The climate along the river is considered tropical and the rainy season lasts from October through April. The river changes at different spots along it, going from a placid flow in sandy plains to annually flooded plains to a tumbling river of falls and rapids. Perhaps the most spectacular spot along the river is in Zimbabwe at Victoria Falls. The Zambezi River is widely used by wildlife and humans alike. Hippos, crocodiles, baboons, elephants, hyenas and lions are some examples of wildlife you might find along the Zambezi.
Humans use the river for transportation, irrigation, tourism and hydropower.
The people who live along the river differ from country to country. English is the official language of the area though the different tribes along the banks of the Zambezi speak more than 70 other languages. Currently the countries along the river are at odds as to how to manage the river. Steve Chapple, an environmental writer completing a book on the Zambezi, is our Zambezi online guest. This graphic is courtesy of the Chiawa Camp - Lower Zambezi National Park web site.