Molenaars River
Molenaars River · western cape
Grade
IV
Length
7 km from put-in at low-level bridge
Duration
1½ hour, with playing 4 hours
Type
continuous
About
A Cape Town favourite thanks to easy access, with continuous rapids and numerous playspots over a 7 km run from the low-level bridge put-in. The N1 runs alongside, compromising the scenery but providing the novelty of paddling in view of passing traffic; surrounding mountains remain impressive. Steep overgrown banks and scarce flat pools can lead to long swims. Rapids are challenging without being scary, though at high flows they become intimidating — the rapid alongside the resort is notorious for swims. A weir halfway down should be portaged, particularly at high water. The catchment is very small and the river is often paddled in rain, hail or snow, with snow-capped peaks nearby; proper waterproof cold-weather gear is essential. See Adrian Tregoning's trip report: Molenaars River – The cold and fast one.
Access
Put-in
Take-out
Permits
Permission from resort. Just ask and be friendly.