Pongola River

BW

Template: Infobox River / Obsolete

The Pongola (also Phongolo, zulu for trough ') is a river in South Africa. Its source is near Wakkerstroom in Mpumalanga in the eastern Drakensberg. It is located at an altitude of 2200 meters above sea level. It flows eastwards through a gorge in the Lebombobergen. The catchment area of ​​Pongola is part of the basin of the Rio Maputo.

The floodplain of the Pongola is one of the most diverse ecosystems in South Africa. The many lagoons, backwaters, marshes, forests, and meadows provide many dykes animals a habitat. In the river there are crocodiles, hippos, Rötelpelikane and cobalt kingfishers. The martial eagle lives near the river. To the river there are also some rare plants, among others, the Gladiolenart Ithala Gladiolus ( English), Bivane Waterwood and wild teak.