The Nseleni River in KwaZulu-Natal flows into Lake Nsezi and has historically been used for boat-based travel and wildlife viewing. The KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Service at one point offered organised boat trips on the river specifically for bird watching, though these were discontinued due to encroachment by water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes).

Water hyacinth infestation has been the defining challenge on the Nseleni. At its worst, the weed made navigation effectively impossible, blocking passage along the river and into Lake Nsezi. Control efforts involving biological agents and chemical treatment have at times reduced infestation levels significantly — during May 1999, for example, it became possible to travel from a launch site on the river all the way to the Mhlathuze Water Board extraction point on the south-east bank of Lake Nsezi. Paddlers should be aware that water hyacinth conditions can vary considerably depending on the status of ongoing control programmes, and dense mats can render sections completely impassable.

The river and its connection to Lake Nsezi support notable birdlife. The African finfoot (Podica senegalensis), a rare and elusive species, has been recorded in the area, though its presence is linked to the health of the aquatic environment and has been negatively affected by heavy weed infestation. Aquatic fauna and flora more broadly are sensitive to the extent of hyacinth cover.

A launch site exists within the river system, though paddlers should verify current access and conditions locally before planning a trip, given the historically variable state of the waterway. The Mposa River is a connected tributary that has also been subject to weed management efforts and may form part of a broader route in the area.