Mighty Rivers: The Zambezi and The Columbia

Comparing rivers to each other is arguably a romantic exercise at best, but both have had a hand in shaping the culture and geography of the lands they flow through. Both can qualify for bringing life in abundance to the indigenous people of their respective lands.  And both hold an allure for adventure-minded people.

The Zambezi remains one of the world's most pristine and unexplored rivers in spite of its size. It is the fourth largest river in Africa. Only two dams restrict its flow, and when you stand at its edge and see the clarity of its water and the power of the current, you don't need to see spectacular Victoria Falls to be smitten. But then there are The Falls.

The Columbia, by contrast, is the most hydroelectrically developed river in the world. More than 400 dams (11 on the mainstem) restrict its flow. There are few places left along its run where the current can be seen as anything more than gentle. I love the Columbia and swim in its waters frequently. I have met the challenge of swimming its width from the Washington side to the Oregon, but in terms of raw power vs harnessed power, these are two very contrasted rivers.

I had a notion that it would be cool to be able to say that I took a swim in the Zambezi, but every single person I have mentioned this to has said emphatically that it's a very bad idea. The depth and the current are foreboding enough, but two words are consistently mentioned whenever the subject comes up: hippos and crocs. The words that nobody's loved ones wants to read in the paper are "American falls victim..." So swimming in this magnificent river is off the list.

Victoria falls as seen from WayiWayi Studios (kidding) but not far away