Tugela River – Drakensberg section
Tugela River – Drakensberg section · kwazulu-natal
Grade
III
Length
16km
Duration
2 to 3 hours
Type
continuous
About
Situated high up before any major tributaries join, this section is only worth paddling after solid rain. It is continuous with small, easily runnable drops. Although modest in size, the speed of the current keeps paddlers working, and proper eddies are few, resulting in long stretches of constant manoeuvring. At higher levels some pleasant surf spots appear along with a few holes to avoid. Multiple put-in and take-out options along the road to Royal Natal National Park allow the trip to be shortened. A park entrance fee is required.
Access
Put-in
In Royal Natal National Park, below Tendele lodge, where road comes close to river
Take-out
Bridge
Permits
Entrance fee at National Park