Bushmans River – Weenen to Tugela River
Bushmans River – Weenen to Tugela River · kwazulu-natal
Grade
IV
Length
19km
Duration
4 to 6 hours
Type
continuous
About
The best section of the Bushmans, rarely paddled due to its obscurity. From the put-in the river is flat with small class 1 rapids. After about 3km it bends left and enters a gorge-like stretch where rapids become technical class 3 and very continuous, mostly smooth shelves producing straightforward drops — excellent for boofing practice. Expect one class 4 rapid that must be scouted, tight and reminiscent of the Wit in the Cape: amphitheatre-shaped, on the right side of the river. One to two kilometres past it is a serious waterfall, about 30m high with a rapid running into it, that must be portaged; exit early on the left bank and scramble down. A beach at the base, just past halfway, makes an ideal lunch stop. After the falls the river shifts from ledges to boulders and becomes more pool-drop, slightly harder than the first section but still class 3 or low 4. A few kilometres below the falls, the Darkest Africa campsite is passed on the right bank. The final few kilometres to the take-out are flat. The camp is also a possible take-out if staying overnight, though the access road is essentially a 4x4 track. It is a basic wilderness site. From there, a hike to the waterfall is possible, and a short paddle to the take-out can still be done.
Access
Put-in
Take-out
Permits
No