9 Longest Rivers in Africa

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9 LONGEST RIVERS IN AFRICA 2023

Rivers are one of the major physical attractions in the world. The African continent has

some of the longest rivers in the world. The famous river Nile is the longest river on the

continent and one of the longest in the world. The river starts from Lake Victoria in

Uganda in East Africa and ends in Egypt, North Africa. Other long rivers on the

continent include rivers Congo, Niger, Zambezi, Limpopo and Niger. In this article, we

look at the longest rivers in Africa.

River Nile

River Nile flows from Lake Victoria and ends its journey in the Mediterranean Sea. The

river cuts through 5 countries, including Rwanda, Uganda, South Sudan, Sudan,

Ethiopia and Egypt. River Nile travels through a 6650 kilometres long stretch. The river

is essential to Egyptians as most live along the river. The river offers excellent fishing

and farming opportunities through irrigation and is a means of transport for many

people. In addition, the river is a lifeblood for wildlife like hippos, crocodiles and birds.

River Nile is one of the major tourist attraction sites in Africa. Moreover, countries have

tapped into the river for hydroelectric power production.

River Congo

River Congo is the world's deepest and second longest river in Africa after River Nile.

The river is 4,700 kilometres long and flows through five countries. River Congo is used

for navigation, hydroelectric power production, fishing and irrigation. The river is
lifeline for many wild animals in the Congo rainforest and Salonga National Park,

where the river flows, including gorillas, monkeys, hippos, birds and various reptiles

and amphibians. River Congo is one of the many tourist destinations in Africa.

River Niger

River Niger flows through 10 countries in west central and North Africa, including

Nigeria, Niger, Guinea, Mali, Algeria, Burkina Faso, and Benin. Cameroon, Chad and

Ivory Coast. The river travels a distance of 4,200 kilometres. Unlike most rivers which

start in mountains or forests and end in the sea or ocean, River Niger starts around the

Atlantic oceans and ends in the Sahara desert. The river is used for various economic

activities, including transport, agriculture, and fishing. Furthermore, the river's water is

a source of hydroelectric power production. In addition, the river is a trading centre and

tourist destination site. It is the main water source for W National Park, which is home

to wildlife such as baboons, warthogs, caracal, crocodiles, hippos and the "Big Five" The

ancient city of Timbuktu in Mali is located a few kilometres along the banks of River

Niger.

River Zambezi

River Zambezi is the main water source for the prestigious Victoria Falls, located on the

border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls attracts thousands of tourists and is one
of the "Seven Wonders of the Natural World "At the waterfall, tourists usually spend

time viewing the falls, swimming in the Devils Pool, wave board, surfing along the

river or camping at Chiawa, Baines and Anabez Camp. Other waterfalls along the river

include Ngonye Falls in Zambia and Chavuma Falls in Angola. River Zambezi flows

through 8 countries: Zimbabwe, Zambia, Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia,

Botswana and Tanzania. Moreover, the river is a source of hydroelectric power and

various fish species and other marine animals. Lastly, the river is used for navigation

and flows through Zambezi National Park, which hosts hippos, crocodiles, monitor

lizards, giraffes, zebras, elephants, buffalo, birds and butterflies.

River Ubangi

River Ubangi is not as famous as River Nile, Congo, Niger or Zambezi but remains one

of the major rivers in Africa. It covers a distance of 2270 kilometres. The river flows

through the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo and the Democratic

Republic of Congo. The main economic activities associated with the river include

fishing, crop production and transport. The river is also a tourist destination with

various wildlife, such as crocodiles, lizards, birds, and butterfly species.

River Kasai

River Kasai flows through Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The river

flows through a distance of 2153 kilometres. It is the sixth-longest river in Africa. The

river is the main livelihood source for people along its banks. Some major activities

carried out in river Kasai include fishing, crop arming, tourism and transport. Wildlife
varieties supported by the river include crocodiles, tortoises, water snakes, birds, and

butterflies.

River Orange

River Orange is 2092 kilometres long. The river cuts through Lesotho and South Africa.

The river is the main water source for irrigation and hydroelectric power production

along its banks. In addition, the river supports wildlife in the vast Kalahari Gemsbok

National Park.

River Limpopo

River Limpopo takes position eight among the longest rivers in Africa. The river

stretches 1118 kilometres through four countries, including South Africa, Botswana,

Zimbabwe and Botswana. Residents along Limpopo practice fishing. Tourists who visit

the area enjoy boat rides and white-water rafting. Moreover, the river is used for

navigation and hosts the prestigious Kruger National Park. The park is home to

numerous wild animals.

River Senegal

River Senegal flows through four countries in West Africa, including Mali and Guinea.

Mauritania and Senegal. It is the ninth-longest river in Africa. The river is an abundant

source of hydroelectric power, fish and a crucial point for agriculture. In addition, the
river is a lifeblood for wildlife found in Niokolokoba National Park, including birds,

butterflies, frogs, lizards, and snakes.

Conclusion

Africa is home to various rivers. The rivers cut across are a source of livelihood for

people who reside along the banks. Some of the main economic activities supported by

the rivers include hydroelectric power production, fishing, and farming. The wildlife

and national parks are tourist attractions. Millions of people worldwide travel to Arica

to view the magnificent waterfalls, birds, butterflies and animals supported by the

rivers.

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