Doring River
Doring River · western cape
Grade
III
Length
64km
Duration
3 days with a kayak, 4 to 5 relaxing days with a croc or raft
Type
pool drop
About
Flowing through mini-canyons in the Cederberg, this is a favourite multi-day trip, often called the Cape's Tugela thanks to the big water it produces after good rains in the Ceres area. The river crosses the Great Karoo, bringing life to arid terrain. With a catchment some 200km from this section, weather here is more reliable than on other Western Cape rivers, though water and air remain cold as it is only paddleable in winter. Kayakers can complete it in 3 days when water allows; rafters typically need 4 to 5. It is a classic pool-drop river with flat stretches, small rapids and occasional larger ones. A highlight is Brandewyn Falls on the Brandewyn River, just before its confluence with the Doring. Major rapids include Corner, Waterfall, House, Kranz, Island, Jaws and S-bend. They are straightforward at low water but demand scouting at high levels to avoid bad holes. Playholes are abundant when the river is up. Portage the weir just before the take-out on the right. Wood is scarce in this sensitive desert environment, so fires are discouraged — use butane stoves. Detailed trip reports are on Adrian Tregoning's blog: Doring River — 3 days of awesomeness and the Doring River Alone Days 1 to 4.
Access
Put-in
Take-out
Permits
None
Commercial operators
- Gravity River Tours