What is the longest river in Chad?

The Chari River, 1,400 km (870 mi) long river, is the principal tributary feeding Lake Chad in north-central Africa. It flows through Chad and the Central African Republic and is formed by the Bamingui (its true headstream), the Gribingui, and the Ouham, which brings to it the greatest volume of water. Near Sarh the Chari is joined on its right bank by the Aouk, Kéita, and Salamat rivers, parallel streams that mingle in an immense floodplain.

The Chari basin covers 650,000 sq km (250,000 sq mi), and the river unites the drainage of the southern part of the Chad inland basin. Steamboats navigate the main river for more than 850 km (530 mi) in the wet season. The existence of the Chari was made known to Europeans by the British explorers Dixon Denham, Hugh Clapperton, and Walter Oudney, who reached Lake Chad in 1823.

Much of Chad's population, including Sarh and the capital N'Djamena, is concentrated around it. The river supports an important local fishing industry. One of the most highly prized local fish is the Nile perch.