Rafting in an inflatable 2 man canoe (called Crocs), can prove to be more adventurous & fun than ever imagined! The challenge is not only negotiating the twist and turns, but also mastering the rapids, whilst enjoying the astonishing views along the quieter sections of the river.
Held at the Hella Hella Outdoor Centre, on the north bank of the Umkomaas River, just 1 ½ hour from Durban or Pmb. situated on the scenic route between Richmond and Donnybrook. The nature reserve straddles the Mkomazi River, and has approx 11km of river frontage.
You can choose a single or multi-day package, where you will then stay overnight at Hella Hella in ‘basic but comfortable’ accommodation right on the waters edge.
On the first day you will cover the gentler upper section of the river above Hella Hella (8kms), and then on the following day you will cover approx. 20 kms of the more challenging sections of the Umkomaas River (from No.1 rapid to No.8 rapid, depending on the level of experience of the party), and should take approx. 3-4 hours;
Just bring your own towel, on river juice/sustenance, river apparel, river shoes, sun screen, insect rep, sense of humor, own booze (for the evening). There are fridge/freezer facilities.
This experience is excellent for novices and experienced paddlers alike, you’ll learn a great deal.
At all times the trip and paddlers will adopt a safety first, safety always and NO compromise mindset, with a when in doubt, get out rule and NO alcohol on river.
We offer 2 options /packages :
1) Corporate rafting trips
These are more ‘upmarket’ and include an element of ‘team building’. You also have the choice of 1 or 2 days, and if 2 days you will stay at Highover Wildlife Sanctuary. Their up-market Bushcamp offers a variety of accommodation to suit your budget from lodge, riverside cottages and chalets to bunkhouses. You will be served a 3 course potjie/braai type dinner, Sat eve, in the Lapa, with deck, overlooking the "Approach's" section of the mighty Umkomaas River. Sunday breakfast is provided before we again head out for our 2nd on-river session.
We have various options depending on your level of expertise & time available… 1. 14kms on class B rapids – R850 pp 2. 17kms on class B+ rapids – R950 pp 3. 20kms on class A rapids – R1,050 pp 4. 34kms on class A+ rapids – R1,400 pp
2) Social rafting trips Single day package :
R450 per person. This includes on-river snacks, all equipment hire (like Helmets, life jackets, paddles, crocs), river guide fees, transport to & from the river. 2 day package : R750 per person. This covers your Accommodation, 3 Meals, all equipment hire (like Helmets, life jackets, paddles, crocs), river guide fees, transport to & from the river.
Directions to Hella Hella :
GPS co-ordinates: S29 54.396 E30 05.885
From Durban take the N3 towards Pietermaritzburg. BEFORE entering Pietermaritzburg, take the R56 to Richmond. Take the turn-off into Richmond. Drive directly through Richmond along Shepstone Street, and 1km from town take the left hand turn to Hella Hella. Continue on tar for 15km and then wind down into the valley on an excellent gravel road. 8km on you will see the entrance to the Hella Hella Outdoor Centre Reception on your left (approx 500m before the Mkomazi River).
Hella Hella Outdoor Centre can also be reached by following the Hella Hella signs on the Ixopo / Donnybrook road (612). At Lufafa Road, take the right hand turnoff which is the D114 to Hella Hella. Continue all the way towards Hella Hella, following the road down the pass. Traveling from this direction, the Reception is approx 500m after you've crossed the Mkomazi River, first entrance on the right.
