Where is the Limpopo River

Everyone who has ever read the fairy tales of Korney Chukovsky remembered the phrase: "On the wide Limpopo, where the hippo is walking ..." The word "limpopo" for many is associated with a fairy tale. It seems that this is something non-existent. But in fact, the Limpopo River is very real. It is the second largest waterway in Africa. The locals call it "crocodile river", because in some places these predators there are directly teeming. Beautiful scenic areas along the banks of the reservoir attract tourists. In its surroundings you can see all the sights of Africa.

Limpopo River: description

It originates at an altitude of about two thousand meters on the slopes of Mount Witwatersrand. This waterway flows through a mountainous terrain, jungles and savannahs, takes in several tributaries and flows into the Indian Ocean. The Limpopo River is located in South-East Africa and flows through the territory of South Africa. She walks along the border with Bodswana, enters Mozambique and flows through Zimbabwe.

This not very full river has a length of about 1600 kilometers and is a food source for many people. Its basin covers an area of 440 thousand square kilometers. In the middle and lower reaches the Limpopo River is navigable, people have made several reservoirs there for irrigation of fields. Before the confluence of this waterway into the ocean, it passes a huge 43-kilometer threshold. In the upper reaches, it is less abundant and in summer often dries up, because it feeds mainly on rainwater.

Picturesque places in the river basin

Limpopo attracts tourists by the fact that on its shores you can find everything that characterizes the nature of the continent. There are harsh mountains, and inaccessible canyons, impenetrable tropical forests, and boundless savannahs. Several rumbling waterfalls and many small tributaries have this river.

In its upper reaches the transnational park of Limpopo was created , where many tourists come. And in the lower reaches the river passes through the world famous Kruger Nature Reserve. Travel to this truly fabulous country will be remembered for a long time by tourists. But it can also be dangerous, as many dangerous predators live on the banks of the river. Especially a lot of crocodiles there, it's not for nothing that this river is called crocodile.

Crocodiles on the Limpopo River

The people living near it know many legends and beliefs associated with these dangerous predators. Reptiles almost three-meter size are hunted mainly at night. They can do without food for about three years, but even the ungodly crocodiles attack and drag their prey under the water. During the breeding season of these animals, a loud roar can be heard in the vicinity of the river, from which the blood stains in the veins. So roar crocodiles, which stole eggs from the nest. It is believed that their voice is the loudest, and it can not be compared with anything.

What other animals live on the banks of the river

In the Limpopo River basin, you can meet many amazing animals. The highest inhabitants of our planet live there - giraffes, the biggest birds are ostriches, the fastest predators are cheetahs. Huge herds of elephants, a lot of leopards, resting on trees, and large flocks of herons and vultures. There are lions, buffaloes, antelopes and rhinoceroses.

Fantastic hippopotamus, about whom we know from the poem Chukovsky, also lives in Limopopo. This is a very dangerous animal that does not admit a man to him and can reach speeds of up to 30 kilometers per hour. Therefore, traveling along this river can be dangerous. It is recommended not only not to leave the car, but not even to open the windows, because tsetse fly bites can be fatal.

But still this fabulous place is worth visiting exotic fans. The Limpopo River on the map is clearly visible, and this shows that this waterway is very important for local residents. She feeds them with fish and gives water for irrigation of fields. And, of course, the picturesque places of its coasts delight the eye with its beauty.