Canoeing, Kayaking, River Rafting and White Water Canoeing in South Africa

The Umkomaas, Umzimkulu, Mooi, Umgeni, Umkomaas, Thukela, Buffalo and Pongola rivers flow across the KwaZulu Natal from the high Drakensberg Mountains to the sea providing challenges aplenty for rafters and canoeists. For the wilderness enthusiasts the lakes of Maputaland, Lake St Lucia, Lake Sibaya and the Kosi system allow paddlers to share the water with wildlife such as hippo and crocodile. There are also dozens of dams across the Kingdom, many of which are set in nature reserves with camping and accommodation facilities.

The long coastline stretching from Kosi Bay in the north to Port Edward in the south is ideal for surfskis and sea kayaks, windsurfers or fishing skiboats. A fast growing activity is fishing from one-man surfskis which are locally manufactured and specially adapted to the sport.

Canoeing in KwaZulu Natal South Africa

Once again there are dozens of paddle-able rivers, and a number of popular canoe marathons, namely the 50 Miler on the Umsindusi and Umgeni Rivers (December) the Dusi Canoe Marathon (January), the Drakensberg Challenge on the Umzimkulu (March), the Umkomaas Marathon (February) and Tugela Marathon (March). Overnights are spent camping on the banks of the rivers.

• Dlangala reservations
  Situated in the Umkomaas Valley 45 min from Pietermaritzburg and 90 min from Durban. Ideal for birders, school groups and adventurers. They use inflatable arc canoes, easy to paddle craft.
  Contact: Dlangala Reservations 

River Rafting in KwaZulu Natal South Africa

This is a popular activity, especially in the rainy season when rivers are full. White water rafting is done on all the major rivers, including the upper Thugela (near Weenen), the Umkomaas near Hela Hela and further upstream near Bulwer, and the Buffalo (access from Dundee).

• 180 Degrees Adventures
  180 Degree Adventures is an adventure company dedicated to provide unique experiences amidst the splendour of Africa's great wilderness.
  Contact: Brad Pearse/Xavier
  031 3122970/082822699
  E-Mail: 180 Degrees Adventures
   
• Bushmans River Tourism Association
  White River Rafting is offered by guides on either the Bushmans River (a two hour, scenic trip on rubber craft) or along the Tugela River (a number of tour operators offer river rafting trips down the Thukela and Bushman Rivers.)
  Contact: Bushmans River Tourism 
  
• Dlangala reservations
  Spend a day you will never forget, take up the challenge and ride the river, enjoy the spectacular scenery and remoteness of the Momma's Valley. Guided half and full day rafting trips are offered, overnight accommodation is available at one of the resorts or bush camps in the wilderness area. The guides are professionals and trained. The equipment is state of the art, Zambezi rafts, croc inflatable canoes, life jackets and helmets are provided.
  Contact: Dlangala reservations
  
• Oribi-X-Treme
  Oribi Gorge, near Port Shepstone
  Highest commercial abseil in the world - 130m. White water rafting, tubing (black water) hiking trails, team building packages, sports & adventure tours, accommodation available.
  Contact: Oribi-X-Treme 
  

White Water Canoeing/Kayaking

A kayak safari through the four interlinked Kosi lakes to the Kosi Bay mouth is a unique wilderness experience. You can see hippo, flamingos, fish eagles and rare palm nut vultures, and paddle between the hand-made reed fish traps set up by the local community. Kosi mouth is a great place to finish with excellent snorkelling, fishing and hiking.

White water kayaking is a rapidly growing sport with a new section opened on the Buffalo river near Dundee. There are easy sections for beginners and tough sections for experienced adrenaline junkies.

• Dlangala Reservations
  Situated in the Umkomaas Valley 45min from Pietermaritzburg and 90min from Durban.
  Ideal for birders, school groups and adventurer's. They use inflatable arc canoes, easy to paddle craft. South Africa's finest stretch of commercial white water - the awesome Hella Hella to 'Numba Ate'. Grade 3,4 and 5 rapids that technically tests the paddler's abilities to negotiate the mighty river are strewn along a 24km water wilderness - if you're an adventurer this trip is a must. They are also the only experienced operation on this stretch of water.
  Contact: Dlangala reservations