Bangweulu Wetlands System

　　    Lake Bangweulu, the Bangweulu Swamps, and the Bangweulu Flats are located in the upper Congo River basin in 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 system. It has an average depth of 4 meters and covers an area of approximately 3,000 square kilometers, but swells to 15,000 square kilometers at the end of the rainy season in May when the Bangweulu Swamps and Bangweulu Flats are inundated. The Bangweulu Swamps are usually slightly larger than the lake, covering around 9,000 square kilometers, and become part of the wetland system during the rainy season. This swamp area, densely vegetated, plays a crucial role in preventing flooding in the Luapula River Valley. The Bangweulu Flats cover approximately 3,000 square kilometers and are also submerged during the rainy season, forming an essential part of the wetlands system. In the dry season, they are typically covered with lush grass, making them ideal grazing grounds.

　　    The Bangweulu Wetlands System is home to many rare wildlife species and birds, and the lake area boasts abundant fish resources, making it one of Zambia’s largest fishing grounds. Furthermore, the area is scenically beautiful and, with ongoing development efforts, is attracting an increasing number of visitors.

　　    Bangweulu Wetlands System     Must-visit reason: One of the world’s largest wetland systems     Continent: Africa [Africa]     Country/Region: Zambia [Zambia]     Province/State: Luapula and Northern Provinces [Luapula and Northern Provinces]