List of rivers of Tanzania facts for kids

Tanzania is a beautiful country in East Africa. It has many important rivers that flow through its diverse landscapes. These rivers are like the country's lifelines. They provide water for people, animals, and farms. They also help shape the land.

Some rivers flow into the Indian Ocean. Others end up in large lakes. These lakes can be part of huge river systems like the Nile or Congo. Some rivers even flow into special lakes that don't connect to the ocean. These are called endorheic basins.

Rivers by Drainage Basin

Rivers are often grouped by where their water ends up. This is called a drainage basin. Imagine a giant funnel. All the rain that falls into that funnel flows to the same exit point.

East Coast Rivers

Many rivers in Tanzania flow towards the Indian Ocean. They start in the highlands and make their way to the coast.

• Pangani River: This is a major river in northern Tanzania. It flows southeast from Mount Kilimanjaro. It empties into the Indian Ocean. The Pangani River is important for generating electricity. It also provides water for farming.
  • Kikuletwa River: A key tributary of the Pangani. It collects water from areas around Mount Meru.
  • Ruvu Jipe River: Another important tributary. It flows from the area near Lake Jipe.

• Wami River: The Wami River flows through central Tanzania. It also empties into the Indian Ocean. It supports many communities along its path.

• Ruvu River (Pwani): This river is near the city of Dar es Salaam. It's a vital source of water for the city.

• Rufiji River: This is the longest river in Tanzania. It flows for about 600 kilometers (370 miles). The Rufiji forms a large delta at its mouth. This delta is home to many plants and animals.
  • Great Ruaha River: The largest tributary of the Rufiji. It flows through Ruaha National Park. This river is very important for wildlife.
  • Ulanga River (Kilombero): Another major tributary. It joins the Great Ruaha to form the Rufiji.

• Ruvuma River: This river forms a long part of the border between Tanzania and Mozambique. It flows east into the Indian Ocean.

Zambezi Basin Rivers

Some rivers in southwestern Tanzania are part of the Zambezi River system. Their water eventually reaches the Indian Ocean through the Zambezi River.

• Lake Malawi: This huge lake is shared by Tanzania, Malawi, and Mozambique. Several Tanzanian rivers flow into it.
  • Ruhuhu River: A significant river that flows into Lake Malawi from Tanzania.

Nile Basin Rivers

In the northwest, some rivers contribute to the mighty Nile River. Their water travels a long way to the Mediterranean Sea.

• Lake Victoria: This is the largest lake in Africa. It is a main source of the Nile River. Many Tanzanian rivers flow into Lake Victoria.
  • Mara River: Famous for the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras. These animals cross the Mara River every year. It flows through the Serengeti National Park.
  • Kagera River: Considered one of the most distant sources of the Nile. It flows along the border with Rwanda and Uganda.

Congo Basin Rivers

Rivers in western Tanzania can be part of the Congo River basin. Their water eventually flows into the Atlantic Ocean.

• Lake Tanganyika: This is the second deepest freshwater lake in the world. It is shared by Tanzania, Congo, Burundi, and Zambia. Rivers flowing into it are part of the Congo system.
  • Malagarasi River: The second longest river in Tanzania. It flows into Lake Tanganyika. It creates a large wetland area.
  • Kalambo River: This river is famous for the Kalambo Falls. These are the second highest uninterrupted waterfalls in Africa.

Endorheic Basins

Some rivers in Tanzania flow into lakes that have no outlet to the sea. The water in these lakes only leaves by evaporating.

• Lake Eyasi Basin:
  • Sibiti River: A main river flowing into Lake Eyasi. This area is home to the Hadzabe people.

• Lake Manyara Basin: Rivers here feed Lake Manyara. This lake is known for its flamingos and tree-climbing lions.

• Lake Natron Basin:
  • Peninj River: Flows into Lake Natron. This lake is very salty and alkaline. It is a breeding ground for millions of flamingos.

• Lake Rukwa Basin:
  • Rungwa River: A major river flowing into Lake Rukwa.
  • Momba River: Another important river in this basin.

• Tarangire River: This river flows into Lake Burunge. It is crucial for wildlife in Tarangire National Park. Animals gather along its banks during the dry season.

Alphabetically

Here are some of the important rivers in Tanzania, listed in alphabetical order:

• Kagera River
• Kalambo River
• Lukuledi River
• Lumi River
• Malagarasi River
• Manonga River
• Mara River
• Pangani River
• Rufiji River
• Ruvuma River
• Sibiti River
• Songwe River
• Tarangire River
• Umba River
• Wami River
• Wembere River