This is a special trip for K1-paddlers, and not very well-known.
- Ideal for: K1
- Grade: 1 to 2
- Length: 42km
- Duration: 5 to 7 hours
- Type: Flat, small rapids
- Put-in: Bridge on R33
- Take-out: Bridge on R68
- Dam controlled: No
- Permits: Not when doing full section
An annual race is held on it every year over an 18km course. To do this shorter section, one needs permission from farmers for both put-in and take-out. The easiest way to get access for a shorter trip will be to contact the Rorke’s Drift Canoe Club in Newcastle, whose members have a good relationship with the farmers.
The whole section can easily be run in a K1, except for a 800m long gorge. This gorge is on the high 3 scale and has been shot in K1’s, but in the race it is a compulsory portage. The last few kilometers before the take out at the R68 is very flat, with one major treeblock that has to be portaged.
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.