Overview:

The Cuanza River (Portuguese: Rio Cuanza, also known as Kwanza Sul) is a major river of Angola. The Cuanza begins at the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and flows west for about 650 km until it empties into the Atlantic Ocean at the bay of Luanda. Along its route, it passes the regional capitals of M'banza-Kongo, Sumbe and Porto Amboim. The Cuanza and the nearby Kwanza river are the two largest rivers in Angola and serve as important highways of commerce in the country. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Angola
Prominent Features:

1. Length - The Cuanza River, also known as the Kwanza, is approximately 895 km long and is located in Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo. 2. Tributaries - The Cuanza River has several tributaries, including the Calueque, Chitato, Cuvué River, Lucala, Lucititi, Quanza, and Cuando Rivers. 3. Source - The source of the river is in the Bay of Luanda and runs south-east through the provinces of Cunene, Huambo, Bie and Malange, before discharging into the Bengo in the province of Kwanza Sul. 4. Valley - The Cuanza River runs through a wide valley before it reaches the coastal plain of the Luanda Bay. 5. Basin - The Cuanza River basin covers an area of 128,700 km2 and contains two large reservoirs, Camengo and Cuanza, as well as two hydroelectric dams, Capanda and Catumbela. 6. Wildlife - Wildlife in the Cuanza River basin includes hippopotamus, the African short-clawed otter, and the vulnerable Angolan slender mongoose. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Angola.

History:

The Cuanza River is a major river in Angola which is located within the Angolan province of Kwanza Sul. The river forms part of the Bengo province, and is one of the largest rivers in the region. The river is believed to have been part of the great Zaire or Congo River system that connected the continent in the past centuries. The river was historically used by traders that connected Africa down to its coast. These traders used the river to transport goods, fish, and other resources between different communities along this route. The river was a source of great wealth and resources for the local people of Angolan Kwanza Sul. It provided them with fishing, transportation, and other resources. The river also provided safe passage for traders to bring goods to the local people. The Cuanza River has always been a vital part of the economy of the Kwanza Sul. Its waters are used for a variety of purposes such as transportation, agriculture, drinking water, and energy production. The Cuanza river is also home to several species of aquatic life and vegetation, making it a great habitat for a variety of plants and animals. Today the Cuanza River is an important source of water for the Angolan people. Despite being the country's second longest river, the lack of economic investments has hindered the use of the water for irrigation, water supply, and electricity generation projects. In addition to this environmental degradation caused by deforestation and land use change, sedimentation has significantly increased in the past decades, degrading the river’s water quality and affecting its aquatic biodiversity. In recent years, the government of Angola has been making efforts to improve the management and sustainability of the Cuanza River. National laws and policies have been introduced to regulate water and energy use, control pollution, and conserve the biodiversity of the river. To improve the navigability of the river, hydropower projects such as the Kunanga hydroelectric dam have been installed to provide energy to the province. Visit one of the famous monuments of Angola with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Cuanza River (Kwanza Sul) is the largest internal river in Angola. 2. The Cuanza River (Kwanza Sul) is a major source of water for hydroelectric power and irrigation purposes in Angola. 3. The Cuanza River (Kwanza Sul) is known for its valuable fishing industry. Many inhabitants of Angola depend on the river for their livelihood. 4. The Cuanza River (Kwanza Sul) flows through the province of Kwanza Sul and links with other Angolan rivers in the lower Cuanza Basin. 5. The Cuanza River (Kwanza Sul) runs parallel to the Benguella Railway and provides transportation for goods and people. 6. The river is a source of hydroelectric power and has three hydropower dams (Baynes, Dala, and Kambua). 7. The Cuanza River (Kwanza Sul) is a popular destination for leisure activities, such as fishing and canoeing. One of the historical monuments of Angola, it tells the story of a bygone era