is 2,600 m3/sec, but in different years Fluctuations from 500 m3/sec to 15,000 m3/sec are possible. The river originates on the East African plateau and flows into the Mediterranean Sea, forming a delta. In the upper reaches it receives large tributaries - Bahr el-Ghazal (left) and Aswa, Sobat, Blue Nile and Atbara (right). Below the mouth of the right tributary of the Atbara, the Nile flows through a semi-desert, having no tributaries for the last 3000 km.

Orange- a river in southern Africa. It originates in the Drakensberg Mountains on the border of South Africa and Lesotho, flows through Namibia and flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Length 2200 km, basin area 973,000 sq. km.
On the Orange River there is the famous 146-meter Augrabis Falls (South Africa).
The name of the river comes from the Oran dynasty.

Senegal River located in West Africa and forms a natural border between the states of Senegal and Mauritania. The length of the river is about 1970 km.
The area of the river basin is 419`575 km2 and the annual discharge of water into the Atlantic Ocean is close to 8 million km2. Main tributaries: Falem, Karakoro and Gorgol.
In 1972, Mali, Senegal and Mauritania founded the Senegal River Restoration Organization to jointly manage the river basin. Guinea joined this organization in 2005.

African inland waters

Ground and underground waters

Groundwater and groundwater are of great importance for deserts and semi-deserts. Groundwater has a mainly linear distribution in the form of sub-channel flows of episodic rivers. Large artesian pools are especially important in the Sahara and arid regions of South Africa. In the Sahara, fresh or slightly saline groundwater is confined mainly to Lower Cretaceous continental sandstones. In the semi-deserts and deserts of South Africa, groundwater accumulates for the most part in bedrock fissures, in karst limestones and, presumably, in sandstones of the Karoo system. Where groundwater comes to the surface, oases are formed. Date palms grow in the oases, various fruit trees, tropical crops are grown. Watering holes for livestock are arranged near artesian wells. Searching, mining and rational use groundwater- one of the vital problems of African states located in the arid regions of the continent. Searching for underground water in deserts North Africa Hydrogeologists from Russia are helping.

Rivers of Africa

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

Between the areas with summer and winter maximum flows there are vast areas that are generally devoid of constant flow. 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 riverbeds that fill with water only a short time after rare occasional rains. A developed network of dry riverbeds and an abundance of dry depressions, only periodically filled with water and characteristic of the now arid regions of Africa, indicate the existence previously of more humid areas within its borders. climatic conditions. The last pluvial period corresponded to the period of the last glaciation in the high latitudes of the northern hemisphere. All of Africa's most significant rivers irrigate vast basins separated from the oceans by plateaus and mountain ranges. The uplifts caused a revival of erosion activity and contributed to the formation of large rapids and waterfalls in the valleys of many rivers. They impede navigation and greatly reduce transport value African rivers, but at the same time contain huge hydropower resources, the use of which has been expanding in recent decades in a number of African states

North Africa

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

West Africa

Bandama - Ivory Coast
Cavalli - Liberia, Ivory Coast
Gambia - Gambia, Senegal
Niger - Nigeria, Benin, Niger, Mali
Veme - 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
Kwilu in the upper reaches - Niari - Congo
Mbini
Ntem
Nianga - Gabon
Ogooue - Gabon

South Africa

Breede - South Africa
Kwanzaa - Angola
Fishriver - Namibia
Groot - South Africa
Kuiseb - Namibia
Kunene - Angola - Namibia, Botswana
Kwando - Namibia (downstream of 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. The average water flow near Aswan 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, it is one of the most unique and remarkable rivers in the world. The source of the Nile is considered to be the Kagera River, which originates at an altitude of more than 2000 m on 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 empties into Lake Albert, below which it is called Albert Nile. Throughout this entire section of the river, the river has a mountainous character, is very rapid and forms several waterfalls. The largest waterfall is Kabalega (Murchison) on the river. Victoria Nile - reaches 40 m in height. Leaving the highlands under the Arabic name Bahr El Jabal, which means “river of the mountains,” the river enters a vast and flat basin. Its flow slows down, and the channel breaks up into branches. The largest tributaries in this part of the stream are El Ghazal (“river of gazelles”) and Sobat. Flowing from the mountains, Sobat carries turbid yellow water containing a large amount of suspended material. Below Sobat the river is called the White Nile (Bahr el-Abyad). Near the Sudanese city of Khartoum, the White Nile merges with the Blue Nile (Bahr el-Azraq) and here it receives the name Nile. The Blue Nile originates in the Ethiopian Highlands, flowing from Lake Tana. From the same highlands the Nile receives its last large tributary, the Atbaru. Below its confluence, the Nile cuts through a plateau composed of hard sandstones and crosses a series of rapids (cataracts). There are a total of six rapids between Khartoum and Aswan. Below Aswan, the Nile flows in a valley 20-50 km wide, which at the beginning of the Anthropocene was a bay of the Mediterranean Sea. The Nile Valley ends with a delta formed on the site of a bay, which was gradually filled with sediment from the river. The delta area is 24 thousand km2.

Slide No. 10

Neil - the only river North Africa, which crosses the Sahara and brings its waters to the Mediterranean Sea, being the source of life in the arid desert. The permanent flow of the Nile exists due to the precipitation that falls in more southern regions and feed its origins. The White Nile, starting in the equatorial belt, receives its nourishment from the 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 lakes. But within the Upper Nile Basin, a large amount of water is lost to evaporation, and in the supply of the Nile below Khartoum, the White Nile plays a smaller role than the Blue Nile, which carries abundant water (60-70% of the total flow) after the summer rains that fall on the Ethiopian Highlands. Highest consumption on the lower Nile during this period is approximately five times higher than the flow during low water. The tributaries of the Nile, flowing from the Ethiopian Highlands, bring large amounts of silt, which settles during the flood. Before the construction of the Aswan High Dam, there was no through navigation route along the Nile due to numerous rapids. Overcoming rapids throughout the year was only possible by boat. For permanent navigation, areas 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 water flow throughout the year. At one time, a large hydroelectric complex was created near Aswan to irrigate cotton fields. However, these outdated hydraulic structures did not solve the most important economic problems - expanding acreage 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 Egypt's irrigated land 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 No. 11

Congo River

Slide No. 12

The Congo ranks second among African rivers in terms of 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 considered to be 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 basin area is about 3.7 million km2. The average annual flow rate 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. Large tributaries of the Congo are the 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 common name Livingston Falls. Having reached the coastal plain, the Congo expands, reaches great depths (up to 70 m) and becomes navigable. The river at its mouth splits into branches and ends in a wide and deep estuary. In the Atlantic Ocean, the Congo channel continues in the form of an underwater groove at a distance of 150 km from the coast. Large masses of water carried out by the Congo desalinate the ocean at a distance of several tens of kilometers. The huge amount of Congo's runoff is explained by the near-equatorial position of the basin and the fact that the river receives inflows from the northern and southern hemispheres, in which maximum precipitation occurs in different time of the year. Northern tributaries bring the bulk of water to the Congo from March to November. The discharge in the middle and lower Congo, gradually increasing, reaches a maximum in October-November. The second maximum, more significant, is associated with rains southern hemisphere and occurs in February - April. The diet and regime of the Congo and the Amazon have much in common. During floods, the Congo in its middle reaches overflows its banks and floods the flat surface of the basin for hundreds of kilometers. All rivers of the Congo Basin have enormous 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.

Slide No. 13

Niger River

Slide No. 14

The Niger River is inferior to the Congo and the Nile in terms of length and basin area, but is still one of the largest rivers on Earth. The length of the 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 Guinea Upland, at an altitude of 900 m. Its sources are located just 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 the vast inland delta of the Niger, formed during the period of 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 its lower reaches from 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 reaches 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. Flood in the upper reaches depends on summer rains, lasts from June to September and is transmitted downstream. In the middle reaches there is a gradual rise in level. The Niger is flooded, water fills numerous branches, and dry riverbeds accompanying the main watercourse. Due to the dry 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 is of great importance in the irrigation system: several dams and canals have been built there, and a large rice growing area has been created.

Slide No. 15

Zambezi River

Slide No. 16

The Zambezi is South Africa's largest river and the largest mainland river 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. The 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 (). The water rushes into a basalt gorge located perpendicular to the river bed. For the deafening noise of falling water, which can be heard at a great distance, and the snow-white column of spray, local residents gave the waterfall a figurative name - “thundering smoke”. Lake Nyasa (Malawi) through the Shire River has a drainage into the Zambezi. Floods on the Zambezi occur in the summer of the southern hemisphere. The navigability of the Zambezi due to sharp fluctuations in water content is small. For large ships it is accessible only in the lower reaches for 450 km. The hydropower resources of the Zambezi are used by countries located in its basin. Below the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, the 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 hydroelectric complex, Cahora Basa, is located on the territory of the Republic of Mozambique, and the energy it generates is used by several countries in Southern and Eastern Africa.

Slide No. 17

Great African Lakes

The African Great Lakes are several large lakes located in and around the East African Rift Zone.
List of lakes:
Tanganyika
Victoria
Albert
Edward
Kivu
Malawi
Some consider only Lakes Victoria, Albert and Edward to be Great Lakes, since only these three lakes drain into the White Nile. Tanganyika and Kivu drain into the Congo River system, and Malawi drains into the Zambezi via the Shire River.

Slide No. 18

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 contains some of the best grassland in the world. Altitude above sea level determines relatively temperate climate, despite the equatorial position. Due to population density and agricultural surpluses, the Great Lakes region was historically 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 for a long time attracted the interest of Europeans. The first Europeans to arrive there were missionaries who found no laurels in converting the aborigines to Christianity, but opened up the region for subsequent colonization. Increased contact with the rest of the world led to several devastating epidemics that affected both people and animals. As a result, the region's population has dropped by almost 60% in some areas. It was not until the 1950s that the region's population reached pre-colonial levels.

Slide No. 19

Lake Victoria

Slide No. 20

Victoria is a lake in East Africa, in the territory of Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. 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 most big lake in Africa by area. It is also the largest among tropical lakes. The lake was discovered and named in honor of Queen Victoria by British traveler John Henning Speke in 1858.

Area 68.870 thousand km², length 320 km, maximum width 275 km. It is part of the Victoria Reservoir. Many islands. The high-water Kagera River flows in and the Victoria Nile River flows out. The lake is navigable; local residents fish on it. The northern coast of the lake crosses the equator. Lake at maximum depth 80 m refers to fairly deep lakes. Unlike its deep-sea neighbors Tanganyika and Nyasa, which lie within the African gorge system, Lake Victoria fills the shallow depression between the eastern and western sides of the Great Gorge valley. The lake receives a huge amount of water from rain, 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 live the Haya people, 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.

Slide No. 21

Lake Albert

Slide number 22

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. Located at an altitude of 617 m. Area 5.6 thousand square meters. km, depth up to 58 m. It lies in a tectonic depression in the Central African graben system. The banks are poorly dissected, mostly steep; the bottom is flat. The Semliki (Lake Edward drainage) and Victoria Nile (Lake Victoria drainage) rivers flow into the lake, and the Albert Nile River 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 24.9 cubic meters. km, evaporation is 7.5 cubic meters. km, stock 22 cubic meters. km, water temperature on the surface is up to 30 °C. Rich in fish (over 40 species: Nile perch, tiger fish and etc.). Shipping. The main ports are Butiaba (Uganda), Kasenyi (DRC).
Opened in 1864 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 complex system reservoirs in the upper Nile. The main rivers flowing into the lake are the White Nile (known locally 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. Victoria Nile water contains much less salts than Lake Albert water. The river flowing from Albert, in the northernmost part of the island, is called the Albert Nile, which becomes the White Nile in the north. In the southern part of the lake, at the confluence of the Semliki River, there are swamps. Further south lies the Rwenzori Range, and a series of hills called the Blue Mountains dominate the north-west coast. There are several villages on the shore of the lake, including Butiaba and Pakwach.

Slide No. 23

African waterfalls

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

Slide No. 24

Tugela Falls

Slide No. 25

Tugela is the second highest waterfall in the world. It consists of five free-falling cascades, the largest of which is 411 meters.
The Tugela falls in a narrow ribbon from the eastern cliff 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 with snow in winter months. There are two paths leading to the waterfall. One mountain hiking trail to the top of Mount-Aux-Sources starts in Witsieshoek, from where there is a relatively short climb to the top along a path and then over two suspension bridges. Another trail starts in the Royal Natal National Park. The seven-kilometre climb along the gorge meanders through native forest before boulder hopping and a small suspension bridge leads to the base of the Tugela Falls.

Slide No. 26

Augrabies Falls - “a ferocious riot of the water element.”

Slide No. 27

Augrabies Falls is located in the north-west of South Africa, almost at the very border with Namibia. Modern territory The national park spreads over 10 thousand hectares, which combine deserts, semi-deserts and areas of floodplain thickets. All this biodiversity is located in the area of the famous 130-meter Augrabies Falls on the Orange River. Augrabies Falls National Park was created in 1966. The Orange River, on which Augrabies Falls is located, is the most... big river South Africa. This river received its modern name from the Dutch Boer settlers, who christened it in honor of the Dutch ruling house of the Princes of Orange (Orange in Dutch). The Orange River carries a mighty water flow; it is only twice as rich in water as the Niger. The river originates in the Drakensberg Mountains, where it rises almost 4 km above the Indian Ocean coast, then follows the High Veld plain, after which it merges with its main tributary, the Vaal River. After long wanderings around African continent Orange flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Augrabisu Falls along the Orange River is preceded by a 7-kilometer delta with a large number small islands, from where this powerful water flow rushes into a narrow gap. In the area of Augrabis Falls, the river flow during flood exceeds 1000 cubic meters. m per second. Having flown almost 140 meters, the river hits the rocky shores, and already below the waterfall waves rise as high as a two-story house. The name of the waterfall was invented by the local Hottentots; translated from their language, Augrabis means “a very noisy place.” The Hottentots are still afraid to approach the waterfall; they are sure that an evil deity lives in a deep pool under Augrabis, and that it is his terrible roar that is heard above the water. Among others, there is a local legend about a large treasure of diamonds at the bottom of the waterfall, as if the Orange River itself brought them to the site of the waterfall from the upper 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 for most of the year it is a rather inconspicuous river. 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 - over many centuries, falling water has hollowed out quite deep “wells” at the bottom of the basin.

Africa, Africa is one of the six continents of planet Earth. It occupies an area of 30.37 million km2 (including islands), which is about 6% of the entire surface of the planet and 1/5 (20.4%) of the entire landmass. In terms of size, Africa is the second (after Eurasia) among all continents.

African countries very numerous. In total, there are 61 states on the continent (of which 53 are recognized):

The continent's total population exceeds 1 billion people

It is clear that not all African countries can be considered a Klondike in terms of tourism. Because in many countries today there are civil wars or ethnic conflicts smoldering latently. Therefore, you need to be very careful when choosing a vacation destination.

“Ah-ah! In Africa, rivers are this wide!
Ah-ah-ah! In Africa, the mountains are this high!”

- is sung in a very famous children's song and it is true!

Rivers

Africa should begin to be listed, of course, with the Nile. The longest river on the continent stretches from the Mediterranean Sea to Lake Victoria for 5,600 km.

The Nile, unlike other major rivers in Africa, was once easily accessible to tourists. They sailed along it on steamships, and flew over it in balloons. Soon, if Egypt is again recognized as relatively safe for tourism, this can be done in a new way...

Africa's other two largest rivers: the Congo (4,700 km) in the central part of the continent and the Niger (4,160 km) are on the west coast.

The Zambezi River is relatively famous, “rich” in hippopotamuses - in length (about 2,500 km) it is not much inferior to the European Danube. It is on the Zambezi that the huge one is located. A key, by the way, and quite easily accessible tourist attraction in Africa.

Let's also mention the Orange River in South Africa. It seems to be inferior to Ubangi and Kassai in the Congo system, but clearly belongs to the “kids”. Its length is approximately 2,100 km

Lakes

The largest lake of them is Victoria (68,870 km2). It is the second largest freshwater lake in the world (after North America).

It is located on a plateau, on the territory of 3 countries at once: Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, at an altitude of 1,134 m above sea level.

Mountains

The relief of the “Dark Continent” is mostly flat. But mountains of Africa- not just a name, but a very specific value, and in the literal sense. In the northwest are (Mount Toubkal in Morocco has a height of 4,167 meters). In the east of the continent lies the Ethiopian Highlands. And to the south of it the white cap itself sticks into the atmosphere high mountain in Africa, (altitude 5,895 m).

The latter, curiously, can be climbed by an ordinary tourist... Well equipped, of course!

In the extreme south of the continent are the Cape Mountains (2,502 meters) and the Drakensberg Mountains (3,482 meters). The latter seem to be so named for their inaccessibility. But if you look closely, their teeth really resemble the back of a dragon!

Deserts

Africa contains the largest deserts on Earth: the Sahara (in the north), Kalahari and Namib (in the south). The first of them, the Sahara, is the largest desert in the world. It is located on the territory of 10 countries and covers an area of 9065 million km2.

The two southern deserts are more modest: the Kalahari occupies about 600 thousand square meters. km, Namib - 100 thousand sq. km. Whether it’s a lot or a little is up to you to judge. Note that in Europe, only two states, Russia and France, have a territory exceeding 500 thousand km2.

Most big Island black continent and the fourth largest in the world after Greenland, Papua New Guinea and Borneo - Madagascar (587,041 km2). It is located off the eastern coast of Africa, in the Indian Ocean. Between the continent itself and the French islands of Reunion and Mauritius.

Cape of Good Hope

The southernmost point of Africa is Cape Agulhas (Cape of Needles, in Portuguese Cabo das Agulhas). Contrary to popular belief, (Cape of Good Hope) is far from the southernmost point of the continent. It is located approximately 150 kilometers northwest of it!

From the north Africa is washed Mediterranean Sea. In the northeast, the waves of the shallow Red Sea splash, connecting (via the Suez Canal) the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean. The east and southeast coasts are washed by Indian Ocean. In the west everything is vast coastline"watches" Atlantic ocean.

Climate

The central part of the mainland and the coastal areas of the Gulf of Guinea (Atlantic Ocean) belong to the equatorial belt. There is heavy rainfall throughout the year and the seasons practically do not change.

To the north and south of the equatorial belt there are subequatorial belts. Here, in summer, humid equatorial air masses dominate (rainy season), and in winter, dry air from tropical trade winds (dry season).

North and south of the subequatorial belts are the northern and southern tropical zones. They are characterized by high temperatures with little rainfall, which led to the formation of deserts.

Africa is considered the birthplace of man. The remains of the most oldest species genus Homo. Of the eight species of this genus, only one survived - Homo sapiens ( Homo sapiens), and in small numbers (at first about 1000 individuals) began to spread across the continent about 100,000 years ago. It is assumed that from here people migrated to Asia (about 60,000-40,000 years ago). And only then to Europe (40,000 years), Australia and America (35,000-15,000 years).

Lake Bangweulu, in Zambia, in the upper reaches of the Luapula River (Congo River system), is located at an altitude of 1067 m. The area ranges from 4 thousand km² (during the dry season) to 15 thousand km² (during the summer rains). Depth up to 5 m. The banks are swampy, thickets of reeds and sedges.

Lake Bangweulu

Lake Kivu, on the border of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, is located at an altitude of 1460 m in a basin of tectonic origin. Area 2.7 thousand km². Depth up to 496 m. Many islands. Underwater eruptions have been observed in northern Kivu. Flow of the Ruzizi River into Lake Tanganyika. Shipping available. The main ports are Bukavu, Goma, Kibuye.

Lake Kivu

Lake Mai-Ndombe, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in the Congo Basin. Area 2325 km² (during the rainy season 8200 km²). Depth 2.5-7 m. The flow is in the Fimi River, the tributary is the Kasai River. There is shipping and fishing.

Lake Mai-Ndombe

Lake Mweru, in the Congo River system (Zaire), is located in a tectonic depression on the border of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia. Area 5.2 thousand km². Depth up to 15 m. Fishing available. The lake is navigable.

Lake Mweru

Lake Nyasa, in Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania. Located in a tectonic depression. Area 30.8 thousand km², depth up to 706 m. Flow along the Shire River into the Zambezi River. There is fishing. Navigable.

Lake Nyasa

Lake Tana(Tsana, Dembea), in Ethiopia, is located at an altitude of 1830 m. Area 3100-3600 km². Depth up to 70 m. Many islands. A number of rivers flow in, and the Abbay River flows out. There is fishing.

Lake Tana

Lake Tanganyika, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Zambia and Burundi. Located in a tectonic depression at an altitude of 773 m. Area 34 thousand km², depth up to 1470 m (second deepest after Baikal). Flow from the Lukuga River into the Lualaba River. There is fishing and shipping. Main ports: Kigoma, Bujumbura, Kalima.

Lake Tanganyika

Lake Chad, an endorheic, slightly brackish lake located in Niger, Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon. Area from 10 to 26 thousand km² (in wet season), depth 4-11 m. The Shari and Komadugu-Yobe rivers flow into it. There is fishing.

Lake Chad

Lakes in Africa. East End.

Lake Victoria, in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. 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. Area 68 thousand km², length 320 km, greatest width 275 km, depth 80 m. It is part of the Victoria Reservoir. There are many islands. Discovered in 1858 by the English traveler J. Speke. Named after the Queen of Great Britain.