Kaap River
The Kaap River (also Umlambongwane or Little Crocodile River) is a river in the De Kaap Valley of eastern Mpumalanga province, South Africa. It is a tributary of the Crocodile River with which it has a confluence at Kaapmuiden. The Kaap River has two main tributaries, namely the North Kaap River (Afrikaans: Noordkaap) and South Kaap River (Afrikaans: Suidkaap). Its lower reaches cut through the scenic Krokodilpoortsberge, where it has several tributaries, including Figtree creek and Low's creek (or Mantibovu).
Kaap River Little Crocodile River | |
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The Avoca train bridge pictured in 1895 | |
Location of mouth | |
Etymology | from De Kaap Valley |
Native name | Umlambongwane |
Location | |
Country | South Africa |
Region | South African lowveld |
Physical characteristics | |
Source | northern Drakensberg |
• location | near Kaapsehoop (North Kaap) and Nelshoogte (South Kaap), Mpumalanga |
• elevation | 1,800 m (5,900 ft) |
Mouth | Crocodile River |
• location | Kaapmuiden, Mpumalanga |
• coordinates | 25°32′25″S 31°18′49″E |
• elevation | 350 m (1,150 ft) |
History
The catchment area of the river was once inhabited by the Mbayi tribe, or people of Maseko, who were lorded over by the bakaNgomane. [1] Their places of residence can still be recognized by their cairns, the purpose of which is unclear.