Lakes of Africa. Great lakes of Africa. The deepest lake in Africa. Major rivers and lakes in Africa

The freshwater system of the African continent includes the largest and deepest lakes on the planet. Most of of these refers to the African Great Lakes, which have a connection with the Nile.

Here is a list of lakes in Africa.

1. Victoria.
2. Tanganyika.
3. Malawi (Nyasu).
4. Albert.
5. Edward.

These, of course, are not all the lakes of Africa, but only the largest ones. Full list includes 14 titles.

But directly among the Great, many geographers include only following lakes Africa: Victoria, Edward and Albert. Because only they have a natural outlet to the White Nile. Lake Tanganyika has a natural flow into water system Congo, and Lake Malawi is connected with All the lakes of Africa (photos below) have very beautiful natural scenery.

Lake Victoria

It occupies a huge space. In terms of size, it is quite comparable to the area of ​​​​an entire state, for example, Ireland. Coastline reservoir serves as a boundary for several African states: Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.

The total area is estimated at 68 thousand km 2. The length of the water surface is 320 km, and the maximum width is 275 km. Victoria is one of the most deep lakes planets. Its maximum depth is 80 m. Its contribution to the replenishment of the reservoir fresh water contributes full-flowing Kagera. Victoria, in turn, gives rise to the Victoria Nile.

The lake is currently a reservoir. It received this status after the construction of the Owen Falls Dam in 1954, which blocked the Victoria Nile River. As a result of such actions, the natural water level rose by 3 m.

Numerous islands that are scattered throughout the water surface are home to a huge variety of birds. The waters of the lake are simply teeming with crocodiles. The area around Victoria is home to many nature reserves and national parks Africa.

Lake Tanganyika

Tanganyika is not only the largest, but also the most of Africa. Max Depth water in this reservoir reaches 1432 kilometers, which is only slightly inferior to the famous Baikal. The lake is 650 kilometers long and 80 kilometers wide.

The shores of Tanganyika serve as a border to four countries at once: Burundi, Tanzania, Congo and Zambia. Replenishment of the water reserve of the lake is due to several rivers flowing into it. But Tanganyika serves as the source only for the Lukuga River.

Lake Tanganyika is fairly populated. Hippos live here, there are crocodiles. Many birds have chosen it as permanent place a habitat. There are many varieties of fish in the waters.

Lake Malawi (Nyasa)

Lake Nyasa or Malawi is quite long and narrow when viewed from above. But this does not prevent him from taking the second place of honor in the list of the deepest lakes in Africa. The coasts of Malawi serve border area for three African states: Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania. The waters of this lake are very rich in fish: there are tilapia, campango and others. Therefore, along its banks there are a lot of fishing villages. Fishing is the most important component of the local economy.

Part of the coast of the lake, belonging to Malawi, has a fairly developed tourist infrastructure. clear waters Nyasa is absolutely safe for sailing, they will appeal to fans of snorkeling and boating. water skiing.

These were the largest lakes in Africa belonging to the network of the Great African Lakes. Then you will get acquainted with other well-known, but much smaller reservoirs of this continent.

Lake Albert

It is located in the eastern part of Africa, on the border of two and Uganda. The total area reaches 5600 square kilometers. The coastline of the reservoir has a small number of bays, the coast for the most part is quite steep.

Lake Albert has a fairly large number of tributaries, but they only carry water during the rainy season. Of the many rivers flowing into it, only two are large: the Victoria Nile and the Semliki. At their confluence, they form huge deltas, which serve as an excellent habitat for many crocodiles and hippos. feel completely safe here. The lake serves as the source for the Albert Nile.

There are quite a lot of fish species in the reservoir (more than 40). This is a tiger fish, and many others. The shipping industry is also quite developed. The main ports are the port of Butiama, which belongs to Uganda, and Kasenyi, the main port of the Republic of the Congo.

The coast of the island, which belongs to Uganda, has a well-developed tourist infrastructure: various excursions are held here, horseback riding is offered.

Lake Edward

It is located in the central part of Africa, just a few kilometers from the equatorial line. It is a border area for two countries: Uganda and the Republic of the Congo.

It received such an unusually sonorous name in honor of the eldest son of the royal family, Edward VII.

There is one rather non-standard circumstance that makes this lake very unusual. This is one of the extremely small number of reservoirs where there are absolutely no crocodiles. These toothy monsters inhabit Lake Albert and the lower reaches of the Semliki in abundance, but for unknown reasons they do not come here.

The largest lakes in Africa

The list is headed by Lake Victoria, which has total area just over 68,000 km2. In second place among largest lakes continent is Lake Tanganyika. The area of ​​this reservoir occupies 34,000 km 2. The top three is closed by Lake Nyasa (Malawi). Its surface is almost 30,000 km2.

But these are not all the lakes of Africa, which are among its largest water bodies.

Lake Chad

It is the fourth largest African lake. The area of ​​this reservoir is 27,000 km 2, but this value is not constant. During the rainy season, it can increase to 50,000 km 2, and during the dry season, decrease up to 11,000 km 2.

The lake does not have a natural runoff, so the water simply evaporates or goes into the sandy ground. In the conditions of the incredibly hot climate of the continent, with such a water regime, the water in the lake simply must be salty. But Chad - almost completely Its upper layers of water are suitable for drinking, only at the very bottom it is slightly brackish. But why don't the water layers mix? The answer is pretty simple. To the northeast of the lake there is the Bodele Basin, which is below its level. The body of water is connected to it underground river, through which the bottom salt waters leave.

Chad is home to many birds. Pelicans and flamingos come here for the winter. Many animals live on its banks. These are zebras, and giraffes, and antelopes. The list can be very long. Here you can meet the indigenous sea animal - the manatee. It still remains a mystery how he could end up in this fresh lake.

These are the largest lakes in Africa. Other reservoirs have much smaller areas.

The process of formation of the Great Lakes

And they appeared as a result of the so-called Great Rifts. The bed for most of these reservoirs is the rift depression. The Great Lakes began to fill with water almost immediately after their formation.

Rift lakes can be small or large, shallow or, on the contrary, have fairly solid depths, but the only thing that unites them is their outlines. All lakes formed in this way have a specific elongated shape, which is determined by the outlines of the rifts.

World Travel

2960

13.05.16 12:17

For those who have never been to the Black Continent, Africa is associated with the Sahara desert (and other badlands), the pyramids of Egypt, the savannas and the picturesque Serengeti with its diverse fauna. Somehow we lose sight of beautiful lakes Africa is also one of the riches of the continent. Let's talk about them.

The most beautiful lakes in Africa: where to go

Deepest in the world

This lake, located in the Great Rift Valley, has two names - Malawi and Nyasa, it is one of the largest in Africa. In the list of the deepest lakes in the world, Nyasa ranks third - after our Baikal and Tanganyika. The reservoir is not the property of any one country, the lake is located in the territories of Malawi, Tanzania and Mozambique. It is included in the eponymous national park. The shores enchant with their scenery, and swimming in aquamarine waters teeming with outlandish fish is a real pleasure.

And here is Tanganyika, second in depth only to Baikal and considered the longest on the mainland (it stretches across the expanses of Tanzania, Zambia, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo). One of the popular local crafts is catching fish for the aquarium hobby. Tanganyika can be proud of its rich fauna - in addition to exotic fish, crocodiles, hippos, various mollusks and crustaceans live in it, colonies of waterfowl settle here.

The color wonder of Senegal

You have probably met this Senegalese miracle in the ratings of colored lakes. We are used to turquoise, blue, almost transparent, emerald waters of rivers and lakes, and Retba has such a pronounced pink color! It has long been proven that the color is due to unicellular algae of the species Dunaliella salina. These crumbs settle only in very salty waters. Here in Retba there is a large concentration of salt, so local residents there is something to do. They extract salt of an unusual pinkish hue from the bottom of the lake and sell it.

If you happen to visit Zimbabwe, don't forget to visit the lake called Kariba. This is one of the most charming places in the country - especially for those who love and appreciate natural beauty. It is very pleasant to spend a few days of vacation in such amazing scenery - pretty houses are scattered along the banks of the river. different degrees comfort.

Great and dangerous

The most beautiful lakes in Africa include Kivu, located on the border of Rwanda and the Congo. As for Rwanda, its inhabitants do not suffer at all from the lack of access to the sea: sandy beaches and the turquoise-clear waters of the Kivu make up for it. Ride a boat and enjoy the views, dramatic sunsets - it's so great! On the other hand, it is better not to meddle in some places of the lake: there are methane emissions and carbon dioxide(due to underwater volcanoes).

Rugged lagoons and a sea of ​​salt

Experts call Lake Assal the best vacation spot in the small republic of Djibouti, located in East Africa. The lake is quite shallow, but its indented shores (this is the most low place on the continent) and the lagoons are very beautiful. Assal, nestled in the center of the state, boasts a high salt concentration (350%).

Alpine tandem

The duo of lakes Rutundu and Alice are high-altitude reservoirs (they are located on the slopes of Mount Kenya at an altitude of about 3 km above sea level). If you have a good physical condition, then you can easily reach these African lakes on foot. Otherwise, you will be taken there by helicopter. The places around the lake tandem seem so wild that you will feel like a pioneer.

The largest in the country

But this is not only beautiful, but also the most big lake Africa (by area). In addition, it is the largest lake in the world, located in the tropics. The coasts of Victoria span Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Boat trips - especially at sunset - on the lake can turn into a journey into a fairy tale. The waters of Victoria are full of fish, crocodiles are found, the coast also boasts a rich fauna (from giraffes, mongooses and pythons to elephants and chimpanzees and rhinos). Here is the Rubondo Nature Reserve, which can only be traveled on foot.

fairytale oasis

The incredible landscape of the shores of Lake Umm al-Maa will make anyone, even the most experienced naturalist, admire. This is an oasis lake that has arisen in the middle sand dunes the great Libyan desert. The desert landscape reflected in the waters adds even more mystery and charm to the area - it seems to be just a mirage! It is clear that the water in Umm Al Maa is always very warm, so swimming will be a real pleasure for you.

At the foot of the Dragon Mountains

Another beautiful lake in Africa - Naveron - is located at the foot of the southern spurs dragon mountains. This is one of the pearls of South Africa, far from civilization and fuss modern world. On the shores of the lake built cottages and small houses where you can relax, enjoying the views of the lake and the extraordinary tranquility that reigns in the foothills.

Home for pink flamingos

In addition to the majestic and full-flowing Victoria in Kenya, there are several others, smaller, but with their own twist. These include the decoration of the Rift Valley Lake Nakuru, around which one of the Kenyan national parks is formed. The bewitching landscape, and most importantly, the thousands of flamingos that have chosen these places, make the lake magically beautiful. After admiring the shores, you will understand how they attract birds. Thanks to the flamingos, the lake seems to be shrouded in a pink haze.

Completes the list of the most beautiful lakes Africa is another Kenyan miracle - Lake Bogoria. It is known for its geysers, which erupt fountains of boiling water to a height of up to five meters (this phenomenon is not at all typical for Africa). And here, as well as on Nakuru, a huge population of flamingos lives. So if you want to see both geysers and these birds at the same time, explore the surroundings of Bogoria well.

Blood lake of Africa January 1st, 2017

An airplane casts a shadow on the bright red surface of Lake Natron in Tanzania. Photo credit: George Steinmetz.

Is it possible to swim in such a lake and is there life there?

And here, purely for contrast, is another swampy place in Africa.

Lake Natron (Lake Natron) is translated as "red", because of its special color, which is given to it by certain microorganisms that appear when salinity and alkalinity increase excessively. The main such organism is cyanobacteria, a tiny bacterium that, like plants, absorbs light through photosynthesis. As a result, from the accumulated photons, the pigmentation of this amazing bacterium changes towards red color, and millions of bacteria of the cyano species formed in the alkali of Lake Natron give a deep red color to all water surfaces. Only in shallow water, where these bacteria are slightly less, the water is no longer bright red, but orange.

This is truly a miracle canvas of nature, painted by a local God named Lengai, the progenitor of all that exists on Earth among the Masai tribes.

The total area of ​​the reserve is 700 sq. km.

Swimming in Lake Natron is not worth it. Any contact with alkaline water threatens with burns and swelling of the skin - it is better not to risk it. However, from one glance at the skeletons of animals and birds scattered around the lake and their calcareous mummies, it will become clear that it is better not to get close to Natron.

Such discomfort is most often justified by what he saw. It is here, not far from this dead sea» Tanzania is one of the sacred places Ancient Africa- Volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai, which in translation from the language of the Masai tribe means "Mountain of the Gods" or "Mountain of Spirits". This volcano is today one of the "LIVING WONDERS OF TANZANIA", which you can read more about in the fascinating article "Why Tanzania's Volcanoes Don't Sleep?".

According to some reports, Ol Doinyo Lengai in last time I woke up in October 2008 and never got back to sleep. According to the latest data, the volcanic eruption was also observed in 2010, which is apparently caused by the growing discontent of the "gods living in the mouth of the volcano"

One of the main reasons for their dissatisfaction could be an active discussion of the construction of a soda processing plant on the shores of Lake Natron - right at the foot of Ol Doinyo Lengai. The second reason could be plans to build a hydroelectric power station at the northern end of the lake, which would provoke a change in the alkaline balance in the lake.

Be that as it may, the Natron Lake Reserve, which includes sacred mountain is increasingly exposed to the external influence of large companies, which violates the peace zone and can provoke, according to the Masai shamans, the “wrath of the gods” Ol Donyo Lengai.

Lake Natron in Tanzania is fed by the Iwaso Nyiro (Brown Water River in the Samburu language) and mineral-rich hot springs.

With strong evaporation, a crust of alkaline salt forms on the surface of the lake, which is also often colored red or pink as a result of the vital activity of microorganisms living in the lake.

As the water evaporates during the dry season, the salinity of the lake increases to the point where the micro-organisms living in it - lovers of salt - begin to multiply violently.

These organisms living in conditions of high salinity - halophilic cyanobacteria - have the ability to photosynthesize, just like plants. During photosynthesis, a red pigment is released, which gives it a bright red color. deep water and orange more shallow.

And the lake is the only breeding area for the 2.5 million endangered Lesser Flamingos that live in the valley.

These flamingos congregate along salt lakes in areas where they feed on Spirulina (blue-green algae with red pigments). Lake Natron is the only breeding ground for the Lesser Flamingo because its caustic environment is a kind of barrier against predators trying to get to the nests of these birds.

Temperatures in wetlands can reach 50 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit), and depending on rainfall, alkalinity can reach a pH of 9 to 10.5 (almost as alkaline as ammonia).

In 1962, due to heavy rains there was a flood. According to experts, more than a million eggs were destroyed.

Threats to salinity balance from increased freshwater inflows come from the projected flooding watersheds of Lake Natron and planned hydroelectric operation. While development plans include building a dam at the northern end of the lake to contain fresh water, the threat of dissolution still be serious.

A new threat to Lake Natron is the development of a soda processing plant on the shores of the lake. The plant pumps water from the lake and then chemically extracts the sodium carbonate to convert it into washing powder for export. Also, housing for more than 1,000 workers was built near the plant, and coal was brought to the power plant to provide energy for the entire plant complex.

Because of its unique biodiversity, Tanzania has named the Lake Natron Basin to the List of Wetlands. international importance— Ramsar, July 4, 2001.

The hunting grounds within the Lake Natron Conservation Area are located on its northern and southern borders and are referred to as the Lake Natron South Game Control Area and Lake Natron North Game Control Area, respectively.

The southern hunting grounds of the reserve are located north of Arusha in the famous Maasai Steppe, spread over 1500 sq. km. To the west they border the Ngorongoro Protected Area, and to the north and east they border Kenya and Lake Natron, respectively. These areas are home to two permanent luxury campsites and two adventure fly camps. The demi-season camp "Kiserian adventure camp" offers accommodation in a valley with stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and excellent opportunities for hunting Grant and Thompson's gazelle and in the very north protected area- on gerenuk and lesser kudu.

Not less than great place to observe the life of the Maasai lands, is the luxurious Kitumbeine luxury base camp, located at the Kitumbeine mountain of the same name (2800 meters), where savannah acacias grow. The camp is located at the foot of this mountain and offers panoramas of indescribable beauty overlooking the mountain ranges of the Great Rift Fault and the white smoking cap still active volcano Olduvai. Here are some of the most the best places for hunting oryx, mountain buffalo and large leopard.

Northern hunting grounds (Lake Natron North Game Control Area) 0 are much more extensive. They run along the border of Tanzania and Kenya, to the east of Lake Natron itself, where they rise mountain ranges Great Rift Rift, covered with a dense array of mixed rainforest, where they are preserved in in large numbers mountain buffaloes are a special trophy of Masailand. You can stay in one of two mobile hunting camps, which will be delivered along with provisions by plane from Arusha or Kilimanjaro.

Here is the most wild and untrampled by man terrain than in the south. That is why the villages of the original African tribe the Maasai here seem to fit especially well into the landscape of the Natron Lake Reserve. This is one of the best places for photo safari. Just imagine the red expanse of water with the same red haze in which thousands of small flamingos drown on the horizon, coloring their wings in orange and pink hues as if involuntarily.

Here it is allowed to hunt typical representatives of the fauna of Masailand: mountain buffalo (buffalo), bushpig or bard hog, leopard, lion, hyena, jackal, white antelope, savannah zebra, small cats (caracal, genet, kivet, serval and wild cat), small antelopes (dikdika, duiker and Steinbeck's antelope), medium antelopes (gerenuk, lesser kudu, East African bushbuck, impala) and Thompson's, Grant's, Robert's and mountain reedbook gazelles.

Africa is the second largest continent after Eurasia, washed by two oceans and two seas. On its territory there are various landscapes, including many rivers.

general information

Rivers are unevenly distributed on the mainland. characteristic feature for the rivers of Africa is the presence of rapids and waterfalls. That is why these water spaces are practically unsuitable for navigation. The full flow of rivers also depends on the climatic zones in which they are located. In the equatorial climate zone rivers are full-flowing almost all year round and form a dense river network. In the subequatorial zone, rivers fill up only during the rainy season, and in a tropical hot climate there are no surface water bodies, but they are common artesian pools. The major rivers of the African continent are the Nile, the Congo, the Niger, and the Zambezi.

Nile

Nile is the most long river Africa. Its length is 6852 km. It flows into the Mediterranean Sea, originating in the East African Plateau. The Nile is not a flat river at all; on the way to the north, the waters of the river tend to go down, so rapids and waterfalls are often found in these places. The largest is Murchison Falls, which flows into Lake Albert. The Nile flows through the territory of many states, for example, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Egypt.

Rice. 1. River Nile.

The state of Sudan is sometimes called the "country of three Niles" - White, Blue and the main one, which is formed as a result of the merger of the first two. All permanent rivers of the country belong to the Nile basin and are concentrated mainly in the south and east.

Congo

The Congo River is the second largest basin after the Nile. Its second name is Zaire, and it flows into Atlantic Ocean. The river flows in Central Africa through the territory of Angola and the Republic of the Congo.

Congo is the most deep river in the world (230 m.), as well as the most deep river Africa. In the world, in terms of full-flowing water, it occupies an honorable second place after the Amazon. The length of the river is 4700 km, and the Portuguese traveler Diogo Can became the discoverer of these waters.

Rice. 2. Congo River.

Niger

This river flows through West Africa. in terms of length and area of ​​​​the basin, it ranks third after the Nile and the Congo. The Niger has many tributaries, the largest of which is the Benue River. Also tributaries of the river are Milo, Bani, Sokoto, Kaduna.

TOP 4 articleswho read along with this

Compared to the muddy waters of the Nile, the Niger is considered a fairly clear river, as it flows mostly through rocky terrain and does not carry much silt. Niger lies in the equatorial and subequatorial zones, which are characterized by dry semi-desert regions and the presence of monsoons.

Lakes of Africa

There are 14 lakes on the African continent, seven of which belong to the African Great Lakes. These include Victoria, Albert and Edward, which flow into the White Nile, Taganika and Kivu, which flow into the Congo. Lake Nyasa flows into the Zambezi, and Lake Rudolph is endorheic.

The largest lake in Africa is Victoria. It is located simultaneously on the territory of several countries: Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya. Square body of water is 68 thousand sq. km.

Currently, the lake is a reservoir, and on its territory there are many parks and reserves.

System freshwater lakes Africa includes the largest and deepest lakes in the world. Many of them are part of the so-called African Great Lakes, which are connected to the Nile. Near the lakes there are various attractions, starting from monuments ancient history in places archaeological sites who discovered fossils that are several million years old, and ending tourist coasts where various excursions and water sports sports.

Surrounded by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, Lake Victoria is the largest freshwater lake Africa and the second largest freshwater lake in the world. Here, local fishermen catch telapies, hunt waders, kingfishers, herons and other animals. The waters of the lake are not intended for swimming, but many attractive places are concentrated here.

Surrounded by lake waters, Mfangano Island is home to a wide variety of bird species, as well as white-throated otters, monkeys and lizards living in the lush jungle. Archeology buffs should visit Rusinga Island, where fossils dating back over 18 million years have been found, including the first complete skull of a proconsul, one of the greatest species in human evolution.

Lake Nyasa is the eighth largest lake in the world (named Lake Malawi by the Malawi government). Nyasa, a long but narrow lake, is the second deepest lake in Africa and the third largest lake in the East African Rift Valley. It borders Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania: on the shores of the lake there are fishing villages that hunt tilapia, campango and other fish species that are very important to the local economy. On the shores of the lake on the side of Malawi developed travel business: the crystal waters of Nyasa are safe for sailing, scuba diving, snorkelling, water skiing and kayaking. The least developed beach is Matama, located on the north coast: the beach boasts golden sand and warm clear waters where you can swim or just enjoy the scenery.

Situated behind Africa's largest man-made dam, Lake Kariba sits on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe and is the fourth largest man-made lake in the world. The fishing industry thrives here: tiger fish, bream and capenta (tiny sardines like fish) live in the waters of the lake. On the lake, tourists are offered various entertainment including fishing, rent motor boats, water sports, cruises on houseboat or just relaxing on the beach. However, swimming in the lake is not recommended. There are several lakeside accommodation options, including campsites.

Lake Albert is the seventh largest lake in Africa, it is located in the rift valley: its length is 145 km, and its width is 32 km. It is shared by Uganda and Democratic Republic Congo, and it is part of the upper Nile system. On the coast of Uganda, a small tourism infrastructure: Bird watching excursions, horseback riding, fossil research, fishing in the village, as well as trails for walking and cycling are offered here. You can swim in the lake, and it is surrounded by a fairly spacious shore.

Lake Tanganyika is the seventh largest lake on earth, the longest freshwater lake and the second deepest lake in the world. In some places, the depth of the lake reaches 1432 meters. Around the lake are countries such as Tanzania, Zambia, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The waters of Tanganyika are so clear and transparent that tourists have the opportunity to go snorkeling or scuba diving and see more than 350 species of fish. On the shores of the lake are National parks Mikumi and Katavi where you can see the best wild chimpanzees in the world.