Wilge River – Zemvelo Reserve to Zusterstroom
Wilge River – Zemvelo Reserve to Zusterstroom · gauteng
Grade
IV
Length
25km
Duration
4 to 6 hours
Type
pool drop
About
The Wilge is one of the Olifants' major tributaries, with several interesting stretches for kayakers and K1 paddlers. It should not be confused with the other Wilge River that flows into the Vaal Dam. This section is interesting, with fairly technical rapids and two waterfalls. The first waterfall, a gentle horseshoe-shaped drop about 3m high, offers a sneak down the far right — a nearly 2m-wide gentle slope, with care not to fall off the edge. It can also be run in the middle or anywhere the paddler chooses. The second waterfall is 4 to 5 metres high with several possible lines; scout properly before attempting. The last rapid before the take-out is very long with several pour-overs and has caused many swims at higher levels.
Access
Put-in
Take-out
Permits
Ask permission from farmer