Umzimkulu River – Oribi section
Umzimkulu River – Oribi section · kwazulu-natal
Grade
IV
Length
15km
Duration
3 to 5 hours
Type
continuous
About
Wide channel that runs at very low levels (technical, continuous, slow — start early). At medium/high flows it eases off, but several rapids drop hard and need bank scouting. Most major rapids have a class 3-4 chicken run; some chickens hide class 5 sections to avoid. Abundant play-waves when there is water — good for a playboat. Rafts OK at higher levels with someone who knows the run. Medium levels suit wildwater racers; low is too tight. WW racers can continue to the sea — the lagoon section is safe for fast boats. Good rapids continue ~10km below the Limeworks. There is a public road down to the river right as an alternate take-out, but do not leave a vehicle there.
Access
Put-in
Take-out
Permits
Permission from farmer at put-in. Contact Oribi Gorge Hotel to arrange access. Permission at Limeworks for take out.
Recent sessions
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