description Atbara River Overview
The Atbara River is a major watercourse in northeastern Africa, flowing approximately 1,120 kilometers from its sources in the Ethiopian Highlands to Sudan. It is distinguished as the Nile's last significant tributary, joining the main river just north of Khartoum at the town of Atbara. Unlike the main Nile, the Atbara is highly seasonal, running strongly during the rainy season but shrinking to a series of pools or drying up completely during the winter months.
help Atbara River FAQ
Why is the Atbara River important to the Nile system?
It is the Nile's last major tributary before the river reaches the Mediterranean. The Atbara joins the main Nile in Sudan near the town of Atbara, about 320 kilometres north of Khartoum.
Which countries does the Atbara River flow through?
The river rises in the Ethiopian Highlands and then flows through northeastern Sudan. Its basin is strongly dependent on seasonal rainfall from the Ethiopian uplands.
Why does the Atbara River have such a seasonal flow?
Monsoon rains in the Ethiopian Highlands can produce a powerful summer flood, while the river becomes much smaller during the dry season. This makes the Atbara more strongly seasonal than many other major Nile tributaries.
Are there dams on the Atbara River?
Yes. The Khashm el-Girba Dam regulates water in Sudan, and the Upper Atbara and Setit Dam Complex was inaugurated in 2017.
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