Zambezi River facts for kids
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The Zambezi River is a very important river in Africa. It is the fourth longest river on the continent. It is also the biggest African river that flows into the Indian Ocean. The Zambezi starts its journey in Zambia. From there, it flows through Angola, then back into Zambia. It also forms borders for Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, before finally reaching Mozambique where it empties into the ocean.
One of the most amazing sights on the Zambezi River is Victoria Falls. This beautiful waterfall is so special that it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Kariba Dam is another important feature on the Zambezi. This dam helps create a lot of electricity for the countries nearby.
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Exploring the Zambezi River
The Zambezi River is about 2,574 kilometers (1,600 miles) long. It gives life to many different plants and animals. The river's journey starts high up in the mountains and flows all the way to the sea.
Where Does the Zambezi Flow?
The Zambezi River flows through six different countries. It starts in Zambia, then goes into Angola. After that, it returns to Zambia. The river then forms natural borders between Zambia and Namibia, and also between Zambia and Botswana. It also separates Zambia and Zimbabwe. Finally, it flows through Mozambique before reaching the Indian Ocean.
Victoria Falls: A Natural Wonder
Victoria Falls is one of the world's largest waterfalls. It is located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The local name for the falls is "Mosi-oa-Tunya," which means "The Smoke That Thunders." This name perfectly describes the huge spray and loud noise the falls make. Millions of liters of water crash down every second. It's an incredible sight to see!
Power from the River
The Zambezi River is very important for making electricity. The Kariba Dam is a huge dam built on the river. It creates a large lake called Lake Kariba. Water from this lake flows through turbines, which are like giant spinning machines, to make hydroelectric power. This power helps light up homes and run businesses in the region.
Other Dams on the Zambezi
Besides the Kariba Dam, there is another big dam on the Zambezi called the Cahora Bassa Dam. This dam is located in Mozambique. It also produces a lot of electricity for the area. These dams are very important for the development of the countries along the river.
Animals and Plants of the Zambezi
The Zambezi River and its surrounding areas are home to many different kinds of wildlife. The river provides water and food for these animals.
River Animals
You can find many animals living in and around the Zambezi River.
- Hippos: Large groups of hippos live in the river. They spend most of their day in the water to stay cool.
- Crocodiles: Nile crocodiles are also common in the Zambezi. They are powerful predators.
- Fish: The river is full of different types of fish, including the famous tigerfish, which is popular for sport fishing.
Land Animals and Birds
Along the banks of the Zambezi, you can see many other animals.
- Elephants: Large herds of elephants often come to the river to drink and bathe.
- Zebras and Giraffes: These animals graze in the plains near the river.
- Birds: Many different bird species live here, including eagles, herons, and kingfishers. The river is a great place for birdwatching.
History of the Zambezi
People have lived along the Zambezi River for thousands of years. The river has always been a source of life and a way for people to travel.
Early Explorers
The first European to explore the Zambezi River was David Livingstone. He was a Scottish explorer who reached Victoria Falls in 1855. He named the falls after Queen Victoria. His journeys helped map out parts of Africa that were unknown to Europeans at the time.
Images for kids
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Victoria Falls, the end of the upper Zambezi and beginning of the middle Zambezi
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Annotated view of the Zambezi river delta from space.
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Hippopotamus in the Zambezi River
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View of the Middle Zambezi
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Victoria Falls National Park marker
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Map by Willem Janszoon Blaeu, dated 1635, showing the course of the Zambezi, and its source in a great lake.
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Satellite image showing Victoria Falls and subsequent series of zigzagging gorges
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Two local people in the Zambezi river near Victoria falls, Zambia.
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1975 photo of Victoria Falls Bridge
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Tourist boat on the Zambezi River, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia. 1971 photo.
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Lake Cahora Bassa in Mozambique, one of the river's major sources of hydroelectric energy
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The Zambezi's delta
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The river and its floodplain near Mongu in Zambia
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Water is black in this false-colour image of the Zambezi flood plain
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Detailed true-colour image shows the stark eastern edge of the Zambezi floodplain
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