The Zambezi River rises in northwestern Zambia and its catchment area covers 1 352 000 square kilometres and eight countries, namely Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It enters the Indian Ocean in Mozambique at Quelimane.

The Zambezi enters the Indian Ocean in Mozambique at Quelimane. It flows for some 2 650 kilometers from its source to the Indian Ocean. It is the fourth-longest river in Africa, and the largest river that flows into the Indian Ocean from Africa. Kariba Dam is located approximately halfway down the Zambezi River.