Blyde River Canyon
Blyde River Canyon · lowveld
Grade
IV
Length
9km
Duration
3 hours to full day
Type
pool drop
About
This popular stretch through the world's third-largest canyon is paddled by kayakers and rafters. Water is clear, unusual for sub-continental rivers. The entire section lies within the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, and a permit is required. The put-in campsite is run by Mariepskop Forestry and requires advance booking. A two-day option with a hut overnight is possible. Most rapids are technical class 2 to 3 with some fairly continuous sections, and the smooth rock keeps swims tolerable. More challenging rapids cluster just past halfway. Several are compulsory portages but competent paddlers can run them. Named rapids include Island Rapid, Log Waterfall, Alice's Staircase, Mark's Drop, Curtain Falls and Amagluglug, all steep and photogenic. The natural weir just below Mark's Drop should be portaged except at very low levels. The trip finishes on Blyde Dam, where groups are typically collected by motorised craft to avoid a 4km dam paddle; otherwise paddle across accompanied by an APA guide. The dam holds hippos and numerous large crocodiles, though no attacks have been recorded. The dam crossing offers striking scenery. A more relaxed trip is also possible below Blydepoort Dam.
Access
Put-in
Take-out
Permits
Yes, arranged via commercial operators
Commercial operators
- Blyde Adventure Centre
- Induna Adventures