History of the great Zambezi River

The Zambezi is the fourth longest river in Africa, after the Nile, Congo, and Niger Rivers. It is the longest
east flowing river in Africa.

The name Zambezi comes from the Tonga phrase “Kasambabezi”, which means “only those who know
can swim or take bath”. This was mainly because you were supposed to be careful when taking bath on
the banks of the river as it is infested with crocodiles. The name is made up of two words, “kasamba” –
meaning “those who bath”, and “bezi” – for “should know”.

It flows through six countries on its journey from its source in north-western Zambia to the Indian
Ocean, an amazing 2 700 km. It is actually from this river where Zambia was named. It flows through the
greater part of Southern Zambia and Northern Zimbabwe. The river had been the major economic hub
for trade for centuries with the Tonga and Shona tribes being the major beneficiaries and “owners” of
the great river for years. The descriptive Tonga and Shona names that were used to describe the
“gigantic river” was “Donga” and “Gova”, hence the name of the tribes “Ba Donga or Ba Tonga” and
“ma Gova”. Gova falls under Korekore which is northern Shona/ Karanga. These two tribes co-existed
and lived in harmony for centuries with the Tonga having been the first to occupy the valley and
welcomed other tribes who were fleeing from tribal wars from central and southern Zimbabwe. It is also
important to note that Mutapa kingdom’s headquarter was based along the Zambezi river and stretched
from Zambia, Zimbabwe through to Mozambique .

This river evokes mystery and excitement with few rivers in the world remaining as pristine or as little
explored.

The source of the mighty Zambezi River lies at about 1 500 m (4 900ft) above sea level in the Mwinilunga
District, very close to the border where Zambia, Angola and the Congo meet.
From there it flows through Zambia, Angola, Namibia and Botswana then back along the border of
Zambia and Zimbabwefinally discharging into the Indian Ocean at its delta in Mozambique. The area of
its catchment basin is 1 390 000 square km which is half that of the Nile.

The Power of the Zambezi River has been harnessed along its journey at two points, the first
being Kariba Dam in Zimbabwe and the second Cahora Bassa Dam in Mozambique. Both these dams are
sources of hydroelectric power and supply a large portion of power to Zambia, Zimbabwe and South
Africa.

For years there has also been talk and plans of another Hydroelectric Dam to be built in the Batoka
gorge just below Victoria Falls, of major concern is that these plans are very much alive again. The
river’s beauty has attracted tourists from all over the world and provides great opportunities for game
viewing and various water sports. Hippopotamus, crocodiles, elephants and lions are some examples of
wildlife you will find along various parts of the Zambezi River.

The amazing river can be better analyzed in three sections: