The Umtata River, also known as the Mthatha River, is a significant watercourse in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, flowing approximately 250 kilometers from its source in the Baziya Range to its estuary at the Indian Ocean near Coffee Bay. The river marks the southern boundary of the Pondoland region. Its character is defined by its journey through the Wild Coast, culminating in a river mouth environment where paddling activities such as kayaking are known to occur. The estuary area, where the river meets the sea, is a documented location for paddlesports.

The river system has a catchment area of 2,600 square kilometers and includes main tributaries such as the Ngqungqu and Cicira rivers. The town of Mthatha (Umtata) is named after the river. The river is part of the larger Mzimvubu to Keiskamma Water Management Area. Scientific studies have been conducted on the river's ecological health, focusing on aspects like benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages, which can be an indicator of water quality. The river's name originates from the Sneeze-wood trees that historically grew along its banks.