List of rivers of Botswana
Overview and alphabetical listing of Botswana's rivers and streams, including major systems like the Okavango Delta and Limpopo, seasonal behavior, ecological and human importance, and notation for intermittent streams.
Overview
Botswana's river network is defined more by seasonal flows and inland drainage than by long, continuous channels. A few rivers are perennial where fed by cross-border sources, but many streams flow only during the rainy season. The most internationally famous system is the Okavango Delta, an inland delta created where waters from Angola spread into Botswana's arid interior.
Image gallery
1 Image
Characteristics and hydrology
Rivers in Botswana can be grouped as perennial, seasonal or intermittent. Perennial rivers receive regular flow from distant highlands or transboundary catchments and may form borders with neighbouring countries. Seasonal rivers swell during the summer rains and contract or stop in dry months. Intermittent streams are commonly marked with an (I) in lists to show that their channels sometimes dry up, leaving pans, floodplains or shallow pools.
History and development
Many of Botswana's drainage patterns were shaped by ancient tectonic and climatic changes. Large flat basins such as the Kalahari and the Makgadikgadi depressions capture floodwaters and sustain seasonal wetlands. Human settlement and land use have long followed the presence of reliable rivers and pans for drinking water, herding and cultivation.
Major rivers and notable streams
- Okavango — forms the Okavango Delta, a major inland delta and wildlife refuge.
- Limpopo — a major transboundary river that flows along or near Botswana's southeastern margin.
- Chobe — important for wildlife and tourism in the northern floodplains.
- Boteti — drains part of the Okavango outflow toward the Makgadikgadi pans.
- Molopo — a seasonal river along the southern border with South Africa (often dry).
- Notwane — supplies water to the capital region and is subject to seasonal variation.
Uses and importance
Rivers and seasonal floods support biodiversity, fisheries, traditional livelihoods and a significant tourism industry centered on wildlife viewing. Flood pulses rejuvenate floodplain soils, sustain grazing areas and recharge groundwater. At the same time, variability in flow presents management challenges for water supply, agriculture and conservation.
Lists, notation and further reference
Comprehensive alphabetical listings of rivers and smaller streams, including indicators for intermittent channels, are commonly used by hydrologists and mapmakers. In such lists an (I) marks intermittent streams. For a full alphabetical compilation and local names, see the referenced list: List of rivers and streams in Botswana.
Questions and answers
Q: What is the list of rivers and streams in Botswana?
A: The list of rivers and streams in Botswana is provided in the text.
Q: What is the meaning of '(I)' in the list of rivers and streams?
A: '(I)' indicates an intermittent stream, which is a stream that sometimes disappears.
Q: Are all streams in Botswana perennial?
A: No, there are intermittent streams in Botswana as well, which sometimes disappear.
Q: What is the difference between a river and a stream?
A: Rivers are typically larger and have a continuous flow of water, while streams are smaller and may have a less consistent flow.
Q: Are there any major rivers in Botswana?
A: There are no major rivers in Botswana, as the country is predominantly flat and dry.
Q: Do all the rivers and streams in Botswana have names?
A: It is not clear from the text whether all the rivers and streams in Botswana have names.
Q: How many rivers and streams are listed in the text?
A: The text does not provide a number, but it is implied that there are multiple rivers and streams listed.
Related articles
Author
AlegsaOnline.com List of rivers of Botswana Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/124978