Three quarters of Africa’s water resources are concentrated into just 8 major river basins. Of these the five longest rivers are the Nile, Congo, Niger, Zambezi and Orange. The sheer nature of Africa means that many of parts of these rivers remain untamed and wild. They boast between them many world records as you will discover as you read on.

1. The Nile at 6 600 km is not only the longest river in Africa but it is also the longest river in the world and is arguably Africa’s best known waterway. It drains about 10 percent of the whole of Africa, about 3 million square km and has two major tributaries: the White Nile which rises in the great lakes region and has its most distant source in Rwanda, the other tributary being the Blue Nile, its source is in Ethiopia.

They meet near Khartoum, the capital of Sudan. From there the river flows northward through the Sahara desert and finally discharges into the Mediterranean Sea through a large delta. The Nile is the life blood of most Egyptians and the majority of them live on or close to the river. Major settlements on the river include Khartoum, Aswan, Luxor and Cairo.

2. Africa’s second longest river, the Congo flows westwards through central Africa for 4 700 km, nearly 2000 km shorter than the Nile, but what it lacks in length it makes up in volume. Being located in Africa’s largest rainfall belt it discharges a massive 34 000 cubic meters of water a second into the Atlantic ocean, second only in terms of water flow to the Amazon.

It has the largest catchment basin in Africa covering 4.1 million square km, and thanks to some of its canyons, is the deepest river in the world. The source is considered to be the Chembeshi River in Northern Zambia not so far from the source of the eastward flowing Zambezi River.

The rest of the river lies within the Democratic Republic of Congo or forms part of its border. Major settlements along the way include Kisangani, Mbandaka, Kinshasa and the capital Brazzaville.

3. The Niger River is Africa’s third longest river at 4 180 km and is the principle river of West Africa. Its boomerang shape confused Europeans for 2000 years, as its source is only 240 km from the Atlantic Ocean, in the Guinea Highlands, but the river flows away from the sea into the Sahara Desert of Mali, it then turns near the ancient city of Timbuktu (Tombouctou). From here, it goes southeast through Niger along the Benin border and finally into Nigeria.

Its major tributary is the Benue River which is itself 1400 km long. The Niger discharges into the Atlantic ocean at an area known as the Gulf of Guinea through the densely populated Niger delta an area of approximately 70 000 square km.

An unusual feature of the river is the Niger Inland Delta. This forms where the river suddenly becomes less steep. This makes a region of connected streams, marshes, and lakes over an amount of land the same size as Belgium. The yearly floods make the delta very good for fishing and farming. It is also an important stopover for migrating birds. The Niger drains an area approximately 2.1 million square km.

4. No less impressive but 640 km shorter is the Zambezi River. At 3 540 km it is Africa fourth largest river but is the largest east flowing river in to the Indian ocean. Its catchment basin is 1.4 million square km about half the size of the Nile’s. The source of the Zambezi River lies at about 1 500 m above sea level, very close to the border where Zambia, Angola and the Congo meet. From there it flows through Zambia, Angola, Namibia and Botswana, back into Zambia and Zimbabwe then discharging at its delta in Mozambique.

Its best known feature is the Victoria Falls, the largest curtain of water in the world and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. It boasts one of the largest Conservation areas in the world, the Zambezi Transfontier Conservation Area. Which covers 280 000 square km.

There are two major hydro electrical dams on the Zambezi which provide power to several African countries.

5. A couple of Congo’s tributaries aside the Orange River counts as Africa’s Fifth longest River. Rising in Lesotho it flows for 2 200 km westward through South Africa forming the border between that country and Namibia before it exits at Alexandra Bay into the Atlantic Ocean.

Its catchment basin is approximately 973 000 square km and its major tributary is the Vaal River. The Orange River is a major source hydro electric power and irrigation water. At least 29 dams have been constructed in its basin, the largest of which is Gariep.

It also supplies the Eastern Cape with water via the 83km long Orange Fish Tunnel, the second longest supply tunnel in the world.As it progresses westward it flows through semi arid regions of the Kalahari and Namib deserts which receive less than 50 mm of rainfall per annum therefore contributing little water to its volume.

Located in South Africa, Namibia is known for its contrasting landscapes.The terrain varies from coastal desert to mountains and plateau. Essentially, it is a desert country. Such a contrasting structure fascinates especially travelers who are interested in natural attractions. The Namibian landscape consists generally of four geographical areas and each area has its own characteristic conditions: Northern Namibia including Etosha Park, Kaokoland, Damaraland and the Waterberg Plateau; Southern Namibia including Sossusvlei, the Namib Desert, Fish River Canyon and Luderitz; Windhoek and Bushmanland located in Central Namibia and Coastal part in which the Skeleton Coast Swakopmund and Luderitz are.
Namibia is not highly populated and Namibians are of diverse ethnic origins. Germanic influence can still be found mainly in road infrastructure and most cities’ architecture. May to October is the most pleasant time to visit. The cultural diversity of its people, an extensive choice of parks, resorts and accommodation establishments make Namibia highly preffered tourist destination Namibia generally attracts eco-tourists who would like to experience the different climates and natural geographical landscapes of the country.
Windhoek is the capital city of the country. It has a modern city architectural. Among the modern buildings, the old German buildings stand out in the city. Christus Kirch of Windhoek is a place to see in the city. There are elegant shops and restuarants, clothing stores, expensive jewelers. Other major cities are Walvis Bay, Gobabis, Grootfontein, Karasburg, Keetmanshoop, Luderitz, Mariental, Rundu, Swakopmund, Tsumeb, Ondangwa and Oshakat.
Namibia has remarkable natural attractions and important tourist spots such as The Namib Desert, The Fish River Canyon, The Etosha National Park and The Kalahari Desert, The dunes of Sossusvlei, Waterberg Plateau Park, Namib Naukluft Park, Kaudom Game Reserve and many more.
The Etosha National Park owes its unique landscape to The Etosha Pan. This Namibian tourist attraction is home to an array of exotic flora and fauna. It is a place to go for wildlife.The Great Fish River Kanyon is one of the world’s largest canyons. It has a gorgeous view. A number of tracks lead to various viewpoints in which there is a sequence of plateaus. The Daan Viljoen Game Reserve is a great spot for bird watching. The park is a house for various animals such as blue wildebeest, kudu, zebras, gemsbok and springbok, red hartebeest, impala and more. Swakopmund is a small seaside town and a highlight of Namibia with excellent restaurants, pubs and discos, a few night clubs, a golf course in a desert setting.
In conclusion, Namibia has many wonderful places to visit. The country offers its visitors a number of tourist attractions and unforgettable moments. The wild life and contrasting landscapes are together and ready to be explored.
Let’s start exploring Namibia by the videos of Travelovideo!

Think of the word safari and then Africa comes to your mind! True, you probably know the type of experience that fits you but you are not sure about the choice and perhaps the best destination for your African Vacation. I should excite you but letting you know that the safaris in Africa are not the same as those vacation holiday tours you do in Spain, Italy or even France. Most travelers to Africa have surprised their loved ones with such a surprise trip. Its totally a new experience in the African bush. So here we go.

South Africa Safaris

This year, South Africa is hosting the World cup but that’s not all, this rich country with various national parks boosts of excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. The top visited destination for South African vacations and holidays is Kruger National Park, you will see the African Lion and other big five animals, other destinations include Cape Town, Durban, Cape Wine lands and then the Kynsna. South Africa is rated best due to its excellent infrastructure involving the finest of hotels, road networks and high tourism development.

Kenya Safaris

This is the original and true safari country. The wildebeest migration in Masai Mara every year is something that you should not miss.Cultural tours involving the Masai people is very rewarding. For the birding tour enthusiasts, Lake Nakuru beats ones expectations.You will find various tour operators or travel agents offering safaris to Kenya.There are hotels for all budgets, meaning its an ideal country for the shoe string. International and local flights effectively transfer you from your country to your destination.Other parks to visit include Amboseli, Tsavo and Mount Kenya.

Tanzania Safaris

This is the land of the great Mount Kilimanjaro, termed as the roof top of Africa. Perfect holiday spot for the discerning mount climber. There are several trekking routes available and you have a choice of taking on the hard or simple route, i advise taking the fair Marangu route. You can also visit Ngorongoro crater where the wildebeest can be seen attacked by the lions, The Ngorongoro is termed as the Eden. Other tours include birdwatching and sightseeing in other national parks such as Serengeti and Lake Manyara.

Botswana Safaris

This country is fully blessed with wildlife with over 17% of its land designated as conservation areas. A visit to Okavango delta, perhaps the largest inland delta on planet earth will enable you to see the hippos, elephants, crocs and so much more, and oh yes, various fish species.You can visit the Khama Rhino sanctuary, the Kalakari Desert and Chobe National Park; yet another great game reserve with lots of wildlife animals.

Zambia Safaris

This safari country has an amazing 19 parks bu the lower Zambezi national park almost summaries all game animals that this destination has to offer. Just like other top safari destinations in Africa, you will find the lions, great herds of elephants, the hippos, various bird species and so much more that give you a chance to do game viewing and sightseeing in

Africa. There is another destination worth of mention, that is the South Luangwa National Park, the then Kafue National Park having antelopes, lions, leopards and other cat family members.