Orange basin
Quick Summary
The Orange River basin is a significant drainage system in southern Africa, primarily located in South Africa. The Orange River itself is one of the continent's longest rivers, originating in the Lesotho Highlands and flowing west for approximately 1,300 miles before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean.1
The basin, which includes the Vaal River as its main tributary, covers an area of at least 330,000 square miles. The western part of this basin is arid and requires irrigation for cultivation. The river plays a crucial economic role, with projects like the Orange River Project designed to supply water for irrigation and development in South Africa's industrial areas. The Orange River is characterized by rapids and waterfalls, including the Augrabies Falls, due to tectonic activity and resistant rock formations. Its flow is highly seasonal, with rainfall in Lesotho contributing significantly to its volume.123
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