Zambezi

Zambezi River in North Western Zambia

The Zambezi (also spelled Zambesi) is a river in southern Africa. The 2,750 km long river has its source in Zambia and flows through Angola, along the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, to Mozambique, where it empties into the Indian Ocean. The Zambezi's most spectacular feature is Victoria Falls, the world's largest waterfall. Other notable falls include the Chavuma Falls at the border between Zambia and Angola, and Ngonye Falls, near Sioma in Western Zambia.

Amazingly, over its entire course, the Zambezi is spanned by only four bridges: at Chinyingi, Victoria Falls, Chirundu and Tete.

The wide Zambezi flood plains of Western Zambia are the homeland of the Lozi people. The chief of the Lozi has two compounds, at Lealui and Limulunga, the latter being on high ground and thus serving as the capital during the rainy season. The annual move from Lealui to Limulunga is a major event, celebrated one of Zambia's best known festivals, the Kuomboka.

There are two main sources of hydro-electric power on the river. These are the Kariba Dam, which provides power to Zambia and Zimbabwe and the Cahora Bassa Dam in Mozambique which provides power to South Africa. There is also a smaller power station at Victoria Falls.

Tributaries:

• Kabompo River
• Lungwebung River
• Cuando River
• Kafue River
• Luangwa River
• Shire River