Africa’s Waters

Different types of water bodies

The water bodies surrounding Africa are the Indian Ocean, the Atlantic, but also the Red Sea and the Mediterranean. Various rivers also count among the continent's most important water sources, with the Nile being the largest river on the continent. It stretches across the most diverse regions of Africa. It's not about which lake or river is the largest or widest, but about the mouth into the existing sea. The water bodies are very advantageous so that the vegetation and fauna can harmonize. Since Africa can experience very hot temperature drops, all water bodies dry out very quickly. They evaporate in the hot air and are only refilled again during the rainy season. This results in a change in the size of the water bodies, which are influenced by the climate and natural effects. If an animal, such as a lake or river, is sought by animals during the dry period, they must walk very long distances until they find a suitable water source. The water bodies dry out massively due to the drought, but they still remain underground.

Influence of nature on water bodies

There are many different water bodies on the African continent. This includes rift lakes, as well as various small rivers and lakes. The rift lakes are found more in the east of Africa, but deep and long lakes are also explored in the Central African Rift. Some rivers have a very fast flow rate, similar to a current. In total, there are up to 100 rivers and lakes in Africa, which have different lengths or widths. The animals that have settled in the desert regions of Africa visit the water bodies at the oases, which are also surrounded by numerous trees in the region. Waterfalls are also to be added to the groups of water bodies, which present natural spectacles of uniqueness. Roaring and raging, they fight their way to the ground and are found more in fertile areas, such as in South Africa.

Lake Chad

There are also other water bodies that make their way through Africa. Almost all of them are very shallow and widely stretched. Due to the evaporation caused by the hot climatic influences, large gradients are recorded. This can be very well observed at Lake Chad. Over 300 kilometers long is the tributary of the Congo called Lukuga. It is the only outflow of an East African lake. All water bodies serve the animals, and there are very few bathing opportunities for vacationers, except for the beaches. Rivers, lakes, and ponds all belong to the overall category of water bodies, which also includes the oceans. For the fauna and flora in Africa to thrive, the water bodies depend on the rainy season.