Large African river. Rivers in Africa. The most famous. Main rivers of Africa

Length: about 600 kilometers.

Basin area: 178,000 square kilometers.

Where it flows: formed from the connection of the Ulanga River, which is 68 meters wide and navigable in places, with the Luvego (Luwu) River, which is still little explored; both rivers originate in the Livingston Mountains. On the left side, the Rufiji receives a significant tributary of the Ruanga, which begins in the mountains near the northern bank of Nyassa and flows through the regions of Urori (Uzango), Ugege, Magende, Uzagara and Kgutu; then the river passes through the Tundazi mountains, where it forms the Pangani waterfalls, and, starting from Korogero, widens, at Gunguno (39° east longitude) it becomes navigable for small steamers and at 7° 56` south latitude it flows into Indian Ocean against the island of Mafia, forming with its 12 branches a delta 65 kilometers wide; at the mouth of the river there are three harbors: Sandazi - at the northern branch, Kiaju - at the southern branch, and Kukunja - slightly upstream on the branch 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 territory of the countries: South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia. It originates on the western side of the Katlamba Mountains, with two branches, of which the southern, called Nu-Garip, or Black River, as well as the Orange, Noka Sinku, is considered the upper, and the northern, Gay-Garip, or Vaal River (Yellow River) , - lower. Both of them, with countless tributaries, flow in a western direction and join at 29°10` south latitude and 24°18` east longitude. The Nu Garip, or Orange, flows from the heights of Cathkin Peak at 3,160 metres, irrigates the land of the Bazutos and, along its long course, 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 flows from the surroundings. Ermelo and separates the Orange Republic from Republic of South Africa and receives from the right: Mooi and Hearts. After the connection of both branches, the Orange forms the southern border of the land of the Hottentots and flows into the Atlantic Ocean at 28°38` south latitude. Between the confluence of these last two rivers, the Orange forms the Angrabi Falls, 46 meters high; in its lower reaches, in rainy time, the river is 5 kilometers wide. Orange is shallow almost everywhere and as a result, despite its length, is not navigable; at the mouth it is blocked by sandbanks. The thunderstorms characteristic of this part of Africa often raise the water level by 6-10 meters above normal.

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

Freezing: does not freeze.

Length: 1,600 kilometers.

Basin area: 394,000 square kilometers.

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

Feeding method: mainly rain.

Tributaries: Main tributary- Oti River.

Freezing: does not freeze.

Length: 6,670 kilometers.

Basin area: 2,870,000 square kilometers.

Where it flows: The Nile is one of the longest rivers globe, in Africa, the sacred river of Egypt; The Kager, or Alexander Nile, a tributary of the lake, is taken as the source. Victoria Nyanza, from which the Quivir, or Somerset Nile, flows to the North. 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 Karin and Murchison waterfalls (36 meters high) and 12 rapids, rolls down to the second terrace, flowing into Lake Albert at Magungo. From the south the river flows into Nyanza. Isango, or Earthlings, flows from Albert Edward Lake, the 3rd source of the Nile. From Lake Albert (2.5° northern latitude) The Nile emerges under the name Bar el-Jebel to the North (400 - 1,500 meters wide), is navigable only to Dufile, then cuts through the mountain ranges of the 2nd terrace, forms 9 rapids, at Lado it descends 200 meters to the plain of eastern Sudan and loses the character of a mountain river. Of the tributaries along this route, the Nile receives the river. Assua and a lot mountain rivers; forming many islands, channels and branches, constantly meandering, the Nile slowly flows north to 9°21` north 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 the grass grows so thick that it often forces the Nile to change direction. The entire plain between the Nile and its Seraph branch forms the swampy region of the Upper Nile. Having traveled 150 kilometers to the East and connecting with Seraph, the Nile accepts the river. Sobat, she comes to meet him and forces him to turn northwest; here the Nile takes the name Bar el-Abiad, that is, the White Nile (the Transparent Nile itself), 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 southern side of the lake, goes around the mountainous country of Gojam and turns to 10° northern latitude to the northwest - along this length it takes Gemma and Didessa on the left, Dinder (560 kilometers in length) 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 common name The Nile flows through the low plateau (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 the rapids begin all the way to Aswan: the fifth rapid consists of 3 rapids between Shendi and Elkab, the 4th rapid out of seven ( 75 km long) between Mograt Island and Mount Barkal, 3rd between Argo Island and Gerindid, 2nd, the largest of the 9, between Dal Island and Vadigalfa, 1st between Philae Island and Assouan. The fall of the river along this length is 250 meters, at Aswan the Nile flows at an altitude of 101 meters above sea level, so that for the remaining 1,185 kilometers to the mouth there is a 101 meter fall. The width of the Nile often changes along this route: at Shandi it is 165 meters, above the mouth of Atbara 320 meters, below the fifth cataract 460, north of Wadigalfa the Nile becomes wider, and between Esne and Cairo its width is from 500 to 2,200 meters. The width of the valley between Abu Hammed and Edfu is from 500 - 1,000 meters. North of Edfu, the Nile widens to 3 kilometers, and to Cairo its width ranges from 4 to 28 kilometers. In Damer, the Nile changes its direction, goes around the Bayuda steppe on 3 sides, in the shape of the letter “S”, and cuts through the mountains of the Nubian steppe; The curves of the Nile above Corosco are explained by the special arrangement of sandstone layers. From 27° north latitude, the Yusuf (Joseph) Canal flows next to the Nile, a remnant of ancient Egyptian water works, with numerous side canals, and flows in the North into Lake Fayum, which has great importance for proper distribution of water into the Nile. To the northwest of Cairo (10 m above sea level) the delta begins, reaching 270 kilometers in width near the sea. 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 Rosetta and Damiutsky. East The Kanopian and western Pelusian branches were the most important in ancient times. The most important of the canals, Mamudiysky, connecting Alexandria with the Rosetta branch, 77 kilometers long, 30 meters wide, built by Megmet Ali; the short Menufsky (Bar el-Farunya) connects the Damietsky and Rosetta branches with the Yu. Tanitsky was turned into the Mulsky canal, Pelussky 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 due to 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 numerous tributaries.

Inhabitants: the most common inhabitants of the waters of the Nile and its banks are Nile and Natal frogs, turtles, crocodiles and 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 river after the Nile and the Congo and the second most abundant river in West Africa, bearing various names among the coastal natives, of which upper reaches the predominant name is Joliba, in the middle - Eguirreu, in the lower - Kvara or Quorra, the Arabs call it Nil el-Abid (Nile of Slaves). The Niger originates at 8°36` north latitude and 10°33` west longitude (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, Nene, Brass and Forcado, pours into the Gulf of Guinea.

140 kilometers from its source, which, being sacred, is inaccessible to foreigners and precise definition, Niger, still called Tembi, receives a wide river on the left. Faliko with its tributary Tamikon, after which, under the name Dzholiba, it flows north to 10° north latitude. Turning to the North-East, it receives several small tributaries on the left, and significant tributaries on the right: Mifu and Yandan, or Nianna, turning again to the N it receives Milo and Tankisso; here the slope of the Niger is reduced to half (only 329 meters above sea level), its bed becomes wider, but shallower - and for 400 kilometers it flows to the northeast, forming the border line between Sudan and the kingdom of Segu. At Bomak, the Niger in high water is up to 800 meters wide and forms rapids, capriciously changing the width of the channel; near Niamina it becomes navigable and turns south; its slope becomes even smaller, its bed lower; at Massino it divides into two main branches, which head north to Lake Debu. At Diafaraba, these branches are connected to each other by natural channels, which, intersecting, form the island area of ​​Burgu, 200 square kilometers, from a network of islands; on one of these islands lies the ancient Djenné, or Gineva, ch. The land of the blacks, from which the whole country received its name Guinea. Next, Niger enters the territory of the fellahs, where it is called Issoy and heads to the North, crossing lake. Debo, receives many tributaries and again divides into the Danco and Mayo Balleo branches; near Kabara, the harbor of Timbuktu, reaches 17° north latitude and flows east along the Sahara Desert; On this route, the Tozaye rapids impede navigation with a slow current, and among the extremely low-lying banks, the Niger reaches the country of Ussa, where it bears the new name Gulbi-nkovary, or Kovara. At Burrum the river turns sharply to the Southeast 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 Sanrai empire. Having broken through the rapids, surrounding islands Bornu Guntu, N. spreads like a wide tablecloth across the plain and only at Akarambai, to the south of Ansongo Island, does it narrow again, constrained by the walls of rocks, to a width of 30 meters.

In the middle reaches, the Niger receives: Gorajende, 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; steamships sail between Rabba and Lokoja, although sandy shoals sometimes interfere with navigation here. Here Kaduna, or Liful, and a little further Gurara flow into the Niger; its most significant tributary, the Benue, flows into Lokoja, originating north of Ngawandaré in Adamei; in the rainy season it connects with Lake Chad. From Lokoja at the Ebo (at the head of the delta) the Niger, connected with the Benue, flows in a majestic stream, rushing South among the rocks and, bending in gradual terraces, receives on the left a parallel tributary, the Amambaru. The width of the Niger is increasing, and it flows towards the Atlantic Ocean, into the Gulf of Guinea, into which it flows through the aforementioned branches. The Niger Delta covers an area of ​​25,000 square kilometers and is low-lying, marshy and covered with mangroves. The navigability of the Niger depends, in addition to rapids and waterfalls, on its high or shallow waters. 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 of the Niger there is plenty of water and is navigable from the 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 high from June to the end of September and has a secondary high from January to the end of April, depending on the high water in the upper reaches; Here it is navigable at all times of the year.

Method of feeding: the river is fed by the waters of the summer monsoon rains.

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

Inhabitants: Fishery 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 is 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, Juba is called Ganale Gudda, then Ganana and, finally, Juba. Near Kismayu Harbour, the Juba flows into the Indian Ocean. The upper reaches and tributaries of the river were explored 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 precipitation.

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

Freezing: does not freeze.

Length: 4,700 kilometers.

Basin area: 3,680,000 square kilometers.

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

Feeding method: Congo (or Zaire) is the largest river in Central Africa and the most abundant river in the world after the Amazon. Its lower reaches have been known to Europeans since the 16th century, and the rest since 1877 (the time when Stanley explored it). The 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, and goes around south side Lake Bangweola, taking in its origins. From here, under the name Luapula, it meanders for 300 kilometers to Lake Meru or Mkata, at an altitude of 850 meters above sea level, and then, heading north-northwest, connects with Ancora at 6 ° 30` south latitude, then with Adalaba at 27° east longitude. At 5°40` south latitude and 26°45` east longitude it receives Lukugu, the source of Lake Tanganaiki; rushing north, it connects with Luama and, reaching 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 Nyonga and the equator, the Congo is navigable and flows directly north, receiving in its path many as yet unexplored rivers, rising among gigantic forests.

From Niangwa, towards the mouth, the Congo ceases to be navigable, due to the rapids and Stanley Falls found here, but then becomes navigable again to the mouth of Kassai and here, taking in the Aruvimi, it expands to 20 kilometers and flows through a marshy area rich in lakes; then the channel of the Congo narrows again. Connecting with the last tributary, the Congo channel narrows with mountains and, on the way to Vivi, the river forms 32 waterfalls - the 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 subsea channel for itself. It annually introduces 35,000,0000 cubic meters of solid particles into the sea. Flood occurs twice a year, at the mouth the highest water is in May and December, the lowest 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: flows under the name Liba from the marshy Lake Dilolo, at 11° 30` south latitude and 12.5° east longitude Greenwich. Then it flows in a southern and southeastern direction along a wide, annually flooded plain. At about 17° south latitude the river takes the name Zambezi and forms the famous Victoria Falls (Moaziwatunya, that is, thundering smoke). Next, having accepted east direction The Zambezi, with repeated rapids and rapids, flows through a forested mountainous country, turns to the Northeast, then flows again east to the Chikaronda rapids, from where it takes a southeastern direction before flowing into the sea. Narrowed once again 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 northern and southern branches).

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

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

Freezing: Does not freeze.

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 distributed unevenly on the mainland. Characteristic feature for 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 almost all year round and form a dense river network. IN subequatorial belt rivers fill only during the rainy season, and in hot tropical climates there are no surface reservoirs, but artesian pools are common. The major rivers of the African continent are the Nile, Congo, Niger, and Zambezi.

Nile

Neil is the most long river Africa. Its length is 6852 km. It flows into the Mediterranean Sea, originating on 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 in these places there are often rapids and waterfalls. The largest is Murchison Falls, which flows into Lake Albert. The Nile flows through the territory of many countries, 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 ranks second in size to the basin after the Nile. Its second name is Zaire, and it flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The river flows in Central Africa through Angola and the Republic of Congo.

The Congo is the deepest river in the world (230 m), as well as the deepest river in Africa. In the world, it ranks second after the Amazon in terms of abundance of water. The length of the river is 4,700 km, and the discoverer of these waters was the Portuguese traveler Diogo Can.

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 Congo. 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 river with enough clear water, as it flows mainly through rocky terrain and does not carry much silt. Niger lies in the equatorial and subequatorial zones, which are characterized by dry semi-desert areas and the presence of monsoons.

Lakes of Africa

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

The most big lake 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 longest large lake- Victoria. Also big rivers Congo, Niger, Zambezi, which lie on the territory of several states, are considered.

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The continent lies entirely 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 water arteries there are rapids and waterfalls, making them unsuitable for navigation. The water level in rivers is mainly affected by the presence or absence of rain. Melt waters snow and glaciers feed the rivers that originate 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 continent's great river basins.

Map of the largest river basins in Africa / Image: Wikipedia

#10: Jubba

The Jubba River has a length of 1004 km. The basin area is 497,504 km², the average water flow 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. There is a lot of rainfall 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 in only two African states: Somalia and Ethiopia.

#9: Shari

The length of the river is 1,400 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. Chari is the main drinking source and center of the fishing industry for the Chadian population. 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 rivers, the region faces an environmental disaster. The Shari flows through Cameroon, Chad and the Central African Republic.

#8: Volta

The river stretches for about 1500 km. The basin area is 407,093 km², the average water flow is 1288 m³/s. The river was formed by the confluence of two waterways of West Africa: 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 Daka, Afram and Oti rivers. The river flows through the Republic of Ghana and is famous for its developed shipping.

#7: Okavango

The length of the river is 1600 km. The basin area is 530,000 km². Average consumption water 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 Kalahari sands.

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

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

#6: Limpopo

The length is 1,750 km, and the basin area is 415,000 km². Water flow 170 m³/s. Limpopo begins in South Africa, where it stretches Mountain chain Witwatersrand, and flows into the Indian Ocean. The river is shaped like a zigzag; it crosses deserts, savannas and chains of mountains. The Limpopo has several large tributaries: Shangane, Olifants, Notwani.

The food is predominantly rain-fed. In the summer in southern Africa there are often thunderstorms and heavy downpours. In dry years, Limpopo dries out at the top. The shipping route extends 160 km from the mouth. Due to the peculiar bend of the river, the water flows slowly, so a lot of silt forms in it. The lands along the banks of the river are very fertile. Floods are rare, so they grow in the lower reaches deciduous forests. Closer to the mouth, you can find cod, mackerel, herring, octopus and oysters in the river. Along the entire length of the 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. The area of ​​its basin is 973,000 km². The average flow rate does not exceed 365 m³/s. The Orange River originates in the Drakensberg Mountains. There is a lot of precipitation here, which is a source of food. The Orange River flows into the Atlantic. It crosses almost the entire South Region continent and plays vital role in its economy.

The main tributary is the Vaal River. Due to the abundance of rapids, navigation on the Orange River is impossible. The main wealth of the river is all kinds of minerals. Due to the hot climate, there is little diversity of animals living here. The river crosses Namibia, the Republic of 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 flow is approximately 3400 m³/s. The river originates in northwestern 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 significantly more rapid. On the border of the Central African Plateau lies the Victoria Falls, formed as a result of the faulting of a tectonic plate. Then the channel turns to the northeast. In its lower reaches it faces south and rushes towards the ocean. The river crosses such African countries, like Angola, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

The main tributaries are the Luangwa and Kafue. Food - rain. The Zambezi is most flooded in the summer, from November to March. Due to seasonal high water, shipping is not very developed. The upper and middle part of the river flows through savannas. Dense forests grow between the river beds. The lower part of the Zambezi is represented by.

There are many fish in the waters. Species diversity divides Victoria Falls. Bream and pike are found in the upper reaches. Where there are no fast currents, crocodiles and monitor lizards live. There are many animals in the forests and... It is convenient to watch them during the dry season, when all the animals go to the banks of the Zambezi to drink. 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 flow 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 bay of the Atlantic Ocean.

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

Along the banks of the Niger there are major cities, including Bamako, the fastest growing city on the continent. Shipping 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. Carp, barbel and perch are caught in Niger.

#2: Congo

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

Main tributaries: Mobangi, Alima, Rubi, Lulongo, Lefeni. Livingston Falls prevent ships from reaching the ocean. On flat sections, 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.

The mighty waterway provides water equatorial forests. They are a favorable habitat for various dangerous animals: spiders, snakes and crocodiles. Congo crosses Angola, Republic of Congo and Democratic Republic 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 flow 2830 m³/s. The Nile originates in Lake Victoria and flows into. Large tributaries are Achwa, Sobat, Atbara and Blue Nile. The river fills with precipitation. Flood occurs at the end of summer - beginning of 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, sunfish, sea bream and barb. Lives along the banks Nile crocodile and hippopotamus. 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 for the growth of rare species palm trees and shrubs that contrast sharply with the nearby desert lands. The Nile flows through the territories of Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.

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

Rivers and lakes of Africa on the map:

Nile: the longest river in Africa

This is the second longest river on the planet after the Amazon and the first on the African continent. The Great Nile saw the dawn of humanity. Representatives of the most ancient civilization lived on its banks, and evidence of their life has been preserved. Throughout the ages, peoples have worshiped greatest river.

The source of the Nile is a mystery of millennia

All along largest river Africa has tributaries, so it is difficult to determine where it originates from. Geographers have been studying this issue for centuries. The ancient Egyptians - the indigenous inhabitants of the valley - were unable to give an intelligible answer to the question. Therefore, the ancient Greeks tried to solve it, in particular, the great thinker Herodotus argued that the Nile is born from the depths of Africa in the south, and then spreads to the sides. But this version was found to be erroneous.

The astronomer Ptolemy Claudius turned out to be closer to the truth, who wrote in his scientific works that the Nile originates in the Moon Mountains (Rwenzori Range at present). But in 1858, the English officer J. Hennig Speke discovered the highland Lake Victoria (1184 m above sea level), and scientists received evidence. They were then reinforced by other researchers that the Nile flows from there, more precisely, from Lakes Victoria the Kagera River originates, which is divided into tributaries. One of them is Rukarara, and its source is the beginning of the great White Nile.

Geography of the stream

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

Then the river merges with Lake Net and carries its waters to the capital of Sudan - Khartoum. Until now, the color of the stream was yellow due to an excess of light clay impurities, but beyond Khartoum the White Nile merges with the Blue Nile, and then the great Nile flows majestically across the continent. The Atbara tributary flows into it 300 km from the capital. Having become even fuller, the Nile enters the Sahara Desert, or more precisely its eastern part - the Nubian Desert.

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

Congo (Zaire): the deepest river on the planet

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

Geography of the river

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

The Congo is of strategic importance for the hydropower industry of the whole world, which is explained by its deep water and large degree of fall of the riverbed.

Niger: mystical river

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

Geography of the stream

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The largest rivers and lakes in Africa are our topic today. Most big river Africa is the Nile (length 6500 km). Originates in the mountains East Africa and flows through Lake Victoria. In this case, a series of waterfalls are formed in the upper reaches. Coming out onto the plain, the Nile flows slowly through vast swamps and breaks into separate branches.

Whole floating islands are formed from densely intertwined swamp plants, which, moving along the river, clutter its bed and impede navigation.

Here the river is called the White Nile. It connects with the Blue Nile, flowing from the Abyssinian Highlands. After this confluence, the river makes large bends, many rapids are formed, along which its waters quickly rush through granite rocks. Navigation here is possible only in certain areas.

In its lower reaches, the Nile passes through deserts, receiving no tributaries at all and losing a lot of water from strong evaporation. The river flows into the Mediterranean Sea and forms a large delta.

Due to tropical rainfall in the upper reaches, especially on the Abyssinian Highlands, the Nile rises its level in summer and carries a mass muddy water, gradually spreading downwards.

Therefore, the Nile in its lower reaches (in Egypt), despite the prevailing heat and complete absence of rain, floods widely at the end of summer and beginning of autumn. It provides water for irrigating fields and leaves fertile silt on them after the spill. Egypt, a country of ancient agriculture, lying among deserts, is entirely a “gift of the Nile.”

The largest rivers and lakes in Africa. The second largest major river in Africa is the Congo, it flows through the humid equatorial region and is characterized by extreme high water levels. There are a lot of waterfalls and rapids on the river, so only certain sections of it are navigable.

The deep-flowing Niger flows into the Gulf of Guinea. It begins in the mountains near the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and first heads into the interior of Africa, but then turns back to the ocean. The Niger also has many rapids and waterfalls, and forms a delta at its mouth.

The Zambezi is the largest river flowing into the Indian Ocean. It is home to the large Victoria Falls. The water here falls with a strong roar from a height of 120 m into a narrow crevice crossing the river bed. The roar and roar of water can be heard for tens of kilometers around.

Above the waterfall, huge columns of spray and water dust rush upward for hundreds of meters. Reflecting in them, the sun's rays give rise to multi-colored rainbows that flash, go out and light up again, shimmering with wonderful colors.

The largest rivers and lakes in Africa. The largest and deep lakes are located in eastern Africa. They occupy depressions in the East African fault zone.

Sub-Saharan Africa in the middle of Africa is the drainless but freshwater Lake Chad. It is shallow, often changes the outline of the banks, becoming smaller and larger in size - this depends on the frequency and intensity of rains and the flood of the rivers flowing into it.