Elands River – Waterval-Boven to Sappi
Elands River – Waterval-Boven to Sappi · lowveld
Grade
III
Length
22km
Duration
3 to 5 hours
Type
continuous
About
A small tributary of the Crocodile River, the Elands is best known for the waterfall at Waterval-Boven. Access is straightforward as the N4 follows the river from Waterval-Boven to Montrose, allowing various put-in and take-out options. This 22km section is only worth paddling at medium to high levels, where it becomes a fast and continuous run. Flash floods have opened up what was once a tight, tree-choked channel, but strainers remain a risk. The steepest and most rewarding part runs from Waterval-Boven to Waterval-Onder and should only be attempted at high water. The final 8km from Saragossa to the Sappi paper mill is the easiest and suitable for competent K1-paddlers; Saragossa can be used as an alternative access with prior permission. A dangerous low-level bridge just past Saragossa must be portaged.
Access
Put-in
Take-out
Permits
None