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Africa is home to some of the longest rivers in the world.
The Nile is the longest River in Africa, and Congo, and Niger Rivers are just a few massive waterways flowing through the continent.
If you’re a travel enthusiast, learning about these rivers is a great way to get to know Africa better.
Here are some facts about the three longest rivers in Africa.
River Nile
This is a vital north-flowing river located in northeastern Africa and is widely considered as the longest river on the planet, though some sources cite the Amazon River as the longest.
The river is about 6,650 km (4,130 miles) long, is an intercontinental river as its drainage basin spans eleven countries, namely, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Kenya, Congo, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Egypt, Sudan, and South Sudan.
In particular, the Nile is the central water source of Egypt and Sudan.
The Congo
The Congo is the second longest River in Africa, after the Nile.
It is also the deepest River in Africa. The Congo river flows through the Congo Basin, which covers an area of about 4 million square kilometers.
The Congo river has a length of about 4,700 kilometers and a width of about 1,500 kilometers.
The Niger
The Niger River is one of the lengthiest rivers in Africa, measuring 4,180 kilometers in length.
The river runs through several countries, including Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin, and Nigeria.
The Niger River is an essential water source for people along its banks.
It is also home to various wildlife, including hippopotamuses, crocodiles, and fish.
White Nile
This is one of the two important tributaries of the R. Nile, the other being the Blue Nile.
The White Nile is lengthier and gradually rises in the Great Lakes region of the central African region, with the most distant source still unknown but located in either Rwanda or Burundi.
It flows north through Tanzania, Lake Victoria, Uganda, and South Sudan.
The White Nile is about 3,700 km long; the Blue Nile is only about 1,450 km long.
Blue Nile
The Blue Nile is one of Africa’s great rivers and the other major Nile tributary.
The river originates in Ethiopia and flows through Sudan before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea.
The Blue Nile is an essential water source for both countries, providing irrigation for agricultural lands along its banks.
Zambezi River
The Zambezi is one of Africa’s longest and most iconic rivers.
Stretching over 2,574 km, it winds its way through six countries and is home to a few of the continent’s most spectacular scenery.
The river is also a popular destination for adventure seekers, with its world-famous white-water rapids and abundant wildlife.
The Uele River
The Uele is a key African river measuring over 1,210 km in length.
The river begins in the Central African Republic and flows through Congo-Brazzaville before emptying into the Congo River.
Uele is an essential waterway for trade and transportation and a source of food and water for the people who live along its banks.
Orange River
The Orange River is one of the longest rivers in Africa.
It originates in the Drakensberg Mountains in Lesotho and flows westward through South Africa to the Atlantic Ocean.
The Orange River is an essential water source for irrigation, domestic use, and hydroelectric power generation.
With a length of 2,432 km, it is the continent’s second-longest river after the Nile.
The Orange River is an important water source for South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, Botswana, and Angola.
Kasai River
The Kasai River is among the key rivers in Africa, measuring 2,153 km long.
It is located in the Congo Basin and flows through Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Zambia.
The river has been an essential water source for centuries and is home to various plant and animal life.
Shebelle River
The Shebelle River is one of the longest rivers in Africa, measuring 1,130 km long.
The river’s primary source is the Ethiopian Highlands, and it flows south through Somalia before emptying into the Indian Ocean.
The Shebelle River is an essential waterway for trade and transportation, and its banks are home to various flora and fauna.
Limpopo River
The Limpopo River is located in southern Africa and flows eastward for about 1,750 km from its source in central Angola to its mouth at the Indian Ocean in Mozambique.
The river provides water for more than 20 million people in four countries: Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
The Limpopo is one of the great rivers of Africa and is an important transportation route for goods and people.
Senegal River
The Senegal river is one of the longest rivers in Africa. It is located in the western region of Africa.
The Senegal River has a length of 1,800 km kilometers and a basin area of 270,000 km².
The Senegal River is a significant water source for Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, and Guinea.
Kwago River
The Kwago River is located at the heart of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and is approximately 1,770 km long.
The Kwago River is great for fishing, swimming, and canoeing.
There are also many beautiful waterfalls along the river.
Cubango River
The Cubango River is one of the continent’s longest rivers, with a length of about 1,700 km.
The river originates in Angola and flows through Namibia before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean.
The Cubango River is an important water source for both countries and provides a vital lifeline for the people who live along its banks.
Kafue River
The Kafue River is a notable river in Africa, with a length of 1,576 kilometers.
The river originates in the Congo Basin, where several tributaries feed it.
The Kafue River flows through Zambia and into the Zambezi River.
The river is home to various wildlife, including hippopotamuses, crocodiles, and fish.
Chari River
The Chari River is counted as one of the longest rivers in Africa, measuring 1,400 km in length.
The river begins in the Central African Republic and flows northward into Chad.
The Chari River is an important water source for both countries, providing irrigation for crops and drinking water for people and animals.
The river is also home to various fish, reptiles, and mammals.
The longest rivers in Africa are the Nile, Congo, Niger, and Zambezi.
Each river has its own unique story and is an essential part of the African continent.
Abstract as FAQ
What Are The Longest Rivers In Africa?
- Nile 6,650km – 4132mi.
- Congo 4,700km – 2920mi.
- Niger 4,180km – 2597mi.
- White Nile 3,700km – 2300mi.
- Zambezi 2,574km – 1600mi.
- Orange 2,432km – 1511mi.
- Kasai 2,153km – 1338mi.
- Senegal 1,800km – 1118mi.
- Kwago 1,770km – 1100mi.
- Limpopo 1,750km – 1087mi.
- Cubango 1,700km – 1056mi.
- Kafue 1,576km – 979mi.
- Blue Nile 1,450km – 900mi.
- Chari 1,400km – 870mi.
- Uele 1,210km – 751mi.
- Shebelle 1,130km – 702mi.
How long is the Nile?
The Nile is 6,650km long. (4132mi.)
How long is the Congo River?
The Congo is 4,700km long. (2920mi.)
Video – TOP 10 LONGEST RIVERS IN AFRICA
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