When people think about Rivers in Africa, they frequently consider the Nile River.
In this article, you will discover information about the Nile and five additional African rivers.
These rivers possess stunning beauty and encompass some truly breathtaking landscapes.
The Nile River holds the title of being the longest river in Africa, spanning 3,417 miles (5,500 km).
Some measurements even indicate that the Nile River’s length extends to 4,404 miles (7,088 km).
River lengths continually change, and measurements frequently clash in their recorded values due to various sources and methodologies.
River lengths continually change, and measurements frequently clash in their recorded values due to various sources and methodologies.
1. Nile: White Nile, Blue Nile
This river holds the title of not only being the longest in Africa but also, some argue, the longest in the world.
However, this claim faces a challenge from the Amazon River in South America.
Luxury cruises on the Nile provide the opportunity to explore tombs, temples, and pyramids.
- Also known as: Iteru and Ar/Aur (Ancient Egyptian)
- Length ranges from 3,417 to 4,404 miles (5,499 to 7,088 km)
- Sources:
- Source 1: Lake Victoria, White Nile
- Source 2: Lake Tana, Blue Nile
- Mouth/End: Nile Delta, Egypt, Mediterranean Sea
- Flows through multiple countries: Burundi, Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda
- Discharge can reach up to 100,000 cu ft/s (2,830 cu m/s)
- Basin Size: Encompasses 1,300,000 square meters (3,400,000 square km)
2. Congo-Lualaba-Chambesi River
Ranked ninth among the world’s longest rivers, the Congo-Lualaba-Chambesi River system holds this distinction.
What sets it apart is that it crosses the equator not once but twice, a unique feature for a major river worldwide.
Similar to the Nile, you can embark on river cruises to indulge in some breathtaking sightseeing.
- Also known as: Nzâdi Kôngo (Kongo), Zaire River (Formerly)
- Length: Extends for 2,920 miles (4,700 km)
- Originates from the Katanga Plateau
- Flows into the Atlantic Ocean
- Passes through multiple nations: Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Zambia
- Maintains an average discharge of 1,450,000 cu ft/s (41,200 cu m/s)
- Encompasses a basin size of 1,550,000 sq mi (4,014,500 sq km)
3. Niger River
The Niger River goes by 10 different names, and we’ve listed four of them below.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that this river is relatively clear, containing only about 10 percent of the sediment found in the Nile River.
For those who relish sailing, there are companies that provide multi-day sailing and camping experiences along this river.
- Also known as: Joliba (Maninka), Jeliba (Bambara), Issa Berri (Zarma), Kwara (Hausa)
- Length: Stretches for 2,600 miles (4,180 km)
- Originates from the Guinea Highlands in Guinea
- Flows into the Gulf of Guinea, Nigeria, ultimately reaching the Atlantic Ocean
- Passes through multiple nations: Benin, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Nigeria
- Maintains an average discharge of 197,000 cu ft/s (5,589 cu m/s)
- Encompasses a basin size of 827,600 square mi (2,117,700 square km)
4. Zambezi River
A prominent characteristic of the Zambezi River is Victoria Falls, situated on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
It stands as one of the world’s largest and most renowned waterfalls.
- Also known as: Besi (Nickname), Cuama (formerly), Sena (formerly)
- Length: Extends for 1,600 miles (2,574 km)
- Sources:
- Source 1: Originates from the Ikelenge District, North-Western Province, Zambia
- Source 2: Begins in the Moxico Municipality, Moxico Province, Angola
- Flows into the Indian Ocean, Mozambique
- Passes through several countries: Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe
- Maintains an average discharge of 120,000 cu ft/s (3,400 cu m/s)
- Encompasses a basin size of 540,000 sq mi (1,390,000 sq km)
5. Ubangi-Uele River
The Uele section of the river combines with the Mbomou, creating the Ubangi.
Notably, the Ubangi section of this river serves as a natural border between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo.
If you happen to visit Bangui, Central African Republic, you can unwind on the tranquil shores of the Ubangi.
- Also known as: Welle, Uélé, Ouélé, Oubangui
- Length: Stretches for 1,410 miles (2,270 km)
- Originates at the confluence of the Dungu and Kibali Rivers, both originating from the mountains near Lake Albert
- Flows into the Congo River
- Passes through three countries: Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo
- Maintains an average discharge of 140,000 cu ft/s (4,000 cu m/s)
- Encompasses a basin size of 298,400 sq mi (772,800 sq km)
Lake Albert ranks among the largest lakes in Africa.
6. Orange River
One popular belief associates the naming of this river with its purportedly orange color.
Contrary to this belief, the name Orange River was bestowed by Dutch explorer Colonel Robert Jacob Gordon in 1779, in honor of the Dutch royal, William V, Prince of Orange.
For enthusiasts of water sports, this river offers a multitude of activities such as white-water rafting, fly fishing, and canoeing, among others.
- Also known as: Oranjerivier (Afrikaans/Dutch), !Garib (Khoekhoegowab)
- Length: Extends for 1,400 miles (2,200 km)
- Originates from Thaba Putsoa, Maloti Mountains, Lesotho
- Flows into Alexander Bay, South Africa, ultimately reaching the Atlantic Ocean
- Passes through three countries: Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa
- Maintains an average discharge of 12,900 cu ft/s (365 cu m/s)
- Encompasses a basin size of 376,000 sq mi (973,000 sq km)
This list compiles major rivers in Africa, not exclusively the longest ones.
