Umkomaas River – Deepdale to Hella-Hella
Umkomaas River – Deepdale to Hella-Hella · kwazulu-natal
Grade
V
Length
35km
Duration
5 to 8 hours
Type
pool drop
About
A 35km pool-drop classic of the Umkomaas, runnable at both low and high water. At low levels the water channels cleanly rather than disappearing between rocks, keeping the rapids enjoyable. High water should be reserved for those who know the river, as the gorge is largely inaccessible and among the country's most beautiful. Put-in is reached via a turn-off 2km from Lundy's Hill on the R617, 8km of good dirt road to Deepdale station, then a walk through veld to the river. Take-out is on the right bank 50m before Hella-Hella bridge. The river is flat for some distance before Deepdale Falls, 15m in total height, shot only occasionally. The entry is tricky and should not be attempted at low water; of the two side-by-side drops, the left is safer. Portage is possible on the midstream island or the right bank. The gorge begins below the falls, with numerous grade 3 and 4 rapids — some lengthy — and grade 5 additions at high water. Most can be eddy-scouted; bank-scouting is advised for several. Watch for Short drop and Long drop, both of which lose height quickly. Long drop holds nasty pour-overs; exit on the right bank to scout. The final kilometres flatten out, but a natural weir with runnable lines must be scouted first because of a bad suck-back. Surf waves appear after this rapid at high water. Detailed trip reports: Adrian Tregoning's blog — KwaZulu Natal's Hidden Gem and Unadulterated Pleasure.
Access
Put-in
Take-out
Permits
None