Mbhashe River
Mbhashe River is one of the major rivers in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. It flows in a southeastern direction and has a catchment area of 6,030 km2. The river drains into the Indian Ocean through an estuary located near the lighthouse at Bashee, south of Mhlanganisweni.
| Mbhashe River Mbashe, Bashee | |
|---|---|
Location of the Mbashe River mouth | |
| Etymology | Referring either to 'dark river' or 'dangerous ravine' in the Xhosa language, or perhaps named after a person called 'Mbashe' |
| Location | |
| Country | South Africa |
| Province | Eastern Cape Province |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | Drakensberg |
| • location | NE of Elliot, Eastern Cape |
| • elevation | 1,700 m (5,600 ft) |
| Mouth | Indian Ocean |
• location | Bashee |
• coordinates | 32°15′S 28°54′E |
• elevation | 0 m (0 ft) |
| Basin size | 6,030 km2 (2,330 sq mi) |
After passing under national road N2, the Mbhashe River encounters southwest of Elliotdale and north-east of Dutywa the more rugged terrain of the Wild Coast and suddenly enters into a 64 km long series of violent twists and turns known as the Collywobbles before continuing more sedately towards the Indian Ocean.
The Mbhashe river's main tributaries are the Xuka River, Mgwali River, Dutywa River and the Mnyolo River. Presently this river is part of the Mzimvubu to Keiskamma Water Management Area.