Zambia Mountains, Rivers and Lakes
According to baglib.com, Zambia is a landlocked country located in the Southern part of Africa. It is bordered by eight countries: Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. It covers an area of 752 614 square kilometers and has a population of around 17 million people.
The country has three distinct geographical regions: the plateau (also known as the highlands), the plain (also known as the lowlands) and the valley. The highlands are characterized by rolling hills and plateaus that reach heights of up to 1 600 meters above sea level. This region is home to some of Zambia’s most spectacular landscapes including Victoria Falls and Lake Kariba. The lowlands are characterized by flat plains and are mainly used for agricultural production. The valley region is made up of wide valleys with steep slopes that are often covered in thick forests or grassland savannahs. This region receives more rainfall than other parts of Zambia and is home to some of its most important rivers such as Kafue River, Luangwa River and Zambezi River.
The climate in Zambia varies from hot in the north to temperate in the south with temperatures ranging from 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) in July to 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) in November/December. Rainfall also varies from season to season with most rain falling between October-April while June-August remain dry months across much of Zambia.
Overall, Zambia’s geography is incredibly diverse with something for everyone – from lush forests to majestic waterfalls – making it a great destination for travelers looking for an adventure!
Mountains
Zambia is known for its spectacular mountain ranges, which are part of the Eastern and Southern African Rift Valley systems. The country is home to some of the most breathtaking mountains in Africa such as the Nyika Plateau, Luangwa Valley escarpment, and Mafinga Hills. The Nyika Plateau is located in northern Zambia and is made up of rolling grasslands and lush forests. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife including zebra, eland, buffalo, elephant, owl, leopard and serval cat. The Luangwa Valley escarpment rises up from the valley floor providing a stunning backdrop to this unique landscape. This area also supports a wide variety of wildlife including lion, elephant, hippo, hyena, wild dog and several species of antelope. Finally the Mafinga Hills are located in eastern Zambia near Malawi’s border. This area consists of rocky outcrops that reach heights over 1 km above sea level providing spectacular views across Lake Malawi. The hills are also home to several species of birds such as black eagles and Augur Buzzards as well as bushbuck antelopes and baboons.
Rivers
The Zambezi River is the largest river in Zambia, running through the center of the country. It begins in Angola, passes through Zambia, and then flows into Mozambique. Along its course, it forms many lakes and wetlands that are important habitats for wildlife. The Kafue River is the second longest river in Zambia and is a major tributary of the Zambezi. It has a number of dams along its course that provide water for both irrigation and hydroelectric power. Further south is the Luangwa River, which forms part of the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Luangwa is an important source of water for both countries and provides much needed drinking water to rural areas. The Luapula River also forms part of this border between Zambia and DR Congo. This river has many smaller tributaries that feed into it from both countries, making it a vital resource for agriculture in both nations. Finally, there is the Chambeshi River which runs through northern Zambia before emptying into Lake Bangweulu in DR Congo. This river provides important habitat for fish species as well as being an important source of irrigation water for agricultural communities along its banks.
Lakes
Zambia is home to several large and small lakes, many of which are located in the western province. The largest lake in Zambia is Lake Bangweulu, which covers an area of over 13,000 square kilometers. It is situated in the northern part of the country, close to the border with Congo. This lake is an important source of fish for local communities and it supports a large number of bird species. Another major lake in Zambia is Lake Mweru Wantipa, located on the border with DR Congo. It covers an area of about 2,500 square kilometers and provides a habitat for various water birds as well as crocodiles. The lake also serves as a source of fresh water for local communities. Further south lies Lake Tanganyika, one of Africa’s largest lakes with an area over 32,000 square kilometers. This lake supports a diverse range of aquatic life including more than 350 species of fish and other aquatic creatures such as crocodiles and hippos. In addition to these major lakes there are numerous smaller ones scattered throughout Zambia such as Lake Kariba and Lake Chilwa which provide habitats for many species of birds and animals.
