Umzimvubu River – Dikela to Port St. Johns
Umzimvubu River – Dikela to Port St. Johns · transkei
Grade
IV
Length
70km from put-in at low-level bridge
Duration
5 days for full section
About
Multi-day Transkei classic. Alternative put-in via Mxhino (track ends, similar walk down) sits ~15km upstream of Dikela and adds a day. From either put-in: intro class 2-3 leads into bigger stuff — expect a new rapid needing scouting around almost every corner. To the next access point, rapids are class 3-4. Around 15km below Dikela, two rapids near the Mzintshana tributary need careful scouting, as does the Delicious White Monster just before the next access point. Mid-trip access is via Majola — slow 35km 4x4 to the bank. Section 2 same pattern — cruisy stretches with class 3 (occasional class 4) at almost every corner. Scout: a waterfall on the second afternoon must be portaged. River then flattens into the estuary. Few large camping spots — local cattle farmers occupy the flat grass areas. Expect frequent visits from curious children and farmers. Trip ends by paddling through The Gate at Port St. Johns into the sea.
Access
Put-in
Take-out
Permits
None
Recent sessions
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