Tugela River – Red Ravine
Tugela River – Red Ravine · kwazulu-natal
Grade
III
Length
30km
Duration
Long 1 day, easy 2 day
Type
pool drop
About
A classic 30km pool-drop section of the Tugela, previously run commercially. It is less isolated than other Tugela sections, and valuables should be watched around locals. Flatwater below the put-in at Tugela Estate bridge can be skipped by driving to a store beside the river near the Bushmans crossing. The ravine begins shortly after the Bushmans confluence, with most rapids readable from the boat. Farm rapid is the first major one and holds big holes; several other sizeable rapids should be scouted. The main obstacle is Mashunka Falls, 2–3m depending on level: runnable lines exist at low water, but at higher flows it forms a bad hole and should not be attempted by the under-qualified. Take-out is just above a weir at a school turn-off. Possible in a day at high water, though an overnight trip is recommended to justify the logistics.
Access
Put-in
Take-out
Permits
None