The Zambezi River regime. Where does the Zambezi River flow?

The Europeans first discovered the Zambezi River in the 19th century (D. Livingston), and the indigenous inhabitants of Africa call it Casambo Waisi. The coastline extends across the territory of six states of the African continent. Where does the Zambezi River flow? Straight to the Indian Ocean, forming at the same time the widest delta. Its length is about 2600 km. On this river formed a beautiful waterfall - Victoria. It is unique in its kind and is known to the whole world. It was built dam, which formed a large on the world scale reservoir of the Caribbean. The basin of the Zambezi River is striking in size, its area is 1.57 million square meters. Km.

From the source to the delta

Zambezi originates in Zambia, in the north-west, where the terrain is marshy and hilly. The source is located at an altitude of 1.5 km above sea level, thick, almost impenetrable forests grow here. The river goes to the south-west, then turns south (240 km from the source) to let in its waters the first small tributaries and feed on groundwater.

Here the vegetation also changes - this is the territory of the savannah: a rare dry forest and shrubs. After a small waterfall of Chavum, crossing the border of Angola, the river returns to Zambia.

Further, the watercourse expands due to large tributaries (Lungwebungd, Kabombo), and after the Ngambe waterfall its flow becomes floodplain, gradually slowing down, turns to the southeast.

After the Ngonje waterfall, the Zambezi expands due to a large tributary - the Kwando River - and turns east, slowing down before the "main" waterfall (Victoria). Passing the reservoir of Kabora-Bassa, the Zambezi rushes into the valley, where the canal winds and branches. Downstream, the water flow communicates with Lake Nyasa (the tributary of Shire) and rushes to the Indian Ocean. For more details, see the rivers of Africa on the map.

The Zambezi Delta has a long extension from north to south with an area of 5 thousand square meters. Km. However, navigation here is difficult due to natural sand deposits and shallowing of sleeves. This is due to the construction of dams. The only sleeve for the ships is Shinde.

Zambezi River regime and food features

Zambezi originates in a mountainous area with a subtropical climate. In this area in the summer season heavy precipitation falls in the form of prolonged downpours. These rains, in fact, and form the river, they are also the main source of nutrition. And already to a lesser extent the watercourse is fed by the groundwater of the swampy terrain. This type of food is characteristic mainly in the upper stream.

The regime of the Zambezi River is accompanied by constant changes in the water level. From March to November (South African winter and drought), the flow drastically decreases, and in November it replenishes again, raising its level by 1.5 m. During the rainy season, this river can be called a stormy river, it moves a huge amount of water masses with a high flow velocity.

Using

The population living in the Zambezi Basin area is mainly engaged in agriculture. However, the regime of the Zambezi River is so volatile that it is not always possible to use its water for irrigation. But the fishery is very well developed here. The watercourse is replete with both small and large fish, many of the species are endemic. Fishing is the main income of the local population. Fish is used not only for food, but also for breeding in aquariums: Zambezi is the natural habitat of all beloved barbs and cichlids.

Buildings on the river

This water flow provides energy to several states in the south of the continent, at the expense of the hydroelectric power stations of the Caribbean and Kabora-Bassa. However, the special regime of the Zambezi River served as the reason for the construction of canals, which make it possible to ensure the stable operation of the HPP. But this leads to another problem: the dams chop the sleeves of the delta. However, in other places (below Kabor-Bassa), on the contrary, the river became navigable.

The way of the Zambezi runs through several states and a lot of regions, so an important fact is the presence of five full-fledged bridges that provide inter-regional and inter-state communication.

Natural diversity

The waters of the Zambezi not only abound in a variety of small fish. Also here you can meet and large predators: a shark bull, crocodiles and lizards. In the coastal zone, many animals and birds live: hippos, elephants, giraffes, zebras, herons, eagles and pelicans. Watch them as tourists can travel in a boat, and visiting one of the many reserves or safari parks.

Tourism

The Zambezi River attracts fishermen. Here you can rent a gear. Because of the many thresholds for fans of extreme rafting are quite popular alloys for this stream.

Known to the whole world is the waterfall "Smoldering smoke" (Victoria). It has a unique ratio of width and height (1800 x 120 m). Entire families of large animals live in the reserves adjacent to the waterfall, there are also rare white rhinoceroses. A little downstream lovers are offered to make a kayak raft.

In order to spend the most interesting time and visit the water stream of Zambezi and other rivers of Africa, you can see the exact routes of organized excursions on the map.