Mthatha River

Mthatha River ('mtathe Bawo)
Umtata River
close to where the Mthatha River meets the Indian Ocean
Name origin: Referring in the Xhosa language to the Sneeze-wood trees (Ptaeroxylon obliquum) growing on the banks of the river[1]
Country	South Africa
Province	Eastern Cape Province
Source
- location	Baziya Range, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- elevation	1,500 m (4,921 ft)
Mouth	Indian Ocean
- location	Coffee Bay, South Africa
- elevation	0 m (0 ft)
- coordinates	ZA 31°56′S 29°11′E / 31.933°S 29.183°ECoordinates: ZA 31°56′S 29°11′E / 31.933°S 29.183°E
Length	250 km (155 mi)
Basin	2,600 km^2 (1,004 sq mi)
Location of the Mthatha River mouth

Mthatha River or Umtata River (Xhosa: 'mtathe Bawo) is a river in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. The river flows into the Indian Ocean in an estuary located near Coffee Bay. The Mthatha river flows in a southeastern direction and is approximately 250 km long with a catchment area of 2,600 km². It is named after Mthatha Town (Umtata).^[2]

Its main tributaries are the Ngqungqu River and the Cicira River.^[3]

The Mthatha River marks the southern limit of the Pondoland region.^[4]

Dams

Presently this river is part of the Mzimvubu to Keiskamma Water Management Area.^[5]

• Mthatha Dam
• Mabeleni Dam

See also

• List of rivers of South Africa
• List of estuaries of South Africa
• List of dams and reservoirs in South Africa

References

1. Dictionary of Southern African Place Names
2. Mthatha River System - 2008
3. Mzimbuvu to Keiskamma WMA 12
4. Contributions to the ecology of Maputaland, Southern Africa
5. Is there a role for traditional governance systems in South Africa's new water management regime?

External links

• The Ecological Health of the Mthatha River
• 180° view of Mthatha River Mouth
• Invasive alien plants along Mthatha river