Nahoon River

The Nahoon is a favourite section for East London-based kayakers, as it is very close to the city and easily accessible. The river is totally dependent on rain and only worthwhile to attempt after good rains.

  • Ideal for: Kayak
  • Grade: 2 to 4
  • Length: 12km
  • Duration: 2 to 3 hours
  • Type: Tight, continuous
  • Put-in: Take dirt road turn-off to Touch Farm, put in at causeway
  • Take-out: Tarred road bridge just upstream of the N2 bridge (Abbotsford Causeway)
  • Dam controlled: Nahoon Dam, but still very much dependent on the rain
  • Permits: None

MAP 21

There are two weirs on the section that should both be portaged. There are also two causeways; portage at low to medium levels, go straight over at high enough levels.

There are a couple of playholes, making it a worthwhile playsection for competent paddlers. The river is scattered with strainers because of the infrequent flow of the river.


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
I appreciate any contributions to keep this content up-to-date.