This is a popular section for K1-paddlers, but it is also worthwhile for kayakers when the water is high.
- Ideal for: Kayak, K1
- Grade: 1 to 2
- Length: 20 km
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Type: Long pools, small rapids
- Put-in: Low-level bridge outside town
- Take-out: Sierra Ranch hotel. Ask for road down to river.
- Dam controlled: Midmar Dam
- Permits: Permission from Sierra Ranch hotel
From the put-in the river is relatively flat, interspersed with small rapids. The last few kilometers to the take out have more gradient, resulting in a nice continuous stretch of class 2 whitewater. At the end of this, just before the take out, are a couple of ledges that are shootable in a K1, but it would be wise to scout them first.
Paddlers who only want to do the easier section can take out at a low-level bridge about 7km before the take out, thereby cutting out the more difficult part.
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.