The Kouga River flows through the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, passing through the Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve before eventually joining the Groot River to form the Gamtoos River. The river offers a range of paddling conditions across its length, with the upper sections providing moderate whitewater and the lower reaches becoming progressively more technical in places.

According to the Canoeing South Africa grading system, the section from Rooivlakte to Die Poort is rated Grade B, indicating steady flowing water with some technical spots that may require significant manoeuvring but seldom exceeding Class 3 rapids. The Die Poort to Dieprivier section is also Grade B, while Dieprivier to Rooiwal steps up to Grade B+. The section from Rooiwal to the Kouga Dam wall is rated Grade F, meaning it is unrunnable and would require a portage. Paddlers planning trips on the upper river must account for this impassable section near the dam.

The Kouga Dam itself, completed in 1967, is notable as the first double-arched dam engineered in South Africa and is situated near Patensie. The river corridor through the Baviaanskloof area passes through dramatic mountain terrain, and the region is associated with the broader Baviaanskloof World Heritage Site. Accommodation options exist along the river, including lodge facilities on the riverbanks within the Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve. Water temperatures can be cold, particularly in the upper reaches. Smallmouth bass are present in the river and attract fishing interest alongside paddling activity.

After the confluence with the Groot River, the combined Gamtoos River continues downstream with sections graded at Class C from the confluence to Weston, and from Weston to Boschoek, and again from Boschoek to the mouth, offering additional paddling options for those continuing downstream.