Paddling near Mthatha, Eastern Cape

Mthatha sits in the Eastern Cape's Wild Coast hinterland, where several rivers drain eastward toward the Indian Ocean. The Umtata Dam close to the city is the most accessible flatwater paddling spot, while the Mzimvubu — one of South Africa's larger rivers — and nearby coastal rivers such as the Mdumbi draw kayakers seeking relatively unexplored wilderness paddling.