Caledon River

Caledon (Mohokare)
River
Countries South Africa, Lesotho
State Free State
City Maseru
Source Mont-aux-Sources
 - location SW of Phuthaditjhaba, Drakensberg
 - elevation 2,100 m (6,890 ft)
Mouth Orange River
 - location Near Bethulie
 - elevation 1,267 m (4,157 ft)
 - coordinates 30°31′21″S 26°4′21″E / 30.52250°S 26.07250°E / -30.52250; 26.07250Coordinates: 30°31′21″S 26°4′21″E / 30.52250°S 26.07250°E / -30.52250; 26.07250
Length 480 km (298 mi)
Location of the Caledon River mouth

The Caledon River (Sotho: Mohokare) is located in south-east Africa, rising in the Drakensberg Mountains in Lesotho. The origin is in the former bantustan of QwaQwa, near the border with Lesotho, southwest of Witsieshoek. It then flows south-west, marking the border with South Africa and Lesotho before entering South Africa's Free State province (north of Wepener). It then flows westwardly before joining the Orange River near Bethulie in southern Free State, just before the Gariep Dam. The land falling into the wedge between these two rivers forms the Tussen-die-Riviere Nature Reserve.

The river is the primary source of water for Maseru, the capital of Lesotho, which stands on the river. During periods of low rainfall water shortages can ensue. To combat this, reservoirs have been created with structures such as the Muela Dam and the Meulspruit Dam.[1] In 2003 water was released from here to avert drought.[2]

The Caledon valley is important in the history of the Basotho people. The area was exceptionally fertile and could be farmed without irrigation. This made it desirable and was one of the causes of the conflict between the Basotho and the Boers.

Dams in South Africa

See also

References

  1. ↑ Caledon River - Dams
  2. ↑ Drought

External links


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