List of rivers of Namibia

Overview

Because much of Namibia is arid, many named watercourses are seasonal. Western rivers draining to the Atlantic are typically ephemeral, carrying surface water only after rains. Northern and northeastern rivers belong to inland basins such as the Okavango (Kavango) and the Cuvelai–Etosha system, while southern rivers connect to the Orange (Gariep) basin. Several rivers form or cross international boundaries and support local agriculture, wildlife and hydropower projects.

By drainage basin

• Atlantic (westward-flowing, often ephemeral): Kunene, Hoanib, Hoarusib, Khumib, Ugab, Kuiseb, Swakop, Omaruru, and smaller desert channels.
• Okavango/Kavango and interior basins: Okavango (called Kavango in Namibia), the Kwando–Linyanti system, and numerous oshana channels in the Cuvelai basin that drain toward Etosha or evaporate locally.
• Zambezi region (northeast): Zambezi River and border rivers such as the Chobe that touch the Zambezi floodplain in the Caprivi/Zambezi Region.
• Orange (south): Orange (Gariep) River and tributaries such as the Fish River, which run through southern Namibia into South Africa.

Characteristics and notable features

Many Namibian rivers exhibit sharp seasonal variability and are associated with unique landforms. In the north-central Kalahari, dry ancient riverbeds called omuramba channel rare flows and sustain groundwater-dependent vegetation. The Cuvelai system consists of shallow flood channels (oshana) that spread floodwaters across a broad plain. Permanent reaches occur where rivers meet perennial sources or are regulated by dams and springs.

Uses, ecology and human importance

Rivers in Namibia are important for irrigation, livestock watering, groundwater recharge and tourism. Permanent and semi-permanent river reaches support riparian woodlands and wildlife corridors. Hydropower and water storage schemes exist on a limited number of rivers; transboundary management is important because several rivers cross national frontiers and are shared with Angola, Botswana and South Africa.

Selected alphabetical list of rivers and stream systems

• Chobe
• Cuvelai (system)
• Fish River
• Hoanib
• Hoarusib
• Khumib
• Kunene (Cunene)
• Kwando
• Kavango (Okavango)
• Kuiseb
• Linyanti
• Omaruru
• Orange (Gariep)
• Oranje/!Gariep
• Swakop
• Ugab
• Zambezi

This list highlights many of Namibia's better-known rivers but is not exhaustive. Local terminology, seasonal channels and cross-border names can vary; consult detailed hydrological maps and regional resources for comprehensive, place-specific information.