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Posted by on May 14, 2020 in TellMeWhy |

What Is Zambezi?

What Is Zambezi?

Zambezi also spelled Zambeze and Zambesi is a river in south-east Africa. It is the fourth-longest river in Africa, the longest east-flowing river in Africa and the largest flowing into the Indian Ocean from Africa. It rises in north-west Zambia and flows south and east to the Indian Ocean in Mozambique. Length about 2,574 km (1599 miles).

The Victoria Falls on the Zambezi are the largest in the world (maximum drop 108 m/355 ft; width over 1700 m/5580 ft). Although Victoria Falls are the most famous waterfalls along the Zambezi River, there are several others including Chavuma Falls, and Ngonye Falls.

The Kariba and Cahora Bassa dams provide valuable power and irrigation for Zambia and Zimbabwe, but the river, like most African rivers, is of limited use for transportation.

Despite its impressive length, bridges crossing the Zambezi are few and far between. Notable crossings include the Otto Beit Bridge at Chirundu in Zimbabwe, the historic Victoria Falls Bridge, the Katima Mulilo Bridge between Namibia and Sesheke in Zambia, and the Tete Suspension Bridge in Mozambique.

The Zambezi River drains six countries and supports millions of people, who make use of its rich fisheries, forests, water, and rich floodplain soils. The lower Zambezi in Mozambique is the most productive and biologically diverse tropical floodplains in Africa.

Approximately 80% of the people in the Zambezi Valley depend on the river for agriculture. Due to the fact that the Zambezi River runs through many game reserves and national parks, it provides sustenance to a diverse array of game, birdlife and fish species.

Wildlife to be spotted on a game drive along its banks, or a cruise within its waters include elephant, hippos, crocodiles, water buck, buffalo, zebras, and even lion.

Content for this question contributed by Lynda Mitzel, resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA