Message about one of the rivers of Africa. The largest river in Africa is the Nile. Nile - River of Africa

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 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 are fed by rivers originating on. 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.

Map of Africa's largest river basins / Image: Wikipedia

#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 measures are not taken to protect the river, the region is threatened with 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. The Okavango forms the largest river delta, and dissolves into the sands of the 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 a 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. The navigable 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 deciduous forests grow in the lower reaches. 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 the entire southern region of the continent and plays a crucial 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 in the 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. Dense forests grow between the river beds. The lower part of the Zambezi is shown.

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. There are many animals in the forests and. 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 river is fed by 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. 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 soil layer along the river allows the growth of rare species of palm trees and shrubs, which contrast sharply with the nearby desert lands. The Nile flows through Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.

Length: about 600 kilometers.

Basin area: 178,000 square kilometers.

Where it flows: it is formed from the connection of the Ulanga River, which is 68 meters wide and navigable in some places, with the Luwego (Luvu) River, which is still little explored; both rivers originate in the Livingston Mountains. On the left side, Rufiji receives a significant tributary of Ruanga, which begins in the mountains near the northern bank of Nyassa and flows through the regions of Urori (Uzango), Ugege, Magenda, Uzagara and Kgutu; then the river passes through the mountains of Tundazi, where it forms the falls of Pangani, and, starting from Korogero, widens, at Gunguno (39 ° east longitude) it becomes navigable for small steamers and at 7 ° 56 'south latitude flows into the Indian Ocean against the island of Mafia, forming with its 12 branches, the delta is 65 kilometers wide; there are three harbors at the mouth of the river: Sandazi - at the northern arm, Kiaju - at the southern one, and Kukundzha - somewhat upstream on the arm of the same name.

Feeding method: rain.

Freezing: does not freeze.

Length: 2,200 kilometers.

Basin area: 973,000 square kilometers

Where it flows: the Orange River flows through the countries: South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia. It originates on the western side of the Katlamba Mountains, with two branches, of which the southern one, called Nu-Garip, or the Black River, as well as the Orange, Noka-Sinku, is considered the upper one, and the northern one, Gay-Garip, or Vaal River (Yellow River) , - lower. Both of them, with innumerable tributaries, flow in a westerly direction and join at 29°10` South latitude and 24°18` East longitude. Nu-Garip, or Orange, flows from the heights of Katkin Peak at an altitude of 3,160 meters, irrigates the land of Bazatos and, on a long journey, forms the border between the Orange Republic and the Cape Colony. On the right side, the Caledon River, or Mogokara, flows into it. Gay-Garip, or Baal, or Likva follows from the environs. Ermelo and separates the Orange Republic from the Republic of South Africa and takes on the right: Mooi and Harts. After the connection of both branches, the Orange line forms the southern border of the land of the Hottentots and flows at 28 ° 38 'south latitude into the Atlantic Ocean. Between the confluence of these last two rivers, the Orange River forms the Angrabi waterfall, 46 meters high; in its lower reaches, in rainy times, the river has a width of 5 kilometers. Shallow-water Orange is almost everywhere and, as a result, in spite of its length, it is not navigable; at the mouth it is blocked by sandbars. Thunderstorms characteristic of this part of Africa often raise the water level by 6-10 meters against the usual.

Tributaries: Molopo, Kuruman, Nozobom, Aub, Ongars, Khartibes.

Freezing: does not freeze.

Length: 1,600 kilometers.

Basin area: 394,000 square kilometers

Where it flows: a river in the northwestern part of Africa, in upper Guinea. The Volta is formed from many rivers that irrigate the French Sudan, the most important of them: the Western, or Black Volta (Kitamu, Adere) and the Eastern, or White Volta (Iode, Baliviri, Moare). By connecting these two components, the Volta receives significant Daku rivers from the north and flows south, forming the border between the English and German possessions on the Gold Coast, at the city of Kpong it turns sharply to the East and flows at the city of Ada into the Gulf of Benin of the Atlantic Ocean. Shallow draft boats on the Volta run at a distance of 400 kilometers to the city of Kete Kratchi, for sea vessels to Kpong (92 kilometers) only during rainy times (from July to October). The Volta flows through the countries: Ghana and Burkina Faso.

Feeding method: mainly rain.

Tributaries: The main tributary is the Ooty River.

Freezing: does not freeze.

Length: 6,670 kilometers.

Basin area: 2,870,000 square kilometers

Where it flows: Nile - one of the longest rivers in the world, in Africa, the sacred river of Egypt; for the source take Kager, or Alexander Nile, a tributary of the lake. Victoria Nyanza, from which flows to the North Kivir, or Somerset Nile. The latter forms the Ripon waterfalls, passes through the lakes: Gita-Ntsige and Kodzha, at Mruli (here the depth is 3 - 5 m, the width is from 900 - 1,000 meters) turns to the North to Fovera, from here to the West, forms the Karinsky and Murchison waterfalls (36 meters high) and 12 rapids, rolls down to the second terrace, flowing at Magungo into Lake Albert. From the South, the river flows into Nyanza. Isango, or Countrymen, flowing from Albert Edward Lake, the 3rd source of the Nile. From Lake Albert (2.5 ° north latitude), the Nile goes under the name Bar el-Jebel to the North (400 - 1,500 meters wide), navigable only to Dufile, then cuts through the mountain ranges of the 2nd terrace, forms 9 rapids, at Lado descends 200 meters into the plains of eastern Sudan and loses the character of a mountain river. Of the tributaries along this path, the Nile receives the river. Assua and many mountain rivers; forming many islands, channels and branches, constantly meandering, the Nile slowly flows to the North to 9 ° 21` northern latitude, receives Bar-al-Ghazal from the West and turns to the East. During the rains, the Nile turns the valley north of Gaba-Shambe into a lake 100 kilometers wide, after which such thick grass grows here that it often causes the Nile to change direction. The whole plain between the Nile and its branch Seraph forms the swampy region of the Upper Nile. After passing 150 kilometers to the East and connecting with Seraph, the Nile takes the river. Sobat, she goes to meet him and makes him turn to the northwest; here the Nile takes the name of Bar el-Abiad, that is, the White Nile (actually the Transparent Nile), flows at a distance of 845 kilometers in a northerly direction and connects at Khartoum (15 ° 31 north latitude) with Bar el-Azrek, or the Blue Nile ( Muddy Nile). The latter begins in Abyssinia (10 ° 55`) at an altitude of 2,800 meters under the name Abai, flows into Lake Tana, exits (200 meters wide, 3 meters deep) from the south side of the lake, goes around the mountainous country of Gojjam and turns at 10 ° north latitude to the northwest - along this stretch it receives Jemma and Didessa on the left, Dinder (560 kilometers long) and Raat on the right.

The Blue Nile supplies Egypt with fertile silt and produces annual floods. The waters of Azrek and Abiad, connected in one channel under the common name of the Nile, flow through the low uplands (330 meters) of the Libyan desert. The Nile is navigable up to 17 ° north latitude, here it receives the last tributary of the Atbaru (1,230 kilometers long), navigation stops at 1,800 km, and rapids begin up to Aswan: the fifth threshold consists of 3 rapids between Shendi and Elkab, 4 threshold of seven ( 75 km long.) between Mograt Island and Mount Barkal, 3rd between Argo Island and Gerindid, 2nd, largest, of 9, between Dal Island and Wadigalfa, 1st between Philae Island and Aswan. The fall of the river along this stretch is 250 meters, at Aswan the Nile flows at an altitude of 101 meters above sea level, so that the remaining 1,185 kilometers to the mouth account for 101 meters of fall. The width of the Nile often changes along this path: at Shendi 165 meters, above the mouth of the Atbara 320 meters, below the fifth threshold 460, north of Vadigalf the Nile becomes wider, and between Esne and Cairo its width is from 500 to 2200 meters. The width of the valley between Abu Hammed and Edfu is from 500 to 1,000 meters. To the north of Edfu, the Nile expands to 3 kilometers, and to Cairo its width is from 4 to 28 kilometers. At Damer, the Nile changes its direction, bypasses the Bayud steppe from 3 sides, in the shape of the letter “S”, cuts through the mountains of the Nubian steppe; the windings of the Nile above Korosko are explained by the special arrangement of sandstone layers. From 27 ° north latitude near the Nile flows the Yusuf (Joseph) canal, a remnant of ancient Egyptian water works, with numerous side channels, and flows in the North into Lake Fayum, which is of great importance for the correct distribution of water to the Nile. To the northwest of Cairo (10 m above sea level) the delta begins, near the sea it reaches 270 kilometers wide. The Nile below Shubra was divided into 7 branches according to the ancients (Peluzsky, Talitsky, Mendezsky, Bukolsky, or Fatnichesky, Sebenitsky, Bolbitinsky and Kanopsky), and now only into Rozetsky and Damiutsky. Vost. The Kanop and western Pelusian arms were the most important in antiquity. The most important of the canals, Mamudiya, connecting Alexandria with the Rosetta arm, 77 kilometers long, 30 meters wide, was built by Megmet Ali; the short Menufsky (Bar el-Farunya) connects with the Yu Damietsky and Rosetsky sleeves. Tanitsky was turned into the Mulsky Canal, Pelusky into Abu-el-Menegsky. The surface of the delta is 22,194 square kilometers, the length of all channels is 13,440 kilometers. The length of the entire Nile, counting the Alexander Nile as the beginning, is 5,940 kilometers. The distance from the headwaters to the mouth in a straight line is 4,120 kilometers.
The lower reaches of the Nile had an advantage because of the proximity of the sea, but here the river has no tributaries at all, while the middle Nile is rich in them.

Feeding method: mainly rain. The river receives most of its water from its many tributaries.

Inhabitants: The most common inhabitants of the waters of the Nile and its banks are the Nile and Natal frogs, turtles, crocodiles and the Nile perch.

Freezing: does not freeze.

Length: 4,150 kilometers.

Basin area: 2,600,000 square kilometers.

Where it flows: The Niger River flows through the countries: Nigeria, Benin, Niger, Mali, Guinea. The Niger is the third largest after the Nile and the Congo and the 2nd most abundant river in West Africa, bearing various names among the coastal natives, of which the name Joliba predominates in the upper reaches, in the middle - Egirreu, in the lower - Kwara or Quorra, the Arabs call it Nil el-Abid (Nile of the Slaves). The Niger originates at 8°36`N and 10°33`W (from Greenwich) in the East of the Kong Mountains, in Kuranko, at an altitude of 850 meters above sea level and at the beginning flows North towards the desert, then turns to the Southeast and South and, through several branches, of which the largest are Sombrero, Nen, Brass and Forcado, pours into the Gulf of Guinea.

At 140 kilometers from its source, which, being sacred, is inaccessible to foreigners and for an exact definition, Niger, still called Tembi, takes a wide river from the left. Faliko with a tributary Tamikon, after which, under the name Joliba, flows to the North to 10 ° north latitude. Turning to the Northeast, it receives several small tributaries on the left, and significant tributaries on the right: Mifu and Yandan, or Niannu, turning again to C, it receives Milo and Tankisso; here the slope of the Niger decreases to half (only 329 meters above sea level), its channel becomes wider, but shallower - and it flows northeast for 400 kilometers, forming a border line between Sudan and the kingdom of Segou. At Bomak, the Niger in high water is up to 800 meters wide and forms rapids, capriciously changing the width of the channel; near Niamine it becomes navigable and turns south; its slope becomes even smaller, the channel is lower; at Massino, it divides into two main branches, which head north to Lake Debu. At Diafaraba, these arms are connected to each other by natural channels, which, crossing, form the island area of ​​​​Burgu of 200 square kilometers from a network of islands; on one of these islands lies the old Djenne, or Gineva, ch. d. The land of the Negroes, from which the whole country takes its name of Guinea. Further, Niger enters the territory of the fellahs, where it is called Issa and heads to the North, crossing the lake. Debo, receives many tributaries and again divides into the Danco and Mayo Balleo branches; near Kabara, the harbor of the city of Timbuktu, reaches 17 ° north latitude and flows to E along the Sahara desert; on this route, the rapids of the Tozaie impede navigation in slow currents, and among the extremely low shores, the Niger reaches the country of Ussa, where it already bears the new name of Gulbin-nkovar, or Kovara. At Burrum the river turns sharply to the South-East and enters, after the swampy lowlands of Massina and the rocky desert of Timbuktu, into a hilly country with tropical vegetation, and again forms a whole network of branches near Gago, the ancient capital of the Sanray empire. Having broken through the rapids surrounding the island of Bornu-Guntu, N. spreads like a wide tablecloth over the plain and only at Akarambai, to the south of the island of Ansongo, narrows again, constrained by walls of rocks, to a width of 30 meters.

In the middle reaches of the Niger, it receives: Goradzhende, flowing from Libtako, Kassani, or Tederimt, Sirbia, or Chirba, and Gulbi-n-Sokoto at Gomba. From Gomba to the rapids of Bussa, the Niger is navigable; steamboats run between Rabba and Lokoja, although even here sandy shoals sometimes interfere with navigation. Here the Kaduna or Liful flows into the Niger, and a little further on the Gurara; its most significant tributary, the Benue, flows into Lokodzhi, originating north of Ngauandare in Adamey, in the rainy season it joins Lake Chad. From Lokoja at Ebo (at the head of the delta), the Niger, joined to Benue, flows in a majestic stream, rushing south among the rocks and, leaning in gradual terraces, receives on the left a parallel tributary of the Amambaru. The width of Niger is increasing, and it rushes in a stream to the Atlantic Ocean, to the Gulf of Guinea, into which it flows through the above-mentioned arms. The Niger Delta covers an area of ​​25,000 square kilometers, is low-lying, swampy and covered with mangroves. The navigability of Niger depends, in addition to rapids and waterfalls, on its high water or shallow water. In the upper reaches of the Niger to Timbuktu, high water occurs from July to early January, and here it is navigable from Bammako to Timbuktu; in the middle reaches the Niger is deep and navigable from Gabba to Lokoja, from June to October; in the lower reaches from Lokoja to Akassa, thanks to the influx of Benue waters, the Niger is full from June to the end of September and has a secondary high water from January to the end of April, depending on the high water in the upper reaches; Here it is navigable at any time of the year.

Feeding method: the river is fed by the waters of the summer monsoon rains.

Tributaries: Milo (right), Bani (right), Sokoto (left), Kaduna (left), Benue (left).

Inhabitants: Fishing is very developed in Niger, the main commercial fish species are: carp, perch, barbel (or barbel) and others.

Freezing: does not freeze.

Length: 16 00 kilometers.

Basin area: 750,000 square kilometers.

Where it flows: Juba - a river in Northeast Africa, in the southern part of the Somali peninsula, begins in the mountains at 7 ° 30` north latitude and between 39 ° and 40 ° east longitude, at an altitude of 2,265 meters above sea level. In its upper reaches, the Juba is called Ganale Gudda, then Ganana, and finally Juba. Near the harbor of Kismayu, Juba flows into the Indian Ocean. The headwaters and tributaries of the river were surveyed by Bottego, Grixoni and Ruspoli in 1892-93 and by Donaldson Smith in 1894. The Juba flows through Somalia and Ethiopia.

Feeding method: Juba feeds mainly on rainfall.

Inhabitants: giraffes, cheetahs, lions, leopards, hyenas, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, snakes, elephants, gazelles live along the river banks.

Freezing: does not freeze.

Length: 4,700 kilometers.

Basin area: 3,680,000 square kilometers

Where it flows: It flows through the territory of Angola, the Republic of the Congo. Falls into the Atlantic Ocean

Way of feeding: The Congo (or Zaire) is the largest river in Central Africa and the most abundant river in the world after the Amazon. Its lower course has been known to Europeans since the 16th century, and the rest since 1877 (the time when Stanley explored it). Congo originates at an altitude of 1,600 meters above sea level, about 9 ° south latitude and 32 ° east longitude, between lakes Niassa and Tanganaika, goes around the southern side of Lake Bangweola, taking in its sources. From here, under the name of Luapula, it meanders for 300 kilometers to Lake Meru or Mkata, at an altitude of 850 meters above sea level, and further, heading north-north-west, it connects with Ankora at 6 ° 30` south latitude, then with Adalaba at 27° east longitude. At 5°40` south latitude and 26°45` east longitude it takes in Lukuga, the source of Lake Tanganaiki; striving to the north, joins with Luama and, having reached a width of 1,000 meters, under the name of Lualaba, enters the land of Manyema at 4 ° 15 `south latitude and 26 ° 16` east longitude. Between Nyong and the equator, the Congo is navigable and flows straight north, taking in its path many as yet unexplored rivers, originating in gigantic forests.

From Niangwa, towards the mouth, the Congo ceases to be navigable, due to the rapids and Stanley waterfalls encountered here, but then becomes navigable again to the mouth of the Kassai and here, taking in the Aruvimi, it expands to 20 kilometers and flows through a swampy region rich in lakes; then the channel of the Congo narrows again. Connecting with the last tributary, the channel of the Congo narrows with mountains and, on the way to Vivi, the river forms 32 waterfalls - Livingston rapids. Between Banana and Shark Point, the Congo flows into the Atlantic Ocean in a channel 11 kilometers wide and 300 meters deep, bringing 50,000 cubic meters of water per second into the sea, and carrying fresh water on its surface for 22 kilometers. At 40 km, the Congo has tides, then at 64 km the color of the water is light tea, and at 450 km it is brown. From the mouth, for 27 km, the Congo dug a seabed for itself. It contributes 35,000,000 cubic meters of particulate matter to the sea every year. High water occurs twice a year, at the mouth the highest water is in May and December, the lowest is in March and August; during high water, the muddy waters of the Congo are visible hundreds of kilometers away in the ocean.

Tributaries: Aruvimi (right), Rubi (right), Mongalla (right), Mobangi (right), Saaga-Mambere (right), Likuala-Lekoli (right), Alima (right), Lefini (right), Lomami (left) , Lulongo (left), Ikelemba (left), Ruki (left), Kassai (left), Lualaba (left)

Freezing: does not freeze.

Length: 2,660 kilometers.

Basin area: 1,570,000 square kilometers.

Where it flows: It flows under the name of Liba from the swampy lake Dilolo, at 11 ° 30 `s latitude and 12.5 ° east longitude GMT. Then it flows in a southern and southeastern direction along a wide, annually flooded, plain. Around 17 ° south latitude, the river takes the name Zambezi and forms the famous Victoria Falls (Moasivatunya, that is, thundering smoke). Further, taking an easterly direction, the Zambezi, with repeated rapids and rapids, flows through a wooded mountainous country, turns to the Northeast, then flows again eastward to the Chicaronda rapids, from where it takes a southeasterly direction before flowing into the sea. Narrowed once more by the Lupata Hills, the Zambezi enters the coastal country and flows into the Indian Ocean between 18° and 19° south latitude, forming a vast delta (5,000 square kilometers between the north and south arms).

Feeding method: mainly from the left tributaries and from the Olifants river.

Tributaries: Olifants (main right tributary), Notvani (left), Shashi (left), Shangane (left).

Freezing: Does not freeze.

The African river system is characterized by relative youth. In ancient times, the mainland had a completely different appearance, because there were many more reservoirs of all kinds, but the flow was constantly mostly internal.

In ancient times, in the areas of present-day deserts, there were lakes and even seas. However, the climate was changing, as well as the earth's surface, the plateaus on the outskirts were rising more and more, as a result, modern rivers of Africa were formed on their slopes, which captured the previously existing systems. These reservoirs differ from the previous ones by their small length and full flow.

Since the river channels are not worked out, many rivers have sections with rapids and reservoirs. This feature negatively affects the possibility of navigation, however, it gives a huge potential for hydropower. It is believed that Africa's hydropower resource is 20% of the world's.

The modern rivers of Africa are very dependent on the climatic zone, namely on the amount of annual precipitation and seasonality, are also important:

• relief;
• soil.

The main part of the rivers is filled with rain, it is clear that other ways of feeding (snow, ice) are available only to a few mountain reservoirs. Within the equatorial belt, where the rivers are located, they are full-flowing all year round, because the best conditions have developed for this.

The distribution of the area of ​​the entire river basin is as follows:

• Atlantic Ocean - more than 1/3;
• internal drain - somewhere 1/3;
• Indian Ocean and Mediterranean Sea - less than 1/3.

Since the mainland is tilted, a significant part of the runoff belongs to the Atlantic Ocean, a large area also forms an internal runoff (Sahara, part of East Africa, the Araf basin, the Abyssinian graben, a section of the Kalahari basin).

But the main rivers of Africa belong to the external flow:

• Congo;
• Niger;
• Zambezi;
• Orange.

Major rivers of Africa

Pro Nile much has been said and written, this river gives life to the Egyptian people, passing through the desert. It also stands out for its length, because it passes through a lot of African countries and various natural conditions. It starts not far from a flows into the Mediterranean Sea. Its channel can be both calm and rapids, both shallow and deep.

the river Congo also called Zaire, it, after the Nile, ranks second in Africa in terms of the size of the basin. It is located in the center of the mainland, overcomes the lands of Angola and the Republic of the Congo. The end point is the Atlantic Ocean. Its fullness is the highest here on Earth - this is the second indicator.

Congo has a huge number of tributaries, navigation is active in many areas, waterfalls are often found. Every second, this one of the main rivers of Africa brings about 50 thousand cubic meters of fresh water into the ocean, and during the flood such a muddy stream is released in the ocean for hundreds of kilometers.

The river is used not only for crossing ships, but also for other activities:

• fishing;
• oil production;
• operation of hydroelectric power plants.

River Niger located in West Africa, and here it is of tremendous importance. Its pool is huge, the third on the continent. It starts in Guinea, passes through Mali, Nigeria, Niger, Benin, flows into.

The natives call the source of this river of Africa sacred, therefore they protect it from visitors. In addition, in each locality, Niger is called in its own way - the ancient names are still used by the coastal tribes.

Many sections are navigable, which, in addition to the relief, depends on the temporary high water. There are also waterfalls. In heavy rains, one of the important tributaries, the Benue, connects with.

There are many fish that are often caught here:

• perch;
• carp;
• barbel.

The main rivers of Africa include and Zambezi, which flows out of the swampy area in Zambia, then passes through the countries:

• Angola;
• Botswana;
• Namibia;
• Zimbabwe;
• Mozambique.

The latter flows into the Indian Ocean. A special object is which is known throughout the world for its beauty and size. There are also other waterfalls along the way. There are two large hydroelectric plants and one small one.

Since Zambezi is accompanied by lush forest vegetation, in some areas there are tall grass savannas, there are various inhabitants on the banks and in the waters:

• crocodiles;
• pelicans;
• drops;
• hippos;
• catfish;
• bull sharks;
• siteleads.

In the south of the Black Continent flows orange river, starting in the Dragon Mountains, crosses South Africa, and Namibia, ends in the Atlantic Ocean. Almost everywhere it is shallow, so ships do not use this largest river in the region for movement. Most of the Orange River basin is desert.

A special phenomenon was the frequent ingress of water from the ocean into the river, and salty liquid can also come across high in the channel.

It should be noted that the name has no color explanations, because in fact the river was originally named after the Dutch prince William of Orange - the Orange River, but at some point in the translation there was an error that stuck.

Africa is the second largest continent after Eurasia, washed by two oceans and two seas. On its territory there are various landscapes, including many rivers.

general information

Rivers are unevenly distributed on the mainland. A characteristic feature of the rivers of Africa is the presence of rapids and waterfalls. That is why these water spaces are practically unsuitable for navigation. The full flow of rivers also depends on the climatic zones in which they are located. In the equatorial climatic zone, the rivers are full-flowing almost all year round and form a dense river network. In the subequatorial belt, rivers fill up only during the rainy season, and in a tropical hot climate there are no surface water bodies, but artesian pools are common. The major rivers of the African continent are the Nile, the Congo, the Niger, and the Zambezi.

Nile

The Nile is the longest river in Africa. Its length is 6852 km. It flows into the Mediterranean Sea, originating in the East African Plateau. The Nile is not a flat river at all; on the way to the north, the waters of the river tend to go down, so rapids and waterfalls are often found in these places. The largest is Murchison Falls, which flows into Lake Albert. The Nile flows through the territory of many states, for example, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Egypt.

Rice. 1. River Nile.

The state of Sudan is sometimes called the "country of three Niles" - White, Blue and the main one, which is formed as a result of the merger of the first two. All permanent rivers of the country belong to the Nile basin and are concentrated mainly in the south and east.

Congo

The Congo River is the second largest basin after the Nile. Its second name is Zaire, and it flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The river flows in Central Africa through the territory of Angola and the Republic of the Congo.

The Congo is the deepest river in the world (230 m) and the deepest river in Africa. In the world, in terms of full-flowing water, it occupies an honorable second place after the Amazon. The length of the river is 4700 km, and the Portuguese traveler Diogo Can became the discoverer of these waters.

Rice. 2. Congo River.

Niger

This river flows through West Africa. in terms of length and area of ​​​​the basin, it ranks third after the Nile and the Congo. The Niger has many tributaries, the largest of which is the Benue River. Also tributaries of the river are Milo, Bani, Sokoto, Kaduna.

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Compared to the muddy waters of the Nile, the Niger is considered a fairly clear river, as it flows mostly through rocky terrain and does not carry much silt. Niger lies in the equatorial and subequatorial zones, which are characterized by dry semi-desert regions and the presence of monsoons.

Lakes of Africa

There are 14 lakes on the African continent, seven of which belong to the African Great Lakes. These include Victoria, Albert and Edward, which flow into the White Nile, Taganika and Kivu, which flow into the Congo. Lake Nyasa flows into the Zambezi, and Lake Rudolph is endorheic.

The largest lake in Africa is Victoria. It is located simultaneously on the territory of several countries: Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya. The area of ​​the water space is 68 thousand square meters. km.

Currently, the lake is a reservoir, and on its territory there are many parks and reserves.

Rice. 3. Lake Victoria.

What have we learned?

There are many rivers and lakes in Africa. The longest river is the Nile and the largest lake is the Victoria. Also, the Congo, Niger, Zambezi, which lie on the territory of several states, are considered large rivers.

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Among the African rivers, the following rivers flow into the Atlantic Ocean: Congo (Zaire) - the most full-flowing and second longest river in Africa, Niger, Senegal, Gambia and Orange. In the Mediterranean - the Nile (the longest river in Africa). The flow to the Indian Ocean is carried out mainly by the Za Mbezi River.

The stepping of the surface causes the rapids of many rivers and the formation of waterfalls. The largest and most beautiful waterfall in Africa is on the Zambezi River (border between Zambia and Zimbabwe).

About one third of the area of ​​Africa - the area of ​​internal flow, in the main temporary watercourses. Unique natural phenomenon of internal runoff - (in Botswana)

Rivers of Africa:

Gambia- a river in West Africa (Guinea, Senegal and Gambia). The length is about 1200 km. It 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 area of ​​the basin is 1,570,000 square kilometers, the length is 2,574 km. The source of the river is in Zambia, the river flows through Angola, along the border 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 discoverer among Europeans, David Livingston, and comes from the distorted Kasambo Wayze - the name in one of the local dialects.
One of the most striking features of the Zambezi is the Victoria Falls, one of the greatest waterfalls in the world.
There are many other remarkable waterfalls in Zambezi: Chavuma on the border of Zambia and Angola and Ngambwe, in Western Zambia. For the entire course of the river across the Zambezi, there are only five bridges in the cities: Chinwingi, Katima Mulilo, Victoria Falls, Chirundu and Tete.
Two large hydroelectric power plants were built on the river - Kariba HPP, which provides electricity to Zambia and Zimbabwe, and Kabora-Bassa HPP in Mozambique, which provides electricity to Zimbabwe and South Africa. There is also a small power plant in Victoria Falls.

Congo (Zaire)- a large river in Central Africa, flows under the name of Chambezi between lakes Nyasa and Tanganyika at an altitude of 1590 m above sea level, flows through Lake Bangweolo and under the name of 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 Falls); flows into the Atlantic Ocean in a wide (11 km) and deep channel.
The length of the Congo is 4374 km, navigable for 1600 km. The area of ​​the basin is 3680 thousand sq. km.
Tributaries on the right: Aruvimi, Rubi, Mongalla, Mobangi (Ouelle), Saaga-Mambere, Likuala-Lekoli, Alima, Lefini; 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 its upper reaches, crosses the Mogali mountains and connects with Mariko. After passing 1600 km and taking in many tributaries, it flows into the Indian Ocean north of Delagoa Bay.
Limpopo is navigable from the point where it is at 32° E, connecting with Nuanetsi.

Niger is the most important river in West Africa. The length is 4160 km, the basin area is 2092 thousand square kilometers, the third in Africa after the Nile and the Congo in terms of these parameters.
The source is in Guinea, then the river flows through Mali, Niger, along the border of Benin, 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 (including Kagera) is about 6,700 km (the most commonly used figure is 6,671 km), from Lake Victoria to the Mediterranean Sea - about 5,600 km.
The basin area, according to various sources, is 2.8-3.4 million km2 (completely or partially covers the territories of Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt). m The average discharge from Aswan is 2,600 m3 / s, but in different years fluctuations from 500 m3 / s to 15,000 m3 / s are possible. The river originates in 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 the semi-desert, having no tributaries for the last 3000 km.

orange a river in South Africa. It originates in the Dragon Mountains on the border of South Africa and Lesotho, flows through the territory of Namibia and flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The length is 2200 km, the basin area is 973,000 km2.
The well-known 146-meter Augrabis waterfall (South Africa) is located on the Orangeray River.
The name of the river comes from the Orange 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.