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. Mthatha Town (Umtata) is named after it.[2][3]

Mthatha River Umtata River
close to where the Mthatha River meets the Indian Ocean
Location of the Mthatha River mouth
Etymology	Sneeze-wood trees (Ptaeroxylon obliquum) growing on the banks of the river[1]
Native name	'mtathe Bawo (Xhosa)
Location
Country	South Africa
Province	Eastern Cape Province
Physical characteristics
Source
• location	Baziya Range, Eastern Cape, South Africa
• elevation	1,500 m (4,900 ft)
Mouth	Indian Ocean
• location	Coffee Bay, South Africa
• coordinates	31°56′S 29°11′E
• elevation	0 m (0 ft)
Length	250 km (160 mi)
Basin size	2,600 km2 (1,000 sq mi)

Its main tributaries are the Ngqungqu River and the Cicira River.[4]

The Mthatha River marks the southern limit of the Pondoland region.[5]

Dams

Presently this river is part of the Mzimvubu to Keiskamma Water Management Area.[6]

• 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

External links

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

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