- Length: 2,200 km;
- Area of the basin: 973,000 km²;
- Source height above sea level: 3,350 m;
- Estuary: Alexander Bay;
- Countries: South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia.
The Orange River is one of the seven longest rivers in Africa. It is sometimes called the Orange River or simply Orange. The river flows through several states: Lesotho , South Africa and Namibia. By its name, the river is not obliged at all to the color of its waters, but to the Royal Orange Dynasty of the Netherlands, or rather the river was named after William of Orange. For the small kingdom of Lesotho - this is one of the first rivers of importance, providing the population with freshwater.
Geography
The origins of the river are in the territory of the state of Lesotho in the mountains of Maluti, Taba-Putsoa and the Drakensberg Mountains at an altitude of about 3300 m above sea level. Because of this geographical position, the source of the river in winter often freezes, which causes its partial drying in other areas. Its total length is 2,200 km, and the basin area is about 973 thousand square kilometers. The largest tributaries of the Orange River are Caledon, Waal, Fish River.
Despite the great length of the riverbed, the depth of the river does not allow vessels to walk. But the rainy season its depth can reach 6 - 10 m.
What to see?
On the territory of Lesotho, the Orange River flows through the territory of the Liphofung reserve, where petroglyphs were found in the caves of local ancient inhabitants. The age of these drawings is about 100 thousand years.
Another attraction of the Orange River is one of the most beautiful waterfalls of Afiriki - Augrabis, whose height reaches 146 meters. The waterfall is in the territory of the Republic of South Africa.
A feature of this flow is a sandy shaft, which is washed by the river itself at its mouth, in a season when the river's current is too weak. The length of such sand deposits is about 33 km.
And in 947, on the lower banks of the Orange River, deposits of diamonds and gold were discovered, which until now have been washed near the mouth directly from the sand.
The river is also favored by tourists because of the absence of large animals such as crocodiles or hippos. On the territory of South Africa, excursions along the river are often organized, followed by rafting or fishing.
Where to stay?
To admire the origins of the Orange River in the Dragon Mountains , you can stop at the Boikhethelo Guest House in Mokotlonga in the kingdom of Lesotho. The price for standard accommodation here starts from $ 45. To explore the caves with rock paintings of the Liphofung nature reserve, one can stay in one of the smaller hotels in Buta Bute . For example, Mamohase Rural Stay B & B (price for standard accommodation - from $ 65) or Kabelo Bed & Breakfast (standard rooms cost from $ 45).
To admire the waterfall Augebis, you should settle in one of the hotels nearby in South Africa:
- Dundi Lodge 4 *. The price for accommodation in a standard room starts at $ 90. The hotel offers free parking, a swimming pool and a restaurant.
- Plato Lodge. The cost of a standard double room starts from $ 80. The hotel also offers free parking, can offer refreshing swim in the pool or taste local and European dishes in its restaurant.
- Augrabies Valle Guesthouse. The cost of a double room starts from $ 50. The mini-hotel also has free parking and a swimming pool.
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