The Complete List of Rivers in Tanzania

Tanzania’s rivers weave from highland springs to the Indian Ocean, shaping ecosystems, farming zones and transport routes across the country. Knowing their names and basic facts makes it easier to study watershed health, plan field trips or simply appreciate the geographic variety.

There are 58 Rivers in Tanzania, ranging from Bubu to Zira. For each entry you’ll find below Length (km),Region / Basin,Notable (max 15 words), presented so you can quickly compare size, location and any standout features you’ll find below.

How were the river lengths and basin assignments determined?

Lengths and basin assignments combine official maps, hydrological surveys and widely used geographic datasets; figures can vary by source, so treat the list as a practical reference and check primary datasets or local authorities for precise measurements or recent changes.

Is this list suitable for travel planning or environmental research?

Yes, it’s a helpful starting point for identifying rivers of interest, but for travel, navigation or rigorous research verify current conditions, access permissions and detailed maps or scientific studies before acting on the information.

Rivers in Tanzania

Images and Descriptions

Rufiji

Form the largest river system in Tanzania. Flow east to the Indian Ocean through a wide delta. Drain a large portion of the southern highlands and supply hydro and irrigation.

Great Ruaha

Serve as a major tributary of the Rufiji system. Rise in the southern highlands and flow through the Usangu plains. Power hydroelectric plants and support wildlife in Ruaha National Park.

Kagera

Flow along Tanzania’s northwest and feed Lake Victoria. Form part of the upper Nile catchment. Mark an important border and supply water to the Lake Victoria basin.

Ruvuma

Form the southern border with Mozambique and flow east to the Indian Ocean. Drain large upland areas in southern Tanzania. Support farming and border ecosystems.

Pangani

Rise from Kilimanjaro and Meru areas and flow southeast to the Indian Ocean. Support irrigation and hydropower. Serve towns like Pangani and coastal farms.

Malagarasi

Rank among Tanzania’s largest rivers and flow west into Lake Tanganyika. Drain heavy rainfall in western Tanzania. Create important wetlands and fishing grounds.

Wami

Run from central highlands to the Indian Ocean near the coast north of Dar es Salaam. Show strong seasonal flow. Support agriculture in coastal plains.

Grumeti

Flow across the western Serengeti toward the Lake Victoria basin. Produce famous wildebeest river crossings in the park. Join the wider Lake Victoria watershed.

Kilombero

Form the large Ulanga–Kilombero floodplain in south-central Tanzania. Hold rich wetlands and seasonal floods. Act as an important tributary in the Rufiji catchment.

Ugalla

Flow through remote woodlands in western Tanzania. Form part of a forested river system with seasonal floods. Support wildlife and small human settlements.

Kisigo

Exist as a smaller river in southern or central Tanzania. Show seasonal flow and support local farming and grazing lands. Feature in regional drainage networks.

Mara

Drain the Serengeti and flow north to Lake Victoria. Mark the Tanzania–Kenya ecosystem that supports wildlife migrations. Feed Lake Victoria’s northeastern shore.

Moyowosi

Run in western Tanzania and join the Malagarasi wetlands. Create dense swamps and floodplains. Support diverse wildlife and local fisheries.

Rungwa

Flow inside central-western protected areas. Feed seasonal pools and dry forest habitats. Help sustain wildlife in remote reserves.

Muhuwesi

Serve as a smaller river in southern Tanzania. Show seasonal flow patterns and support rural communities and farming.

Ruvu

Flow from the Uluguru and surrounding hills toward the coast near Dar es Salaam. Supply water to urban areas. Act as an important coastal river system.

Luwegu

Run in northern or northeastern Tanzania and drain toward the coast. Show seasonal rains and feed local plains and agriculture.

Ruhuhu

Rise in the southern highlands and flow into Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi). Carry clear mountain water and feed important southern catchments.

Manonga

Exist as a small, seasonal river in central Tanzania. Flow into local depressions and support pastoral and crop lands during the rains.

Mbemkuru

Run in southeastern Tanzania and flow to the Indian Ocean near Lindi. Support coastal agriculture and local fisheries in downstream areas.

Nikonga

Serve as a minor river or stream in Tanzania’s rural landscapes. Show seasonal flow and feed local wells, farms, and small wetlands.

Ruhudji

Flow as a southern or central river with seasonal floods. Support local irrigation and join larger regional drainage systems.

Msangesi

Exist as a smaller catchment stream in Tanzania’s coastal or highland zones. Provide local water for villages and seasonal cropping.

Simiyu

Drain the southern Serengeti and flow into Lake Victoria. Run through Simiyu Region and support wetlands used by wildlife and livestock.

Little Ruaha

Form a tributary in the Rufiji basin and run near the Great Ruaha. Support dry-season water flows in central Tanzania. Feed Ruaha National Park habitats.

Wembere

Run across central Tanzania and create large seasonal floodplains. Support grazing and wildlife during wet seasons. Form part of internal drainage.

Matandu

Flow in southern coastal Tanzania and empty into the Indian Ocean. Support local coastal towns and agriculture in Lindi and Kilwa areas.

Mnyera

Act as a regional river in central or eastern Tanzania. Show seasonal flooding and support local farming communities and wildlife.

Sibiti

Exist as a minor river or stream in Tanzania’s rural zones. Provide seasonal water for villages and small farms.

Songwe

Form part of the border with Malawi and flow into Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi). Drain highland areas in the south and support cross-border communities.

Bubu

Appear as a smaller coastal or island river in northern Tanzania. Show seasonal flows and support local freshwater needs.

Lufubu

Run in western Tanzania as part of large lake or inland drainage systems. Support wetlands and local fisheries near Lake Tanganyika or adjacent basins.

Njombe

Serve as a regional river in the southern highlands near the town of Njombe. Carry upland water and support local agriculture and towns.

Lukosi

Flow from forested highlands toward larger coastal or inland rivers. Support local mills, irrigation, and biodiversity in upland areas.

Duma

Exist as a minor stream in Tanzania’s varied landscapes. Show seasonal flow and supply local water for farming and livestock.

Ngerengere

Run through Morogoro and flow toward the coast as a tributary of larger coastal systems. Supply water to Morogoro town and support local farms.

Mbalageti

Flow near the western Serengeti and feed plains used by wildlife. Form a seasonal river in northern Tanzania and support park ecosystems.

Lukuledi

Run in southeastern Tanzania and flow to the Indian Ocean near Lindi. Support coastal fishing and cultivation along its lower course.

Kiwira

Flow from the southern highlands around Rungwe toward Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi). Support irrigation and show steep upland channels and waterfalls.

Luhombero

Form a coastal or southeastern river system with seasonal flows. Support lowland agriculture and link upland rains to the coast.

Orangi

Exist as a smaller river in northeastern Tanzania, often tied to coastal basins. Show seasonal flow and feed nearby plains and villages.

Pitu

Serve as a minor regional river or stream with seasonal flows. Support local uses for watering and small-scale farming.

Mkomazi

Flow near Mkomazi National Park and belong to the Pangani or coastal basin. Feed dryland bush and support conservation areas.

Kavu

Act as a small stream in Tanzania’s upland or coastal regions. Provide local water and join larger rivers during the rains.

Rumakali

Run in southern Tanzania and feed reservoirs or coastal plains. Support small-scale hydropower and downstream farms in wet seasons.

Umba

Flow from northeastern highlands and drain to the Indian Ocean. Form border or cross-border catchments and support coastal communities.

Mchuchuma

Exist as a smaller upland river in the southern highlands near mining or agricultural zones. Show seasonal flow and local importance.

Mgeta

Run from the Uluguru Mountains into larger lowland rivers. Form part of the Kilombero–Rufiji catchment and support Morogoro region water supplies.

Zira

Serve as a minor river or seasonal stream in Tanzania. Support small farms and local recharge of groundwater.

Kingani

Flow in northern Tanzania toward coastal basins like the Pangani. Support irrigation and local villages along its course.

Zigi

Rise from the Uluguru slopes and flow east to the Indian Ocean near Tanga. Supply water for towns and coastal agriculture.

Lawati

Exist as a smaller river in coastal or inland Tanzania. Show seasonal flows and serve local farming and domestic needs.

Lufilyo

Run in the southern highlands and drain toward Lake Nyasa or internal basins. Support upland farming and small local economies.

Mbaka

Serve as a small river in Tanzania’s rural highlands. Provide seasonal water for villages and livestock grazing.

Kikuletwa

Form a clear, perennial tributary of the Pangani basin. Rise near Mount Meru and feed irrigation schemes and tourist springs.

Luiche

Exist as a minor river in central or southern Tanzania. Show seasonal flow and feed local wetlands and farms.

Momella

Run inside Arusha National Park and end in the shallow Momella lakes. Support birdlife and park wetlands near Arusha.

Usa

Act as a local river in northern Tanzania, often part of the Pangani or coastal systems. Provide water for small towns and farms.

Rivers in Other Countries