This is an easy section, ideal for beginners. It has long flat pools, with mostly small rapids and a few weirs.Ideal for: Croc, K1, kayak
- Grade: 1 to 2
- Length: 13km
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours in a K1, 4 to 5 hours in a croc
- Type: Pool-drop
- Put-in: Laughing Waters (River Road in Rhenosterspruit Private Reserve)
- Take-out: ‘Roos se Oord’ on the right bank just after the Broederstroom bridge
- Dam controlled: No
- Permits: Permission at entrance of reserve and at ‘Roos se Oord’
- Commercial operators: Paddle Power
The biggest rapid of the section is Constantia rapid and is found 2km below the put in. It can be shot on the left when the river is low or on the right when the level is up. The landowners here are not friendly to paddlers, so stay in the river and portage over rocks if necessary.
About 1km downstream one comes to Hennops weir, which should definitely be portaged on the right.
Rambo’s bridge is found just past halfway. At very high levels, go straight over. Otherwise get out on the left, walk across the bridge and get back in the water on the right. When the bridge is just under water, be cautious of a strong keeper hole behind it.
About 3km further one comes across the first of the Pelindaba weirs. A portage on the right is easy, and to be recommended. Otherwise, shoot it on the far right with the boat at an angle from right to left. Beware of the left chute which looks like the obvious line – a pillar has fallen into the weir at this point, posing the potential danger of reinforced concrete debris.
Some 200m further down lies the second Pelindaba weir. It can be shot in the middle down the fish jump, but make sure not to miss it, as the weir is high. Alternatively, portage on the left.
Take out at the ‘Roos se Oord’ resort below the Broederstroom bridge, on the right. There is also the Bushveld Pub and Grub next to the resort where one can leave a vehicle and enjoy some refreshments after the trip.
This river description is taken from my book “Run the Rivers of Southern Africa”.
If you have any pictures or recent information on this section of river to share, please contact me:
blog@cellierskruger.com
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