The Ngudwini is a small tributary to the Umkomaas and only runs after good rains. When it does, it is a very steep confined river.
- Ideal for: Kayak
- Grade: 3 to 4, maybe 5 at high water
- Length: 10km
- Duration: 3 to 4 hours
- Type: Narrow creek
- Put-in: Lowlevel bridge. Take turnoff going to Nature Reserve on right, approximately 2km from Hella-Hella bridge.
- Take-out: Hella-Hella bridge
- Dam controlled: No
- Permits: None
The section on the Ngudwini is only about 5km long before it runs into the Umkomaas, with another 5km to paddle before reaching the Hella-Hella bridge. Soon after the confluence comes the natural weir, which should be scouted, as it has a wide keeper hole at the bottom. When the Ngudwini is running, the Umkomaas is likely to be at a reasonably high level as well.
Look out for siphons and undercuts, everything happens fast on this ride. There is a slide/waterfall that has a strong suckback at high levels, when it should 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.