The Keiskamma River (Afrikaans: Keiskammarivier) is a river in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. The river flows into the Indian Ocean in the Keiskamma Estuary, located by Hamburg Nature Reserve, near Hamburg,[1] midway between East London and Port Alfred. The Keiskamma flows first in a southwestern and then in a southeastern direction after meeting its main tributary, the Tyhume River.[2]

Keiskamma River
Keiskammarivier
general view of Keiskammahoek where the sources of the Keiskamma River lie
Keiskamma River is located in South Africa
Keiskamma River
Location of the Keiskamma River mouth
EtymologyMeaning "sweet water" in the Khoekhoe language
Location
CountrySouth Africa
ProvinceEastern Cape Province
Physical characteristics
SourceNear Keiskammahoek
 • locationAmatola Mountains
 • elevation1,500 m (4,900 ft)
MouthIndian Ocean
 • location
Near Hamburg
 • coordinates
33°17′0″S 27°29′20″E / 33.28333°S 27.48889°E / -33.28333; 27.48889
 • elevation
0 m (0 ft)
Length160 km (99 mi)
Basin features
Tributaries 
 • rightTyhume

The Keiskamma River marked the border between the Cape Province and former British Kaffraria, known also then as Queen Adelaide's Province, until 1847.[3]

Presently this river is part of the Mzimvubu to Keiskamma Water Management Area.[4]

Ecology

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There is a small population of the endangered Eastern Province rocky (Sandelia bainsii) in the Tyhume River, part of the Keiskamma river basin.[5]

Dams

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See also

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References

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