Everyone who has ever read the fairy tales of Korney Chukovsky remembers the phrase: "On the wide Limpopo, where the hippo walks…" The word "limpopo" is associated with a fairy tale for many. It seems to be something that doesn't exist. But in fact, the Limpopo River is very real. It is the second largest waterway in Africa. The locals call it the "crocodile river" because in some places these predators are teeming with them. Beautiful picturesque areas along the banks of the reservoir attract tourists. In its vicinity 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 the Witwatersrand. This water artery flows through mountainous terrain, jungles and savannahs, receives several tributaries and flows into the Indian Ocean. The Limpopo River is located in Southeast Africa and flows through South Africa. It follows the border with Bodswana, enters Mozambique and flows through Zimbabwe.
This not very full-flowing river has a length of about 1600 kilometers and issource of food 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 to irrigate the fields. Before this waterway flows into the ocean, it passes through huge 43-kilometer rapids. In the upper reaches, it is less full-flowing and often dries up in summer, because it feeds mainly on rainwater.
River basin scenic spots
Limpopo attracts tourists because on its shores you can find everything that characterizes the nature of the continent. There are harsh mountains, and impregnable canyons, and impenetrable tropical forests, and endless savannahs. This river has several thundering waterfalls and many small tributaries.
In its upper reaches, the Limpopo transnational park was created, where many tourists come. And in the lower reaches, the river passes through the world-famous Kruger Nature Reserve. Traveling through this truly fabulous country will be remembered by tourists for a long time. But it can also be dangerous, as many dangerous predators live on the banks of the river. There are especially many crocodiles there, because it is not for nothing that this river is called the crocodile river.
Crocodiles on the Limpopo River
The people living near it know many legends and beliefs associated with these dangerous predators. Reptiles of almost three meters in size hunt mainly at night. They can go without food for about three years, but even unstarved crocodiles attack and drag their prey under water. During the breeding season of these animals, often in the vicinity of the riveryou can hear a loud roar, from which the blood runs cold. This is how crocodiles roar when their eggs are stolen from their nests. It is believed that their voice is the loudest, and it cannot be compared to anything.
What other animals live on the banks of the river
There are many amazing animals in the Limpopo River basin. The tallest inhabitants of our planet live there - giraffes, the largest birds - ostriches, the fastest predators - cheetahs. Huge herds of elephants, many leopards resting in the trees, and large flocks of herons and vultures. There are lions, buffaloes, antelopes and rhinos.
The fabulous hippo, which we know about from Chukovsky's poem, also lives in Limopopo. This is a very dangerous animal that does not let a person close to it 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 get out of the car, but even not to open the windows, because tsetse fly bites can be fatal.
But still, this fabulous place is worth a visit for lovers of the exotic. The Limpopo River is clearly visible on the map, and this shows that this waterway is very important for the locals. She feeds them fish and gives them water to irrigate the fields. And, of course, the picturesque places of its coasts delight the eye with their beauty.
