The Mighty Zambezi River, Great River of Africa
Zambia Vacations, Safaris and Wildlife Viewing for the EcoTourist
Oct 26, 2008
The Zambezi River has its source in the African country of Zambia, close to the Anglolan and Congolese borders. Its insignificant start gains momentum as it flows through Angola, along the borders of Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe finally emptying into the Indian Ocean, off the east African coast of Mozambique over 2500 kilometers later.
Victoria Falls and Batoka Gorge
Some of the sights along the Zambezi river are some of the most impressive in the world. For example, the river thunders over the world famous Victoria Falls, continues through the narrow Batoka Gorge and then flattens out into a wide and peaceful river at the Gwembe Valley, entrancing visitors with its beauty.
Zambezi River Dammed at Kariba
Another famous sight along the Zambezi river is that of Kariba dam, where the mighty river has been harnessed into one of the largest dams in the world at 128m high and 579 m long.
Kariba dam was completed in the 1960's and for a time was the largest dam in Africa. Building the massive dam was in the heart of Africa was an extraordinary feat, so was the rescue and re-location of wildlife in a rescue known as 'Operation Noah'. There is also a memorial to the many workers who died in the dam's construction, known as 'St. Barbara's Chapel'.
The less famous and more inaccessible Ngonye Falls are found a few hundred kilometers upstream from Victoria Falls in Western Zambia.
Lower Zambezi National Park and Mana Pools National Park
Many wilderness areas along the Zambezi river banks enjoy protected status. They are less developed and therefore more pristine and untouched than other famous tourist areas in Africa.
As a result, there is an abundance of wildlife to be seen along the river. The Lower Zambezi National Park is one such area, found along the river with the park on the Zambian side and the Mana Pools National Park on the Zimbabwean side. Bird life and game abound, with sightings of huge herds of elephant, buffalo, hippo, diverse species of antelope, primates such as vervet monkeys and baboons, also predators such as lions and leopards.
Zambia is considered to be a safe destination with plenty to offer the visitor in the way of variety - from Eco Tourism opportunities, wildlife safaris to adventure sports. A popular way of enjoying a Zambia vacation is viewing the river from the vantage point of a canoe trip which varies from one to 5 days. One can sit back, relax and enjoy the amazing diversity of wildlife along the way and really take in the sights and sounds of Africa.
More Articles on Travel in Africa:
Luxury Safari Vacations to Africa
Wine Tours in the Cape Province of South Africa
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