Orange River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Orange River |
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Sunset over the Orange River near Upington in the Northern Cape
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| Other name(s) | Kai Garib (Groote Rivier), Gariep, Senqu, Oranje, Igqili( isiZulu and isiiXhosa) |
| Country | Lesotho, South Africa, Namibia |
| District | Mokhotlong |
| District | Thaba-Tseka |
| District | Qacha's Nek,
Quthing, Mohale's Hoek |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Mont-aux-Sources Maloti Mountains (Drakensberg), Lesotho 3,350 m (10,990 ft) 28°53′47″S 29°1′4″E / 28.89639°S 29.01778°E |
| River mouth | Alexander Bay Atlantic Ocean 28°37′58″S 16°27′08″E / 28.63278°S 16.45222°E |
| Length | 2,432 km (1,511 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 973,000 km2 (376,000 sq mi) |
| Tributaries |
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| Official name: Orange River Mouth (Namibia) | |
| Designated: | 23 August 1995 |
| Reference #: | 744 |
| Official name: Orange River Mouth (South Africa) | |
| Designated: | 28 June 1991 |
| Reference #: | 526 |
The Orange River is the longest river in South Africa, stretching for about 2,432 kilometers (1,511 miles). It begins high in the Drakensberg mountains of Lesotho and flows westward across South Africa. Eventually, it empties into the Atlantic Ocean. This mighty river is super important for the countries it touches. It provides water for farms and generates electricity. The Orange River also forms parts of the international borders between South Africa and Lesotho, and between South Africa and Namibia.
Contents
Journey of the Orange River: From Mountains to Ocean
The Orange River starts in the Drakensberg mountains. This is near the border between South Africa and Lesotho. It begins at a high altitude, over 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) above sea level. In Lesotho, this part of the river is called the Senqu. Sometimes, parts of the Senqu River freeze in winter. This happens because of the very cold temperatures at high altitudes.
The river then flows west through South Africa. It forms the southwestern edge of the Free State province. Along this path, the river fills two large dams: the Gariep Dam and the Vanderkloof Dam. In this area, the riverbed is quite deep. Further downstream, the land becomes flatter. Here, people use the river's water a lot for farming.
Near Kimberley, the Orange River meets its biggest helper, the Vaal River. The Vaal River also forms much of the Free State's northern border. From this meeting point, the Orange River continues west. It flows through the dry Kalahari region and Namaqualand in the Northern Cape province. Then, it reaches the border with Namibia. For about 550 kilometers (340 miles), it acts as the international border. You can cross the river at places like Vioolsdrif and Alexander Bay.
In its final 800 kilometers (500 miles), the Orange River gets water from many smaller streams. These streams often dry up, but some larger ones, like the Fish River, join it. In this section, the Namib Desert reaches the river's north bank. So, these smaller streams usually don't add much water. Here, the riverbed becomes deeply cut again. The famous Augrabies Falls are found here. The river drops 56 meters (184 feet) over 18 kilometers (11 miles) at these falls.
The Orange River finally flows into the Atlantic Ocean. This happens between the towns of Oranjemund in Namibia and Alexander Bay in South Africa. The river mouth is a special place with many different bird species. It is recognized as a Ramsar site, which means it's an important wetland. About 33 kilometers (20 miles) from the ocean, the river has rapids and sand bars. This makes it hard for boats to travel long distances.
Water Sources and Climate: How the River Changes
During the dry season, the river's water level drops a lot. This is because water quickly runs off or evaporates. At the river's start in Lesotho, it rains about 2,000 millimeters (79 inches) each year. But as the river flows west, the rainfall decreases. At its mouth, it rains less than 50 millimeters (2 inches) per year. However, factors that cause water to evaporate increase towards the west. In the wet season (summer), the Orange River turns into a brown, fast-flowing stream. It carries a lot of sediment (like mud and sand). This sediment can be a problem for dams and other projects on the river.
The total area that collects water for the Orange River is huge. It covers about 973,000 square kilometers (376,000 square miles). This is about 77% of South Africa's land area. About 366,000 square kilometers (141,000 square miles) of this area are outside South Africa. This includes parts of Lesotho, Botswana, and Namibia.
River Friends: Tributaries and Dams
Important Rivers Joining the Orange
- Vaal River - 1,458 km (906 mi) long
- Caledon River - 642 km (399 mi) long
- Khubelu River - 144 km (89 mi) long
Big Walls of Water: Dams on the Orange River
- Armenia Dam
- Egmont Dam
- Gariep Dam
- Newberry Dam
- Vanderkloof Dam
- Welbedacht Dam
A River's Story: Names and Legends
Why is it Called the Orange River?
Some of the first people living near the river called it ǂNūǃarib, meaning "black river." They also called it Kai !Arib, or "Great River." This name led to the Afrikaans name Gariep and the English translation "Groote Rivier."
The river was officially named the Orange River in 1779. This was done by Colonel Robert Gordon, a Dutch explorer. He named it to honor William V of the House of Orange-Nassau, a Dutch ruling family. Many people mistakenly think the river was named after the color orange. This is because its water can look orange, unlike its tributary, the Vaal River, which means "pale" or "grey."
Today, the name "Gariep" is often used in South Africa. However, "Orange River" is still widely known around the world. In Lesotho, where the river starts, it is known as the Senqu River. This name comes from an original local language.
There have been discussions about changing the name of parts of the river. This is because the name "Orange" has strong links to the country's colonial past. Suggestions for new names include IGqili or Senqu.
The Mythical Grootslang: River Serpent Legend
In South African folklore, the Orange River is linked to the Grootslang. This is a mythical creature that looks like a giant serpent. People say it lives in a cave filled with gems. This cave is supposedly connected to the Orange River by a natural tunnel. Diamonds are believed to gradually enter the river through this tunnel.
Other stories say the Grootslang lives in a pool below the King George Cataract at Augrabies Falls. This spot is also said to be a source of diamonds. Another legend places the creature in a large rock in the middle of the river. In this version, the Grootslang also hunts cattle near the riverbanks.
The Orange River's Role in the Economy
The Orange River is vital for South Africa's economy. It collects most of the country's water. This water supports farming, factories, and mining. To help with this, two big water projects were built: the Orange River Project and the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
Historically, the river was important during the South African diamond rush. The first diamonds in the country were found in the river's gravel. Even today, commercial diamond mines operate along the last part of the Orange River and near its mouth.
The river is also used for fun activities like canoeing and rafting. Many companies offer trips along the river. Popular trips last four to six days. They take place either below the Augrabies Falls or in the Richtersveld area.
Water for Farms and Power: The Orange River Project
The Orange River Project (ORP) was a huge and clever project in South Africa. It was built during a significant period in South Africa's history. The ORP aimed to use the Orange River's water. This water makes up about 14.1% of all the water flowing in South Africa. The project helped meet the growing demand for water.
The main goals of the project were:
- to make the river flow more steadily,
- to create and send out hydroelectric power (electricity from water),
- to provide a reliable water supply for people in the Orange River basin, and
- to bring water to dry areas in the Eastern Cape, like the Great Fish and Sundays River valleys.
The Gariep Dam near Colesberg is the main storage place for water in the Orange River. From here, water goes in two directions. It flows west along the Orange River, passing through power generators, to the Vanderkloof Dam. It also flows south through the Orange-Fish Tunnel to the Eastern Cape.
Power from Water: Hydroelectricity
Eskom runs power stations at both the Gariep Dam and the Vanderkloof Dam. These stations use the force of water to create electricity. The power station at the Vanderkloof Dam was the first in South Africa to be built entirely underground. Towns like Oviston and Oranjekrag were created to help build and run these new facilities.
Growing Food: Irrigation Along the River
The Gariep and Vanderkloof Dams made it possible to water huge areas downstream. This turned thousands of hectares of dry land into very productive farms. Older farming areas like those at Buchuberg, Upington, Kakamas, and Vioolsdrif also benefited. This is because the dams now control the river's flow. On the Namibian side, Aussenkehr grows grapes using water from the Orange River.
In recent years, the wine-producing areas along the Orange River have become more important. Farming in the Eastern Cape also got a big boost. This was thanks to more water and better water quality. Without these improvements, citrus farmers along the Lower Sundays River would have continued to lose crops.
Water for Neighbors: The Lesotho Highlands Project
The Lesotho Highlands Water Project was designed to add more water to the Vaal River System. Water travels to South Africa through a long tunnel. This tunnel goes under the Lesotho-South Africa border at the Caledon River. It then goes under the Little Caledon River in the Free State. Finally, it flows into the Ash River further north. This project became necessary when the demand for water in Gauteng grew too large.
Sparkling Discoveries: Diamonds in the River
In 1867, the first diamond found in South Africa, the Eureka Diamond, was discovered near Hopetown on the Orange River. Two years later, an even bigger diamond, the Star of South Africa, was found in the same area. This started a diamond rush! Soon after, people found diamonds directly in rock formations called kimberlite near Kimberley in 1871. However, diamonds continued to be found in the Orange River's gravel. Today, several companies mine for diamonds along the last part of the river and near its mouth. Diamond mines also operate along the middle section of the river.
Fun on the Water: Rafting and Canoeing
During the milder months of March and April, if there's enough rain and the dam gates are open, you can easily canoe or raft 30 kilometers (19 miles) a day. The lower parts of the river are very popular. This is because of the amazing scenery. Many companies offer guided tours. These trips often start from the border town of Vioolsdrif.
Amazing Animals: Wildlife of the Orange River
The Orange River does not have many large animals. It is outside the area where Nile crocodiles live. While hippopotami used to be common, they were hunted and disappeared in the 1800s.
The Orange River has a relatively small number of different species. Surveys from 1995 to 2001 found 19 different fish species. Two of these, the carp and the Oreochromis mossambicus, are not native to the area. Another non-native species, rainbow trout, lives in the river's headwaters in Lesotho.
Seven fish species are found only in the Vaal-Orange River system:
- Rock-catfish (Austroglanis sclateri)
- Maluti redfin or Maloti minnow (Pseudobarbus quathlambae)
- Namaquab barb (Barbus hospes)
- River sardine (Mesobola brevianalis)
- Smallmouth yellowfish (Labeobarbus aeneus)
- Largemouth yellowfish (Labeobarbus kimberlyensis)
- Orange River Mudfish (Labeo capensis)
See also
In Spanish: Río Orange para niños
- List of rivers in South Africa
- List of international border rivers
- List of crossings of the Orange River
