Articles | Volume 29, issue 18
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-4557-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-4557-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| Highlight paper
| 
23 Sep 2025
Research article | Highlight paper |
| 23 Sep 2025
| 23 Sep 2025
Assessment of source regions of the Zambezi River: implications for regional water security
Mauro Lourenco
Research Department, National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project, Wild Bird Trust, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
Research Department, The Wilderness Project Foundation 1050 Connecticut Ave, Suite 500, Washington D.C. 20036, USA
Rutledge S. Boyes
Research Department, National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project, Wild Bird Trust, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
Research Department, The Wilderness Project Foundation 1050 Connecticut Ave, Suite 500, Washington D.C. 20036, USA
Fenton P. D. Cotterill
Research Department, The Wilderness Project Foundation 1050 Connecticut Ave, Suite 500, Washington D.C. 20036, USA
Tyrel Flügel
Research Department, The Wilderness Project Foundation 1050 Connecticut Ave, Suite 500, Washington D.C. 20036, USA
Frank C. Nyoni
Research Department, The Wilderness Project Foundation 1050 Connecticut Ave, Suite 500, Washington D.C. 20036, USA
Department of Water Resources Management and Information, Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA), Lusaka, Zambia
Goabaone J. Ramatlapeng
Research Department, National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project, Wild Bird Trust, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
Rainer von Brandis
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Research Department, National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project, Wild Bird Trust, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
Research Department, The Wilderness Project Foundation 1050 Connecticut Ave, Suite 500, Washington D.C. 20036, USA
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Executive editor
This is a very detailed report on a highly interesting hydrological expedition into the most upstream and mostly ungauged tributaries of the Zambezi River, one of the largest rivers of the African continent. It provides detailed observations of river discharge and water quality during several enterprising excursions following tributaries from the source to the main river confluence. It offers a unique hydrological resumé of an adventurous field campaign.
This is a very detailed report on a highly interesting hydrological expedition into the most...
Short summary
This study focused on the sources of the Zambezi River, revealing new insights into its longest tributary and Angola's key role in its flow. River expeditions and earth observation data show that Angola contributed approximately 73 % of the river's flow upstream of a major floodplain during the 2023 late wet season. We highlight Angola's wetlands, which support river health and help mitigate pollution. These findings stress the need for improved monitoring and regional cooperation in the basin.
This study focused on the sources of the Zambezi River, revealing new insights into its longest...
