List of rivers of the Central African Republic facts for kids

The Central African Republic, often called CAR, is a country in the middle of Africa. It has many important rivers that flow across its land. These rivers are like natural highways, carrying water and helping people, animals, and plants. They are also very important for the country's environment and daily life.

The rivers in CAR flow into three main areas, called drainage basins. A drainage basin is like a giant bowl where all the rain and smaller streams eventually flow into one larger river or lake. In CAR, these basins lead to the Gulf of Guinea, the Atlantic Ocean (through the Congo River), and Lake Chad.

Rivers Flowing to the Gulf of Guinea

The Gulf of Guinea is a large part of the Atlantic Ocean, located off the coast of West Africa. Some rivers from the Central African Republic eventually make their way to this gulf.

• The Sanaga River is a big river in Cameroon.
  • The Lom River starts in the Central African Republic and flows into the Sanaga River. This means its waters eventually reach the Gulf of Guinea.

Rivers Flowing to the Atlantic Ocean (Congo Basin)

Most of the rivers in the Central African Republic are part of the huge Congo River basin. The Congo River is the second-longest river in Africa and carries a massive amount of water to the Atlantic Ocean.

• The Congo River itself flows through countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo. Many rivers from CAR join it.
  • The Sangha River is a major river that forms part of the border between CAR and other countries.
    • The Kadéï River flows into the Sangha River.
      • The Boumbé I River joins the Kadéï.
      • The Boumbé II River also joins the Kadéï.
    • The Mambéré River is another important river that flows into the Sangha.
  • The Ubangi River is one of the biggest rivers in the Central African Republic. It forms a long border between CAR and the Democratic Republic of the Congo before joining the Congo River.
    • The Lobaye River flows into the Ubangi.
    • The Mpoko River also joins the Ubangi.
    • The Ouaka River is another tributary of the Ubangi.
    • The Kotto River flows into the Ubangi.
      • The Ndji River is a tributary of the Kotto.
      • The Bongou River also flows into the Kotto.
    • The Mbomou River is a very important river that forms much of the border between the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It joins the Uele River to form the Ubangi River.
      • The Mbari River flows into the Mbomou.

* The Gboyo River joins the Mbari.

• • • • The Chinko River is another tributary of the Mbomou.
      • The Ouara River also flows into the Mbomou.

Rivers Flowing to Lake Chad

Lake Chad is a large, shallow lake in Africa. It is very important for the countries around it, providing water for farming and fishing. Some rivers from the Central African Republic flow north towards this lake.

• The Chari River is the main river that feeds Lake Chad. Many rivers from CAR flow into the Chari.
  • The Logone River is a major tributary of the Chari River.
    • The Pendé River flows into the Logone.
    • The Mbéré River also joins the Logone.
  • The Ouham River (also known as Bahr Sarh) is another significant river that flows into the Chari.
    • The Nana Barya River joins the Ouham.
    • The Fala River also flows into the Ouham.
  • The Bahr Aouk River (sometimes called Aoukalé) is another river flowing towards the Chari.
    • The Bahr Kameur (also known as Bahr Oulou) is a tributary of the Bahr Aouk.
      • The Gounda River flows into the Bahr Kameur.
      • The Vakaga River also joins the Bahr Kameur.

* The Ouandija River is a tributary of the Vakaga.

• • • • The Ouadi Tiwal is another stream in this area.
      • The Yata River also flows into the Bahr Kameur.
  • The Bangoran River is another river in this basin.
  • The Bamingui River also flows towards the Chari.
  • The Gribingui River is another river in this northern region.