Lake Mweru Wantipa is a shallow, muddy lake and swamp system in Zambia's Northern Province, and it is a completely separate body of water from the larger, deeper Lake Mweru. The name Mweru Wantipa translates to "lake with mud," referencing its distinct muddy waters compared to the clearer Lake Mweru.
Location: Located in the remote Northern Province of Zambia, bordered by Mweru Wantipa National Park
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Physical characteristics: It is a shallow, swampy lake that has been known to fluctuate dramatically in water level, sometimes drying out almost completely. The water is often muddy or reddish due to its high sediment content.
Ecology: Despite past issues with poaching, the lake and the surrounding Mweru Wantipa National Park host a variety of wildlife, including waterbirds and mammals like buffalo. The area is known for its dense papyrus and, in some areas, the rare Itigi-Sumbu thicket.
Local communities: The lake is surrounded by fishing villages that have a deep connection to its resources.
Lake Mweru Wantipa
