Orange River facts for kids
The Orange River (officially called Oranje) is a river in Southern Africa. It is 2,160 kilometres (1,340 mi) long. It starts in Lesotho, and is the longest river there. For large parts of its course, it forms the border between South Africa and Namibia.
The Orange river basin extends into South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana. The river starts in the Drakensberg mountains. It passes only through the city of Upington: it does not run through other major cities.
The river is important for the South African economy. Its water is used for irrigation and hydroelectric power. The river was named the Orange River in honour of the Dutch ruling family, the House of Orange, by the Dutch explorer Robert Jacob Gordon.
Images for kids
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Orange River south of Rosh Pinah
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Senqu River Near Ha Potomane (Cutting Camp) in Quthing, Lesotho
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Orange River near Hopetown
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This image shows the last 100 km or so of the Orange River, in which the gravel deposits in the river bed and along the banks are rich with diamonds, and several diamond mines operate along this stretch.
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The Augrabies Falls in full flow
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The General Hertzog Bridge over the Orange River at Aliwal North on the southwestern border with the Free State: Note the remains of the Frere Bridge on the left.
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The Gariep Dam on the Orange River is the largest dam in South Africa, and was a key part of the Orange River Project.
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View over the eastern part of the dam, with the water intake at Oviston
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A vineyard on the Orange River
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Various irrigation projects along the river
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Rafting on the Orange River is a popular tourist activity.
See also
In Spanish: Río Orange para niños
