The Tarka River is a river in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Along with the Baviaans River, Grootbrak River and Kat River it is a major eastern tributary of the Great Fish River.[2] The Lake Arthur Dam and the Kommandodrif Dam are located in this river. The latter is included in the Commando Drift Nature Reserve.
| Tarka River Umncumuba | |
|---|---|
  Confluence of the Tarka and Great Fish Rivers | |
| Etymology | Tarka probably meaning 'place of many women' in the Khoekhoe language. The Xhosa name Umncumuba means 'willow tree'[1] |
| Location | |
| Country | South Africa |
| Province | Eastern Cape |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | |
| • location | Bamboesberg |
| Mouth | Great Fish River |
• location | Confluence |
• coordinates | 32°18′53″S 25°43′30″E / 32.31472°S 25.72500°E |
• elevation | 815 m (2,674 ft) |
The Tarka river is part of the Fish to Tsitsikama Water Management Area.[3]
History
The possible origin of the name comes from the Khoekhoe language with words such as taras or tra, meaning 'woman' or 'the maidens river'.[4]
Course
From its source, it flows eastwards through Willowmore, then south through the Toorwaterpoort in the Anysberg and then joins up with Olifants River.[4]
Source
The river has its source at 900 metres in Swartberg mountain range.[4]
Watershed
It has a catchment area of around 2000sqkm with rainfall between 120 and 250mm.[4]