Umgeni River – Howick Gorge
Umgeni River – Howick Gorge · kwazulu-natal
About
Ideal for: Kayak. Grade: 3 to 5. Length: 14km. Duration: 3 to 5 hours. Type: Almost continuous, steep and technical. Put-in: Below Howick Falls via the gorge walk to the base of the falls. Take-out: At the Umgeni River picnic site reached from the Hilton College turn-off from the N3 (permission required). Paddleable when Midmar Dam is overflowing. A small fee is charged for the gorge walk at the put-in. One of the more demanding runs in the country, with unspoilt mountain scenery reminiscent of Alpine creeks. Not to be taken lightly, especially at high water. The very first rapid at the put-in must be run; if unwilling, abort the trip. The second is a broken 5m waterfall with a runnable line on the left; portage on the left if not fully committed. Dense bank vegetation makes portaging difficult, hence the caution about the first rapid. Many rapids are long with short pools, so eddy-scouting is essential and bank scouting is advised where surprises may lurk. A second waterfall (3m) comes around halfway: at high water the suck-back is severe and portage is required, while at low water the line is very tight and suck-back still significant. Pour-overs further down test boofing skills. Technical and rewarding for competent paddlers. On a first descent, post a second on the bank to avoid missing the take-out. Request a key at the College entrance for the gate halfway down to the river; if locked and without a key, two people must lift the whole gate. The take-out used to be at a bridge 5km further on, but the intervening channels include many dead ends and become a nightmare at high water.