List of rivers of Eritrea facts for kids

A map of Eritrea showing its main rivers.

Eritrea is a country in East Africa. It has many rivers and streams, even though some of them only flow during the rainy season. These waterways are super important for people, animals, and plants in the region. They help shape the land and provide water for different uses.

The rivers in Eritrea can be grouped into three main areas based on where their water ends up. Some rivers flow west towards Sudan, others flow east into the Red Sea, and a third group flows into the Afar Depression, which is a large, low area of land.

Rivers Flowing Towards the Nile

Some of Eritrea's rivers are part of a much bigger river system: the Nile River. The Nile is one of the longest rivers in the world, flowing through many countries like Egypt and Sudan. The Eritrean rivers in this group don't reach the Nile directly, but their water eventually joins it.

The Mareb River

The Mareb River, also known as the Gash River, is one of these. It starts in Eritrea and flows towards Sudan. Most of the time, the Mareb River doesn't reach the main Atbarah River (a branch of the Nile) unless there's a lot of rain. It often dries up before reaching it.

• Obel River

The Tekezé River

Another important river in this group is the Tekezé River. This river also begins in Eritrea and flows into Sudan. Unlike the Mareb, the Tekezé usually reaches the Atbarah River, making it a more permanent part of the Nile system.

Rivers Flowing into the Red Sea

Many rivers in Eritrea flow eastwards, eventually emptying their water into the Red Sea. This sea is an important waterway connecting Africa and Asia. These rivers are often shorter and can be seasonal, meaning they only flow during certain times of the year, especially after heavy rains.

The Barka River System

The Barka River is one of the longest rivers in Eritrea that flows towards the Red Sea. It starts in the highlands and makes its way through different landscapes.

• The Anseba River is a major branch of the Barka River. It has its own smaller rivers joining it:
  • Zara River
  • Koka River
  • Fah River
• Other rivers that join the Barka include:
  • Mogoraib River
  • Langeb River

Other Red Sea Rivers

Several other rivers flow directly into the Red Sea. They are important for the local areas they pass through.

• Damas River
• Gonfale River
• Wokiro River
  • Wadi Laba River
• Haddas River
  • Aligide River
    • Barosio River
    • Guwa River
  • Comaile River
  • Saato River

See also

In Spanish: Anexo:Ríos de Eritrea para niños

• List of rivers of Africa