Exploration_of_the_river Zambezi

satellite image showing victoria falls , subsequent series of zigzagging gorges

the zambezi region known medieval geographers empire of monomotapa, , course of river, position of lakes ngami , nyasa, given broadly accurately in maps. these constructed arab information.

the first european visit inland zambezi river portuguese degredado antónio fernandes in 1511 , again in 1513, objective of reporting on commercial conditions , activities of interior of central africa. final report of these explorations revealed importance of ports of upper zambezi local trade system, in particular east african gold trade.

the first exploration of upper zambezi made david livingstone in exploration bechuanaland between 1851 , 1853. 2 or 3 years later descended zambezi mouth , in course of journey discovered victoria falls. during 1858–60, accompanied john kirk, livingstone ascended river kongone mouth far falls, , traced course of tributary shire , reached lake malawi.

for next 35 years little exploration of river took place. portuguese explorer serpa pinto examined of western tributaries of river , made measurements of victoria falls in 1878. in 1884 plymouth brethren missionary frederick stanley arnot traveled on height of land between watersheds of zambezi , congo, , identified source of zambezi. considered nearby high , cool kalene hill particularly suitable place mission. arnot accompanied portuguese trader , army officer antónio da silva porto. in 1889 chinde channel north of main mouths of river discovered. 2 expeditions led major a. st hill gibbons in 1895 1896 , 1898 1900 continued work of exploration begun livingstone in upper basin , central course of river.

two local people in zambezi river near victoria falls, zambia.