Kafue River
- Length: 1576km
- Avg. Flow Rate: 320km/s
- Basin Size: 154999km2
- Source: Zambian border with the Democratic Republic of Congo northwest of Kipushi, North-Western Province
- Coordinates: 11°36′S 27°12′E
- Elevation: 1350m
- Mouth: near Chirundu, Southern Province
- Coordinates: 15°56′34″S 28°54′51″E
- Elevation: 410m
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General Information
The Kafue River, Zambia’s longest river running entirely within its borders, is a central artery of life and adventure. Buckle up for a journey through its valleys and plains!
Fun Facts!
The Kafue River is the longest river lying wholly within Zambia. It is the largest tributary of the Zambezi, and of Zambia’s principal rivers, it is the most central and the most urban. More than 50% of Zambia’s population live in the Kafue River Basin and of these around 65% are urban.
The Kafue river is home to the largest and oldest national park in Zambia, the Kafue National Park, a haven for wildlife.
Activities
- Fishing: Cast your line for a variety of fish species in the Kafue’s waters.
- Birdwatching: Spot vibrant birdlife flitting through the riverine forests.
- Canoeing: Explore the Kafue’s hidden coves and witness its beauty up close (calm stretches only).
Economy
The Kafue River is a vital source of water for irrigation, supporting Zambia’s agriculture.
The mighty Kafue Gorge provides hydroelectric power, keeping Zambia’s lights on.
Transport
The Kafue isn’t easily navigable due to rapids and waterfalls, but boat trips on its calmer stretches offer stunning scenery.
The Kafue Railway Bridge was opened in 1906 to connect Kafue with Mazabuka and was originally meant to be part of the Cape to Cairo Railway.
The first road bridge across the Kafue was originally built across the Thames in London during the Second World War. After the war, it was dismantled and installed some 9 km downstream from the railway bridge. Previously, road traffic crossed the river by pontoon.
The T3 road crosses the river in-between Chililabombwe and Chingola as well as in the city of Kitwe, both in the Copperbelt Province. The T2 road (Cape to Cairo Road) crosses the river 10 km south of the Kafue town centre. The Lusaka–Mongu Road crosses the river as the Kafue Hook Bridge in the Kafue National Park.
Energy
The Kafue Gorge Dam is a marvel of engineering, generating hydroelectric power that energizes Zambian homes and industries.
Wildlife
The Kafue National Park, teeming with elephants, zebras, lions, and more, is a wildlife lover’s paradise.
Look out for hippos and crocodiles basking on the riverbanks!
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