Theory question 107
Geography of Africa(a) Draw a sketch map of Africa. On the map, show and name the (i) River Nile; (ii) River Niger; (iii) River Orange (iv) River Zambezi (b) Describe four characteristics of African rivers (c) Highlight three uses of African rivers
Show the model answer
(a) Nile from Lake Victoria (and Ethiopian highlands) north to the Mediterranean; Niger from the Fouta Djallon, curving north-east through Mali then south-east through Niger and Nigeria to the Gulf of Guinea; Orange from Lesotho west to the Atlantic between South Africa and Namibia; Zambezi from Zambia/Angola east through Victoria Falls and Kariba to the Indian Ocean in Mozambique.
(b) Many have rapids, cataracts and waterfalls because they cross plateau edges; seasonal flow (high water in the rainy season, low in the dry season); some flow through deserts (Nile, Niger) and lose water by evaporation; many have deltas or sandbars at their mouths; some have inland drainage (into Lake Chad); long courses with large basins.
(c) Water for irrigation and domestic use; hydro-electric power (Kainji, Kariba, Aswan, Akosombo); fishing; transport; tourism; boundaries between countries.
Show source and mouth of each river correctly.