The river mouth is at the Atlantic Ocean at Benguela Bay,[2] in Cuanza Sul Province.

Cuvo is its name in its upper reaches; its lower course is called the Keve or Queve.

[3] The river is navigable upstream to Binga Falls near Gabela.

The river may be the southern extent of the range of the African manatee.

[4] The river wetland floodplain and Kumbira Forest is part of an Important Bird Area with several rare species.