Most of the lakes in Africa are located in and around the East African Fault Zone. They have a fairly large depth, very steep banks and slopes. Each of them in these places plays a very important role, since this continent is very hot and arid.
We have compiled a rating of Africa's 10 largest lakes by water area: the incredible record holders of the mainland.
List
- 10. Lake Kivu, 2,700 km².
- 9. Lake Tana, 3,100 km².
- 8. Lake Bangweulu, 4,000 km².
- 7. Lake Mveru, 5,200 km²
- 6. Lake Mobutu-Sese-Seko, 5,400 km².
- 5. Lake Rudolph, 8,600 km².
- 4. Lake Chad, 16,300 km².
- 3. Lake Nyasa, 30,044 km².
- 2. Lake Tanganyika, 32,893 km²
- 1. Lake Victoria, 69,485 km².
10. Lake Kivu, 2,700 km².
Country: Rwanda, Congo
Lake Kivu - one of the largest in Africa. It is considered quite deep due to the fact that it is located on the tectonic fault line.
It is worth noting that volcanic eruptions, as well as earthquakes, are often on this territory. Almost two million people live on the lake. Almost every day they catch fish, go boating.
No one thinks that at any moment the lake can destroy all living things. In the meantime, people simply rejoice and enjoy the picturesque pond and the nature around it.
Scientists believe the danger is that because of the volcano in the lake, large reserves of various gases of methane and carbon dioxide accumulate. These substances in their entirety can calmly cause a global catastrophe.
9. Lake Tana, 3,100 km².
Country: Ethiopia
Lake Tana It is known for the fact that a river called the Blue Nile flows from it, and then merges with the famous Nile River. And she, in turn, holds the way through all of Egypt.
For people who live on the shore of Lake Tana - this is a source of not only water, but also food. A hydropower plant is also nearby.
It is located in a tectonic trough. Several rivers and seasonal tributaries constantly feed it. The size of the lake is always different. It depends on the time of year. Basically, the numbers range from 3000 and above.
It is worth noting that on the banks of the people built temples and monasteries. The monks live in them. In addition to an amazing picturesque place, here you can see many monuments. The views here are extraordinary. Many wake up early in the morning to watch small boats float on the water surface of the lake.
8. Lake Bangweulu, 4,000 km².
Country: Zambia
Lake Bangweulu located in east Africa. Many small rivers flow into it, which flow down the slopes from all ends.
The people who live on its shores have given many different names. You can often find that this is “a place where water meets the sky.” Associated with changes in volumes that change over the seasons of the year.
The lake has a triangular shape. There is one interesting legend that is still used in local folklore to this day. Previously, there lived a giant who loved one girl very much. In order to somehow prove his feelings, he took out his heart from his chest and threw it between these mountains. As a result, such a clean, transparent lake was formed.
The first traveler to visit the shores of Lake Bangweulu, David Livingston. He came from Britain to find the origins of the Nile itself. But found something else.
7. Lake Mveru, 5,200 km²
Country: Zambia, Congo
Lake called Mwera has always been a source of life for many people. The only danger is the fish, which is becoming smaller and smaller.
The lake is unusual in its shape: elongated with a long kilometer length. It was formed as a result of a tectonic depression. Surprisingly, the bottom is completely flat. Outwardly, it looks like a rectangle, and the correct one.
The water in the lake is very warm, as many large rivers flow into it. He was first described in his notes by David Livingston, who was here during one of the expeditions.
The people who live on these shores are called Lunda. But nothing is known about who was previously. It was with the advent of people that trade began to spread and develop here.
6. Lake Mobutu-Sese-Seko, 5,400 km².
Country: Uganda, Congo
Currently lake Mobutu Sese Seko called Albert It is located in the tectonic basin. The shores are a bit steep, but its bottom is completely flat.
This place was first explored by a simple traveler named Samuel Baker. The lake was named after the husband of Queen Victoria.
Albert flows into many rivers. Its southern part is slightly swampy. And on the shore you can meet many people who have formed villages and towns here.
5. Lake Rudolph, 8,600 km².
Country: Kenya, Ethiopia
Lake Rudolf considered one of the most deserted in the world. It is located among long extinct volcanoes and lava fields.
The water has unusual blue and greenish hues, for which it was nicknamed the "Jade Sea". And this happens because of the high content of algae.
Not many people know that the lake began to exist even during the Jurassic period. Then people from the West began to study it carefully. A researcher named Richard Leakey once found minerals here. Their age surprised many. They were at least three million years old.
Many tourists come here to see crocodiles, various types of snakes, hippos, giraffes.
4. Lake Chad, 16,300 km².
Country: Chad, Cameroon
The lake with an unusual name Chad - It is considered one of the largest in Africa. The word “chad” translates as “big water ".
Those who want to visit this place, it is better to come at a time when the water level rises - in autumn or spring. So it looks even more magnificent, and you can enjoy not only the picturesque lake, but also its nature.
The existence of this place has been known since the time of Ptolemy. Arab travelers spoke of him. In 1823, Hugh Clepperton came here, who confirmed all the words said earlier.
3. Lake Nyasa, 30,044 km².
Country: Tanzania
In the lake Nyasa about 7 percent of fresh water is found. It has one of the most unique lake ecosystems, which is why it occupies first place in the diversity of fish.
Due to its relief, it is constantly increasing in size. On one shore is a national park where you can meet rare animals. It almost always keeps the heat. But even so, everyone lies on the mountains with snow.
2. Lake Tanganyika, 32,893 km²
Country: Tanzania
Lake Tanganyika - one of the largest in Africa. This place is very unique, as you can find rare species of flora and fauna. Externally, it is a sickle.
On the very surface of the lake, tourists expect rare and unknown species of fish. You can also see clams, crayfish and even shrimp and jellyfish.
1. Lake Victoria, 69,485 km².
Country: Tanzania
For the first time about the lake Victoria recognized in Africa in 1858. John Henning was the first person to discover him.
The lake is fed mainly by precipitation, but also by some tributaries. It flows into the Nile. There are many people on the shores who are actively engaged in fishing.
This truly colorful place fascinates with its landscapes. Every traveler just needs to be here at least once in his life.