ntly to the depression from the south, east and north, and into it drain
a considerable number of streams, turning the greater part into a morass of
reeds and papyrus. The term Bangweulu is sometimes applied to the whole
depression, but is properly confined to the area of clear water. Only on
its south-west and western sides are the banks of the lake clearly defined.
The greatest extent of open water is about 60 m. N. to S. and 40 m. E. to
W. Long narrow sandbanks almost separate Chifunawuli, the western pan of
the lake, from the main body of water, while the water surface is further
diminished by a number of islands. The largest of these islands, Kirui
(Chiru), lies on the east side of the lake close to the swamp. Kisi
(Chishi) is a small island occupying a central position just south of 11deg
S., and Mbawali, 20 m. long by 3 broad, lies south of Kisi. South of
Bangweulu the swamp extends to 12deg 10' S. Into this swamp on its east
side flows the Chambezi, the most remote head stream of the Congo. Without
entering the lake the Chambezi mingles its waters in the swamp with those
of the Luapula. The Luapula, which leaves Bangweulu at its most southern
point, is about a mile wide at the outflow, but soon narrows to 300 or so
yds. West of the Luapulu and near its outflow lies Lake Kampolombo, 20 m.
long and 8 broad at its southern end. A sandy track separates Bangweulu
from Kampolombo, and a narrow forest-clad tongue of land called Kapata
intervenes between the Luapula and Kampolombo. Various channels lead,
however, from the river to the lake. The Luapula flows south through the
swamp some 50 m. and then turns west and afterwards north (see CONGO). The
flood waters of the Chambezi and other streams, which deposit large
quantities of alluvium, are gradually solidifying the swamp, while the
Luapula is believed to be, though very slowly, draining Bangweulu. The
waters of the lake do not appear to be anywhere more than 15 ft. deep.

Though heard of by the Portuguese traveller, Francisco de Lacerda, in 1798,
Bangweulu was first reached in 1868 by David Livingstone, who died six
years later among the swamps to the [v.03 p.0317] south. It was partially
surveyed in 1883 by the French traveller, Victor Giraud, and first
circumnavigated by Poulett Weatherley in 1896.

See P. Weatherley in _Geog. Journ._ vol. xii. (1898) and vol. xiv. p. 561
(1899); L. A. Wallace in _Geog. Journ._ vol. xxix. (1907), with map by
O. L. Beringer. Giraud'