Olifants River – Bobbejaan to Loskop Dam
Olifants River – Bobbejaan to Loskop Dam · lowveld, gauteng
Grade
IV
Length
34km
Duration
Long one-day, easy two-day trip
Type
pool drop
About
A 34 km grade 3 to 4 pool-drop section, similar in feel to the section above but with the hardest rapids in the first half and easing off over the final kilometres. A doable long day or comfortable two-day trip for kayaks. The very first rapid at the put-in is a difficult boulder garden, usually portaged on the right bank (a cliff jump into the pool below is an optional extra). After easy-going, near-flat water, serious rapids at the upper end of class 4 appear — be very cautious as the gorge is deep and isolated. Gradient eases in the second half while scenery remains dramatic. The take-out is not obvious and seconds should ideally wait there; pushing further downstream increases the likelihood of encountering crocodiles and hippos. The surrounding land is conservation area, and any overnight trip must be discussed in advance with the Manager of the Loskop Dam Game Reserve. Witbank Dam controls flow. Access requires permission from the hiking-trail farm (013-282-6101) and a 4×4 or high-clearance vehicle to both put-in and take-out.
Access
Put-in
Take-out
Permits
Permission for entering hiking trail on farm, call (013) 282-6101. Ask for directions to the huts. A 4×4 or at least a vehicle with high clearance is needed. Same applies to take-out on farm. Ask permission and use a 4×4. Also permit for take-out. Contact the Manager of the Loskop Dam Game Reserve at (013) 262-4190.