Orange River

The Orange River, also known as the Gariep River, Groote River, or Senqu River, is the Longest River in Namibia and is South Africa's longest river, bordering Namibia. It begins in Lesotho's Drakensberg highlands and flows west through South Africa to the Atlantic Ocean. The river constitutes a component of the international boundaries between South Africa and Namibia, as well as numerous provincial borders within South Africa. Although the river does not pass through any large cities, it is vital to the South African economy since it provides water for irrigation in southern Namibia and serves as a source of hydroelectric power stations. Robert Jacob Gordon called the Orange River after the Dutch Royal House. Canoe cruises along the Orange River are available from a number of tour companies.

The Orange rises in the Drakensberg mountains along the border between South Africa and Lesotho. It then flows westward through South Africa, forming the southwestern boundary of the Free State province. The river meets its main tributary, the Vaal River, at 20°E longitude. The river has a total length of 2,432 km (1,511 mi). It empties into the Atlantic Ocean between the small towns of Oranjemund (meaning "Orange mouth" in Namibian) and Alexander Bay in South Africa.

Length: 2,432 km