Groot River
Groot River · western cape
Grade
III
Length
15km
Duration
4 to 5 hours
Type
continuous
About
The Groot flows through the well-known Meiringspoort kloof of the Swartberg Mountains, one of the few connections between the Klein and Groot Karoo. Afrikaans writer Langenhoven travelled the kloof in the 1920s on a tram drawn by an elephant named Herrie, documented in "Herrie op die ou Tremspoor". The current road crosses the river more than 20 times. Although named the Groot, the section is commonly known as Meiringspoort. Levels are usually too low, and it is run mostly by locals after good rains. The river is boulder-strewn and technical; watch for pour-overs at higher levels and occasional siphons or undercuts. Many road bridges cross the river, and it is advisable for the shuttle driver to wait at each bridge to indicate lines and possible portages.
Access
Put-in
Take-out
Permits
None