Umkomaas River – Hella-Hella to Josephine’s Bridge
Umkomaas River – Hella-Hella to Josephine’s Bridge · kwazulu-natal
Grade
IV
Length
1) 14 km 2) 26 km
Duration
1) 3 to 5 hours in a kayak, depending on water level and the time spent playing. 2) 3-5 hours in a K1.
Type
pool drop
About
A classic pool-drop section used by both K1 paddlers and whitewater kayakers, forming the start of the annual Umkomaas marathon and featuring the largest rapids on any K1 race. Less-experienced K1 paddlers should trip it several times before racing, preferably at low water. Options: 1) 14km to a riverside camp (3–5 hours in a kayak depending on playtime); 2) 26km to Josephine's Bridge (3–5 hours in a K1). Take-out and shuttles must be arranged in advance. Major rapids are numbered 1 to 8, with House-rock rapid between 6 and 7, plus several unnumbered rapids nearly as large. Action starts immediately at rapid 1; walking back before the start is an option. Rapids are long with big holes and boulders. Rapids 5 and 6 form one long rapid identified by a pinnacle rock at the top centre of the main channel, best scouted from the right; most K1 paddlers should portage, or take the far-left chicken run when water isn't too low. Good river-running terrain for kayakers, with pretty scenery through a deep valley, local huts on the hills, and several nice playholes. Below rapid 8 the rapids shrink and space out; most kayakers take out here, while K1 paddlers often continue to Josephine's to ease shuttles. The rapid-8-to-Josephine's stretch is popular with less experienced paddlers. Rafting is popular on this and the next section, supported by consistent water levels.
Access
Put-in
Take-out
Permits
Arrange with Umko Whitewater Rafting at take-out, who also provide shuttle drives.
Commercial operators
- Umko Whitewater Rafting
- Duma Manzi