Bangweulu Wetlands System

Bangweulu Wetlands System

Lake Bangweulu, the Bangweulu Swamps, and the Bangweulu Flats are located in the upper Congo River basin of Zambia’s Luapula and Northern Provinces in Africa, at an elevation of 1,140 meters. Together, they form the world’s largest wetland system and one of the most important ecosystems on Earth.

Lake Bangweulu is the main body of the Bangweulu Wetlands. It has an average depth of 4 meters and covers an area of about 3,000 square kilometers, but expands to 15,000 square kilometers at the end of the rainy season in May when the Bangweulu Swamps and Bangweulu Flats are flooded. The Bangweulu Swamps are usually slightly larger than the lake, covering approximately 9,000 square kilometers, and become part of the wetland system during the rainy season when they are inundated. This swamp area, covered with dense vegetation, plays a vital role in protecting the Luapula River valley from flooding. The Bangweulu Flats cover around 3,000 square kilometers and are also flooded during the rainy season, forming a crucial component of the wetland system, while in the dry season, they are typically covered with lush green grass, making them ideal for grazing.

The Bangweulu Wetlands System is home to a wide variety of precious wildlife and bird species, and the lake area boasts abundant fish resources, making it one of Zambia’s largest fish-producing regions. Moreover, the scenic beauty of the area, along with increasing development efforts, is attracting more and more visitors.

Bangweulu Wetlands System

Why you should go: One of the world’s largest wetland systems

Continent where the attraction is located: Africa【Africa】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Zambia[Zambia]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Luapula and Northern Provinces [Luapula and Northern Provinces]