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
A popular kayaking section, particularly the short first stretch known as the Waterfall Section. It features several waterfalls and interesting rapids with enough flat water between drops for recovery. The run begins directly above the first drop, 2–3m high depending on the level. It is wide, broken on the far right, and runnable at all levels on the left near the bank — a safe introduction to waterfall running with a deep pool below and no significant suckback. After a few easy rapids comes a sloping 3m waterfall. The river is wide here with multiple lines; the middle is safest. The stopper at the bottom will submerge a kayak but releases cleanly, though it becomes sticky at high levels and should then be portaged. Next is a 5m waterfall — a straight drop on the left and a broken slope on the right. Cliffs line the left bank, so exit right to scout. The vertical drop on the left is the preferred line and is straightforward at low to medium flows; stay away from the far left where suckback strengthens. The short walk back makes repeat runs easy and it is commonly run multiple times. At high levels the suckback becomes dangerous and the drop must be portaged. Do not attempt the rapid after the following flat pool — it feeds into the massive Cooper Falls, a spectacular drop with a central island, a gorge and cataracts on the left, and sheer drops on the right, roughly 30m wide. The first take-out sits on the left bank above the waterfall. A pathway climbs to the road; a 4×4 shortens the walk as the final kilometre is impassable to normal vehicles. If continuing on the long section, portage Cooper Falls on the right. Below Cooper Falls the river shifts from ledge drops to long steep rapids, mostly boulder gardens in the class 3 range — similar to the rapids below Hella-Hella on the Umkomaas. It is a long run down to Islington Store, and the longer section is only truly worthwhile 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.