The Mamba gorge is well-known as it forms part of the Dusi Marathon, when the whole gorge is portaged at Ngumeni Hill.
This is a fairly continuous section of the Umgeni River with excellent scenery. It goes through a pretty unspoilt valley with steep sandstone cliffs. Experienced K1-paddlers will do themselves a favour to explore this section.
This is a popular practise section for K1-paddlers in KwaZulu-Natal.
The section used to be part of the Umkomaas marathon, but no races are held on it anymore due to stone throwing. It is a fairly easy section, with only two rapids worth mentioning.
The second day of the Umkomaas marathon normally consists of this section. It is one of the easier sections of the Umkomaas, and provides nice open rapids. The section should not be underestimated, though. Some of the rapids may hide a surprise or two.
This is a classic piece of river for both K1-paddlers and whitewater kayakers. The section forms the start of the annual Umkomaas marathon and contains the biggest rapids any K1-race is held on. For the not-too-competent K1-paddler this might be an eye-opener, and it is recommended that this section is tripped a few times before racing on it, and preferably at a low level.
This section of the Umkomaas River belongs to the old classics club. It can be paddled at low and high levels. The water channels nicely instead of disappearing through the rocks when the level is low, making the rapids still fun. Stay away at a high level unless you know the river well. The gorge is inaccessible for the most part, and one of the most beautiful in the country.
This section of the Umkomaas River is a very pleasant run, popular for kayakers and K1-paddlers, and very accessible. All rapids are runnable with a K1 (easier than the section below Hella-Hella), and the flat stretches are not too long. For kayakers, this is one of the better play-sections in Natal, with nice waves and holes forming at all levels.
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.
For some unknown reason this must be the most under-estimated and un-used stretch of the Umkomaas River. Although it is high up on the Umkomaas, it’s still below most major tributaries and carries basically the same amount of water as the more popular lower stretches.