The Zambezi River

Considered one of Africa’s biggest and longest streams running out of the heart of Africa’s jungles in D R Congo and Zambia. This specific river flows through some 6 nations and emptying it waters around the Indian Ocean. Along its course are stunning sights just like the Victoria Falls, Kariba Dam, the grand adventure hub at Batoka Gorge, national parks, some other river tributaries and also various parts inhabited by people in particular over the banks.

The river happens to be the number one tourist attraction with respect to Zambia as well as for its nearby countries. Tourists arrive from everywhere to savor the myriad of activities; water sporting activities, birding and wild safaris and other exciting activities.

Growing from small spring from Kaleni Hill adjacent to the northern township of Mwinilunga, the Zambezi River starts its 3,400km journey pouring its waters into the vast Indian Ocean on the Mozambique border.  The river as a small spring flows under a small tree on the border of Zambia with Congo and Angola and then continues on its journey.

From this point, the water stream does not flow on the surface however, descends directly into the underground river only to be sighted 30m downward slope. Came from here this river streams from the surface and even grows wider and larger, cutting deep into the rock to form the Zambezi rapids on the Angola border. The river flows back into Zambia creating the Chavuma Falls and Cholwezi Rapids that course southwards and later met different rivers and streams.

The Upper Zambezi area is without a doubt noted by the river meandering in the sandy plains of Barotseland and its particular floodplain. This site is chosen by the Lozi tribe for the Ku-omboka ritual; when they leave the lower plain at the peak of the rainy period of February to March every year. The large amounts of water in the floodplain flow to the secluded Ngonye Falls from the rocky surrounding. This part of the river is in fact thinly populated by fishermen, pastoralist, wildlife and even farmers.

When it moves into eastern course it makes the boundary for Zambia and Namibia and eventually joins up with the Chobe River within the Caprivi Swamps, quickly forming the boundary with Botswana. The subsequent run of 80km downstream leads to the thunderous Victoria Falls, noticeably known as Mosi-oa-Tunya by local dialect. It is always here that grand adventure meets the world. The massive Batoka Gorge tailors numerous interesting activities like bungee jumping, white water rafting, canoeing, river boarding plus a lot more.

This specific breathtaking sections is furthermore teeming by using birdlife, and plenty of wildlife, all within the Zambezi National Park that’s discovered right here.

At this point, the river streams to the Kariba Dam for 281kms, certainly one of Africa’s major dams following Egypt’s Aswan High Dam This particular dam doubles as a hydro electric power supply in Zambia as well as its neighbour, Zimbabwe. After the dam, this river meanders northerly for Chirundu where it is fed by Kafue River on the Cooper Belt and also River Lufunga.

Within the region happen to be national parks; Lower Zambezi National Park, down the river valley is the vast Luangwa  Valley National Park and even Mana pools National Parks to the Zimbabwe area. The middle zone sustains surely Africa’s most significant wilderness spots. On the banks are several safari lodges, rustic chalets, tented camps and other Zambia safari accommodation options

The Zambia section of the river ends at this point whilst it proceeds into Mozambique from where it flows one more lap of its long trip to the East coast.