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Travel & Food

Along 7 Of The World’s Most Fascinating Rivers

A virtual tour…

Begin Slideshow (7 photos)

Some of the world’s most beautiful rivers are guaranteed to provide a visual feast that is hard to forget..

By Roula Allam

Begin Slideshow

1 of 7

The Kenai, US

With its lush and craggy landscapes, the Kenai River runs 132 km westward from the Kenai Mountains, through the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and Skilak Lake, to the Pacific Ocean. If sport fishing is for you, this south central part of Alaska is the most popular spot for it in the state. Salmon fishing is also a major attraction, while canoeing and kayaking help make this an ideal holiday destination as well.

2 of 7

The Yangtze, China

Running 6,300 km, this is Asia’s longest river and the world’s third longest. The Yangtse or Chang Jiang, as it is known in China, has been loyally serving the country as a source of food and water for the irrigation of its rice fields. It also has huge hydroelectric potential and one of its most impressive sights is the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest power station. Another sight to enjoy while on a river cruiser includes Nanjing's Purple Mountain. The river rises from the glaciers of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and flows eastwards through 10 provinces before emptying into the sea north of Shanghai.

3 of 7

The Rhine, Europe

The 1,320 km Rhine flows through six countries: Austria, France, Germany, Liechtenstein, The Netherlands and Switzerland. A cruise down this waterway is perfect for European history buffs as there are numerous castles, cathedrals, medieval fortresses and Roman antiquities to visit. In July and August some hilltop castles and palaces are lit up at night in a stunning pyrotechnic display The busiest and probably most picturesque river in Europe also allows you the chance to see the terraced vineyards of the legendary Lorelei Rock stretch, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

4 of 7

Caño Cristales, Colombia

Located in a remote area of Colombia in the Serrania de la Macarena province of Meta, this could be easily described as the most beautiful river in the world. About 100km long, it is often called the "The River of the Five Colours" or "Liquid Rainbow” because from June to December the bed of the river features bright hues of yellow, green, blue, black and red. This is due to an aquatic plant called macarenia clavigera, which requires precise conditions and just the right amount of sunlight, to take on its bright hues. Not easily accessible by road, Caño Cristales, the river like no other, is perfect for the adventurous tourist.

5 of 7

The Mekong, Southeast Asia

Travelling along the Mekong, you will find flourishing cities, rural communities and floating villages, as well as markets and many rice paddies, pagodas and temples. In fact some of Southeast Asia’s most exotic and fascinating sites like Cambodia’s Angkor Wat ruins and Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City are accessible through the river. Over 4,000 km, the river runs through six countries before emptying in the South China Sea. Over 60 million people depend on the river and its tributaries for food, water, transport and many other aspects of their daily lives.

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The Nile, Egypt

Life along this 6,853km north-flowing river, generally regarded as the longest in the world, is an interesting mix of ancient and modern. The Nile runs from the mountains in East Africa to the Mediterranean. Studies have shown the River (Iteru, meaning, simply, River, as the Egyptians called it) gradually changed its location and size over millions of years. On a cruise between Aswan and Luxor, you can see the temples at Kom Ombo, Edfu and Esna. Bolder explorers can sail for longer, heading to Dendera and Abydos, which can take up to 12 days.

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The Chobe, Africa

The Chobe River rises in Angola, where it is known as Kwando, until it becomes Linyanti when it reaches Botswana and then finally becomes the Chobe in Namibia. The 731km river runs along the northern border of Botswana, meeting the Zambezi and tumbling over the fault-line of Victoria Falls. Towards the end, the river becomes a twisting, broad arm of water snaking its way through swampland. Here’s where The Chobe National Park rests on its banks and water-borne trips often yield surprising sites such as herds of elephant swimming across the river or particularly close encounters with hippos or crocodiles. The birdlife is extraordinary too.

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Travel & Food

Along 7 Of The World’s Most Fascinating Rivers

A virtual tour…

The Kenai, US

The Yangtze, China

The Rhine, Europe

Caño Cristales, Colombia

The Mekong, Southeast Asia

The Nile, Egypt

The Chobe, Africa

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