Orange River

Orange River Map
Location
CountriesLesotho
South Africa
Namibia
CitiesUpington
Physical characteristics
Source
LocationDrakensberg (Lesotho)
Elevation3,300 m
(10,927 ft)
Mouth – Atlantic Ocean
LocationAlexander Bay (Namibia / South Africa)
Elevation0 m (0 ft)
Length2,300 km (1,430 mi)
Basin size896,368 km2 (346,090 sq mi)
Discharge
Average365 m³/s
(12,900 cu ft/s)

The Orange river is 2,300 km (1,430 mi) in length and it is the longest river in South Africa. It is also a major river of Africa. The source of the river is located in the Drakensberg mountain in Lesotho and the river flow westwards through South Africa to the Atlantic Ocean.


The river is part of the international borders separating South Africa from Namibia, and South Africa from Lesotho, as well as several provincial borders in South Africa


With the exception of Upington, it does not cross any major city. However the River plays an important role in the South African economy as it provides water for irrigation, as well as hydroelectric power.