List of rivers of Botswana facts for kids
Botswana is a country in Southern Africa. It is famous for its amazing wildlife and vast landscapes. Even though much of Botswana is covered by the dry Kalahari Desert, it also has important rivers. These rivers are super important for people, animals, and plants. They bring life to many parts of the country. Let's explore the main rivers of Botswana and where their waters end up!
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Rivers of Botswana: A Watery Journey
What is a River Basin?
Imagine a giant funnel. A river basin, also called a drainage basin, is like that funnel. It's an area of land where all the rain and water eventually flow into one main river. This main river then carries the water to a lake, a sea, or even another larger river. Botswana's rivers belong to different basins. This means their water travels to different final destinations.
Rivers Flowing to the Atlantic Ocean
Some of Botswana's rivers are part of a huge river system that eventually reaches the Atlantic Ocean. This journey is very long!
- Orange River
The Orange River is one of the longest rivers in Southern Africa. It starts far away in the mountains and flows all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. While the main Orange River doesn't flow through Botswana, some of Botswana's rivers are its tributaries. This means they feed into it.
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- Molopo River
The Molopo River is a very important river for Botswana. It forms part of the border between Botswana and South Africa. This river often only flows after heavy rains.
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- Nossob River
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The Nossob River is a dry riverbed for most of the year. It flows through parts of the Kalahari Desert. It only flows strongly after very good rainfall.
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- Moselebe River
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The Moselebe River is another tributary that joins the Molopo River. Like many rivers in this dry region, its flow depends on the seasons.
Rivers Flowing to the Indian Ocean
Many of Botswana's rivers are part of systems that flow towards the Indian Ocean. These rivers are vital for the eastern and northern parts of the country.
- Zambezi River
The Zambezi River is one of Africa's biggest rivers. It flows through several countries before reaching the Indian Ocean. A small part of Botswana touches the Zambezi.
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- Cuando River (also known as Chobe River or Linyanti River)
The Cuando River is a major river in northern Botswana. It is known by different names as it flows. It forms part of Botswana's border with Namibia. This river is famous for its rich wildlife, especially elephants.
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- Makwegana River (also called Selinda Spillway)
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The Makwegana River is a special channel. It connects the Cuando River system to the Okavango Delta. During big floods, water from the Okavango can flow into the Cuando system through this spillway.
- Limpopo River
The Limpopo River is another major river in Southern Africa. It forms part of Botswana's eastern border with South Africa. Many rivers in eastern Botswana are tributaries of the Limpopo.
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- Shashe River
The Shashe River is an important tributary of the Limpopo. It flows through a region known for its mining and agriculture.
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- Ramokgwebana River
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The Ramokgwebana River is a smaller river that joins the Shashe.
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- Tati River
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The Tati River is another tributary of the Shashe. It flows near the city of Francistown.
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- Motloutse River
The Motloutse River is known for its historical importance. It flows through areas where ancient settlements and mines were found.
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- Lotsane River
The Lotsane River is a seasonal river. It flows during the rainy season and is important for local communities.
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- Serorome River
The Serorome River is another seasonal river in the Limpopo basin.
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- Notwane River
The Notwane River flows near Botswana's capital city, Gaborone. It is a very important water source for the city.
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- Metsimotlhabe River
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The Metsimotlhabe River is a tributary of the Notwane. It also helps supply water to the Gaborone area.
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- Marico River
The Marico River is another river that forms part of the border between Botswana and South Africa. It eventually joins the Limpopo.
Rivers of the Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is one of the world's most amazing natural wonders. It's a huge inland delta, meaning its waters don't flow to the sea. Instead, they spread out into the Kalahari Desert, creating a vast wetland.
- Okavango River
The Okavango River is the main river that feeds the delta. It starts in Angola and flows into Botswana. Its waters create the unique Okavango Delta, supporting incredible wildlife.
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- Ngamaseri River
The Ngamaseri River is one of the many channels within the Okavango Delta. It helps distribute water throughout this wetland paradise.
- Khwai River
The Khwai River is another important waterway in the Okavango region. It is known for its beautiful landscapes and abundant wildlife.
- Eiseb River
The Eiseb River is a seasonal river. It flows into the Okavango system from the east.
- Khaudum River
The Khaudum River is another seasonal river. It also contributes water to the Okavango Delta during the wet season.
Rivers of the Makgadikgadi Pan
The Makgadikgadi Pan is a huge salt pan in Botswana. It is one of the largest salt flats in the world. Rivers flow into this pan, but their water often evaporates, leaving behind salt.
- Boteti River
The Boteti River is very interesting. It flows out of the Okavango Delta during the rainy seasons. It carries water towards the Makgadikgadi Pan. This river is a lifeline for wildlife in the dry areas it crosses.
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- Thamalakane River
The Thamalakane River is a channel that connects the Okavango Delta to the Boteti River. It plays a key role in the water flow to the pan.
- Nata River
The Nata River flows into the Makgadikgadi Pan from the northeast. It brings water that helps create temporary wetlands. These wetlands attract many birds, especially flamingos.
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- Tutume River
The Tutume River is a tributary of the Nata River.
- Semowane River
The Semowane River is another seasonal river that flows towards the Makgadikgadi Pan.
- Mosetse River
The Mosetse River also contributes water to the pan during the wet season.
- Lepashe River
The Lepashe River is a seasonal river in this basin.
- Mosope River
The Mosope River is another river that flows towards the Makgadikgadi Pan.
Rivers of the Kalahari Desert
The Kalahari Desert covers a large part of Botswana. It is a very dry area. Most rivers here are "fossil rivers" or "sand rivers." This means they only flow underground or after very heavy, rare rains.
- Okwa River
The Okwa River is an ancient riverbed. It is mostly dry today. However, it shows where water once flowed across the Kalahari. Even though it doesn't flow much now, it's an important part of Botswana's geography.
