Umzimkulu River – Stoke’s farm to Islington Store, aka Waterfall Section
Umzimkulu River – Stoke’s farm to Islington Store, aka Waterfall Section · kwazulu-natal
Grade
IV
Length
1) 5km 2) 30km
Duration
1) 2 to 3 hours 2) 6 to 7 hours
Type
pool drop
About
Short waterfall section with flat between drops. Run starts directly above the first drop (2-3m depending on level) — wide, broken on far right, runnable on the left at all levels with a deep pool and no significant suckback. Easy rapids lead to a sloping 3m fall — wide, multiple lines, middle safest. Stopper will submerge a kayak but releases cleanly; portage at high levels. Next is a 5m fall — vertical drop on the left, broken slope on the right. Cliffs on left bank, so exit right to scout. Vertical left line is preferred and straightforward at low-medium; stay off the far left (suckback). Portage at high levels. DO NOT run the rapid after the next flat pool — it feeds into Cooper Falls (~30m wide, gorge and cataracts left, sheer drops right). First take-out is on the left bank above Cooper Falls (4x4 helps; last km is impassable to normal cars). If continuing, portage Cooper Falls on the right. Below it: long boulder-garden class 3, similar to Hella-Hella on the Umkomaas. Long section only worth it at higher levels.
Access
Put-in
Take-out
Permits
Farmer at Stoke’s farm is very friendly. At least greet him when you put in.
Recent sessions
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