Luapula

The Luapula carries the waters of the Bangweulu wetlands north toward Lake Mweru. Channels and lagoons spread through its upper swamps before the river gathers into a course leading toward the lake. The lower valley supported fishing communities and became the heartland of the eastern Lunda kingdom of Kazembe. Around 1740 a Lunda leader established a capital near Lake Mweru, creating a powerful kingdom in the river country.