Fourth Largest River in Africa: The Zambezi River ranks as the fourth longest river on the African continent. It covers a total catchment area of approximately 1,390,000 square kilometers and stretches for about 2,700 kilometers.

Flowing Through Six Countries: As it journeys toward the Indian Ocean, the Zambezi flows through a grand total of six countries: Zambia, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Interestingly, it forms the border between Zambia and Namibia, Zambia and Botswana, and Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Source in Zambia: The Zambezi River originates in the Mwinilunga District in north-west Zambia, at an elevation of 1,500 meters above sea level. Its source lies within the iconic Miombo Woodlands in a marshy black wetland known as a dambo.

Victoria Falls: The most notable feature of the Zambezi River is the mighty Victoria Falls. These falls are one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a World Heritage Site. Other significant falls along the river include the Chavuma Falls in north-west Zambia and the less accessible Ngonye Falls in western Zambia.

Few Bridges: Despite its impressive length, the Zambezi River has surprisingly few bridges. Notable crossings include the Otto Beit Bridge at Chirundu in Zimbabwe, the historic Victoria Falls Bridge, the Katima Mulilo Bridge between Namibia and Sesheke in Zambia, and the Tete Suspension Bridge in Mozambique.

Hydroelectric Power Sources: The Zambezi River hosts two massive sources of hydroelectric power. The Kariba Dam (or Lake Kariba) in Zimbabwe and the Cahora Bassa Dam in Mozambique were constructed to provide electricity to Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa. Lake Kariba is the world’s largest man-made lake, spanning 226 kilometers in length, while Cahora Bassa is an impressive arch dam.

Guarded by Nyami Nyami: The Nyami Nyami, described as having the head of a fish and the body of a snake, is the guardian and God of the Zambezi River Valley. This deity is highly revered by the Tsonga people. The Nyami Nyami and his wife are believed to be the God and Goddess of the underworld, residing in the Kariba Gorge. During the construction of the Kariba Dam, regular flooding and numerous deaths were attributed to his wrath after being separated from his wife during the dam’s construction.