10 Longest Rivers in Africa

Africa is a big continent with many beautiful rivers. These rivers are not just long, they are also very important to the people, animals, and plants around them. They give water, food, electricity, and help with transport and farming.

Let’s look at the 10 longest rivers in Africa, starting from the shortest on this list and counting down to the longest.

10. Limpopo River – 1,800 km

Location: Southern Africa
Countries: South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique

The Limpopo River starts in South Africa, travels through Botswana and Zimbabwe, and then flows into the Indian Ocean in Mozambique. It passes through dry areas and helps farmers grow food by providing water for irrigation. People also use it for fishing and small transport.

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9. Okavango River – 1,800 km

Location: Southern Africa
Countries: Angola, Namibia, Botswana

The Okavango River begins in Angola and flows through Namibia into Botswana, where it ends in the famous Okavango Delta — one of the largest inland deltas in the world. Unlike most rivers, it does not reach the ocean. Instead, it spreads out into a swamp. This delta is home to elephants, lions, hippos, and many birds. It is also a major tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

8. Senegal River – 1,641 km

Location: West Africa
Countries: Senegal, Mali, Mauritania, Guinea

The Senegal River is an important river in West Africa. It starts in Guinea and flows through Mali, Mauritania, and Senegal before entering the Atlantic Ocean. The river is used for fishing, farming, and transport. There are also dams built on it to help produce electricity and control floods, such as the Manantali Dam.

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7. Blue Nile – 1,600 km

Location: East Africa
Countries: Ethiopia, Sudan

The Blue Nile begins from Lake Tana in Ethiopia and flows into Sudan, where it meets the White Nile in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan. Together, they form the main Nile River. The Blue Nile carries most of the water and rich soil (silt) that helps farmers in Sudan and Egypt grow crops. It is a very important river for life in Northeast Africa.

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6. Kasai River – 2,153 km

Location: Central Africa
Countries: Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

The Kasai River flows from Angola into the Democratic Republic of Congo and is a main branch of the Congo River. It is used for moving goods and people across the region. Some parts of the river have diamond mines, which local people, especially near Tshikapa mine.

5. Ubangi–Uele Rivers – 2,270 km

Location: Central Africa
Countries: Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo

The Ubangi River and Uele River are connected. Together, they form the longest tributary of the Congo River. These rivers are used for transport, fishing, and farming. They help link small towns and villages in Central Africa, especially in areas where there are few roads.

4. Zambezi River – 2,574 km

Location: Southern Africa
Countries: Zambia, Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana

The Zambezi River is the fourth-longest river in Africa. It flows through six countries and is best known for Victoria Falls, one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in the world. The river also has the Kariba Dam and Cahora Bassa Dam, which produce electricity for several countries. It is very important for fishing, farming, and tourism in Southern Africa.

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3. Niger River – 4,200 km

Location: West Africa
Countries: Nigeria, Mali, Niger, Guinea, Benin

The Niger River is the third longest river in Africa most important river in West Africa. It starts in the highlands of Guinea, flows through Mali, Niger, and Benin, and then enters Nigeria, where it empties into the Atlantic Ocean through the Niger Delta.

This river is a lifeline for millions of people. It supports farming, fishing, and transportation. The Niger Delta in Nigeria is also rich in oil and gas, which are big parts of Nigeria’s economy.

2. Congo River – 4,700 km

Location: Central Africa
Countries: Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic

The Congo River is the second longest river in Africa, but the deepest river in the world. It is also one of the most powerful rivers in terms of water flow. It is surrounded by thick Congo Rainforests and is used for transportation and hydroelectric power.

The Inga Dams on the Congo River help produce electricity, although much more potential still exists. The river is also home to many animals and fish that are found nowhere else in the world.

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1. Nile River – 6,650 km

Location: East and North Africa
Countries: Uganda, South Sudan, Sudan, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Eritrea, Democratic Republic of Congo

The Nile River is the longest river in Africa and the world, stretching 6,650 kilometers from East Africa to North Africa. It flows through 11 countries and ends in the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt.

The Nile has supported life for thousands of years. Ancient Egypt was built along its banks, and farmers still depend on it today. It is used for water, farming, fishing, electricity, and transport. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile is one of the biggest projects in Africa.

Final Thoughts

These rivers are more than just flowing water. They are lifelines for cities, towns, farms, and forests. People fish in them, grow crops near them, travel on them, and even make electricity from them. From the Zambezi’s Victoria Falls to the mighty Nile, these rivers are part of Africa’s history, culture, and future development.