Elands River – Sappi to N4 bridge
Elands River – Sappi to N4 bridge · lowveld
Grade
II
Length
24km
Duration
2 to 3 hours
About
A lesser-known stretch favoured by local K1-paddlers, with ad hoc races occasionally held here. The river is narrow, with mostly small rapids and an occasional larger one bordering on class 3. Recent floods have cleared much of the overhanging vegetation and wires that once crossed the river, though strainers may still appear. On the lower course there is a weir: the left-hand chute can be shot at low levels, but portage at higher flows. Hippos sometimes move into this section, so remain alert.
Access
Put-in
Bridge at Sappi factory, below weir
Take-out
Last of the three N4 bridges crossing the Elands
Permits
None