River · Tanzania, Mozambique
Ruvuma
The Ruvuma, also called the Rovuma, starts east of Lake Malawi in southern Tanzania. For most of its way it forms the border between Tanzania and Mozambique, then it flows into the Indian Ocean north of Cape Delgado.
Where is Ruvuma?
The river starts here: Matagoro Mountains near Songea, south-eastern Tanzania, east of Lake Malawi.
It ends in the Indian Ocean between Mtwara and Cape Delgado.
Countries on the river: Tanzania, Mozambique.
The story behind it
For about 650 kilometres the Ruvuma forms the border between Tanzania and Mozambique. Many rapids block the way, so only small boats can travel upstream, as far as the Upinda Rapids about 100 kilometres from the coast. For a long time no road crossed the river. In 2010 the Unity Bridge opened at Negomano. It is about 600 metres long and the only crossing for cars and trucks. On the Mozambique side lies the Niassa Special Reserve, one of the largest wildlife reserves in Africa. Thousands of elephants live there, along with lions, leopards and African wild dogs. Scientists have counted 59 kinds of fish in the river, many of them carp-like fish and catfish. At the mouth the river meets the Indian Ocean among mangroves, mudflats and coral reefs. A marine park protects this coast, where green and hawksbill sea turtles lay their eggs.
Questions children ask
How long is the Ruvuma?
The Ruvuma is about 760 km long. Some sources give almost 1 000 km, so the length varies with the way it is measured.
Which countries does the Ruvuma separate?
The Ruvuma separates Tanzania in the north from Mozambique in the south. It forms this border for about 650 km, all the way to the coast.
How can you cross the Ruvuma?
Since 2010 cars and trucks can cross on the Unity Bridge at Negomano. It is about 600 metres long and the only crossing for vehicles.
Where these numbers come from
Every figure on this page was checked against public reference sources before publication. Where sources genuinely disagree, the text says so.
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