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
The Avoca train bridge pictured in 1895
Location of mouth
Etymology	from De Kaap Valley
Native name	Umlambongwane (Tsonga)
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. Their places of residence can still be recognized by their cairns, the purpose of which is unclear.

The Kaap River and its tributaries on a map of 1895. The border between South Africa and Swaziland (since 2018 renamed to Eswatini) is shown at bottom right.

See also

• List of rivers of South Africa