The Bitou River is located near Plettenberg Bay on South Africa's Garden Route in the Western Cape. It is a slow-moving, meandering river that flows through a variety of habitats before reaching its estuary, making it accessible to paddlers of all experience levels, including complete beginners.

The primary launch point used by commercial operators is the Emily Moon River Lodge car park on Rietvlei Road, Plettenberg Bay. An alternative starting point for guided birding excursions is the Bitou River Lodge just outside Wittedrift, with a takeout at Wetlands on the Bitou approximately 4km downstream. Shuttle services are available between put-in and takeout points on guided trips. Typical paddling excursions run two, three, or four hours in duration.

The river is well known for its birdlife. Species regularly observed along the river include Malachite Kingfishers, White-breasted Cormorants, African Fish Eagles, Knysna Turaco, and African Spoonbills. The estuary section supports additional species including Curlews, Terns, Stilts, Reed Warblers, Cisticolas, Goliath Herons, Grey Herons, Greater Flamingos, and Black Oystercatchers.

The river's gentle current means no prior kayaking experience is required. Operators providing guided and self-guided trips supply safety gear and conduct mandatory pre-trip safety briefings. Kayaks used by at least one commercial operator are certified by SAMSA (South African Maritime Safety Authority). Paddlers are advised to bring sun protection including sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as well as a windbreaker for weather changes. Alcohol is not permitted on the water. Bookings are typically required at least a day in advance, and trips are weather dependent.

The Bitou can also be combined with the adjacent Keurbooms River as part of a multi-day paddling route. One documented two-day itinerary covers approximately 15km per day, linking the Bitou estuary and the Keurbooms River, with overnight camping along the route. The Keurbooms section passes through natural forest and alongside cliff faces, offering a notably different character from the open, meandering Bitou.