The Elands River is a small tributary of the Crocodile River in Mpumalanga, flowing through an area made accessible by the N4 highway, which runs alongside it from Waterval-Boven to Montrose. This proximity to the road makes it straightforward to arrange multiple put-in and take-out combinations. The river is notable for its waterfall at Waterval-Boven, which has become a tourist attraction, and the spectacular Dante Falls located within the gorge section.

Three distinct paddling sections are documented on the Elands. The uppermost stretch runs from Waterval-Boven to Sappi, covering either 33km or 24km depending on the chosen put-in, with the standard put-in below the dam wall and take-out above Montrose Falls. This section is described as narrow and fast, graded 1 to 3, and typically takes 3 to 5 hours for the longer option or 2 to 4 hours for the shorter. It is dam-controlled via Kwena Dam. No permits are required.

The middle section runs 24km from the bridge at the Sappi factory, below the weir, to the last of the three N4 bridges crossing the Elands. Graded 1 to 2, this stretch is narrow with small rapids and is suited to K1 paddlers. It is not dam-controlled and requires no permits. The section is relatively unknown but popular with local K1 paddlers, and ad hoc races have been held on it. Paddling time is typically 2 to 3 hours.

The gorge section is a shorter trip graded 2 to 3, described as offering great scenery. Dante Falls is located on this section and has been run on a few occasions by very experienced kayakers, indicating it presents a serious hazard for most paddlers. This section is best suited to kayaks.

Paddlers on the lower Elands and the Crocodile River below Montrose should be aware that those stretches are inhabited by hippos and are considered unsuitable for most paddlers. The Elands feeds into the Crocodile River, which eventually runs into the Komati River near the Mozambique border.