The Olifants River in Kruger National Park, Limpopo, is a high-volume river that cuts through a wilderness area and the dramatic Olifants Gorge. The paddling section covers approximately 12 kilometres and is characterised by low gradients, making it accessible to both novice and experienced paddlers. Rapids are generally graded between 1 and 3, though water levels can push certain sections to Grade 4. The river features wave trains, standing waves, pour-overs, and holes, providing a varied and engaging experience throughout the run.

The river passes through remote, unspoilt terrain within Kruger National Park, surrounded by the gorge walls and the broader wildlife-rich landscape of the park. The Olifants River is generally regarded as the dividing line between the southern and northern sections of Kruger, with mopane veld dominating the vegetation to the north.

Participants must be at least 16 years old, and a minimum group size of 4 is required. A reasonable level of physical fitness is expected. The paddling area is within a national park and wilderness zone, which carries associated regulations and access considerations. SANParks patrols the Olifants River Gorge by boat, monitoring for illegal activity and wildlife, so paddlers should be aware of ranger presence on the water.

A separate and distinctly different section of an Olifants River exists in the Western Cape near Citrusdal, known as the Visgat section. This 40-kilometre run through the Groot Wintershoek wilderness is graded 4 to 5, with the most technical rapids concentrated in the first 15 kilometres. Several rapids are unportageable due to sheer walls, and one mandatory portage exists within the first 3 kilometres. The section is best suited to a creek boat and is typically paddleable for a short window after significant rainfall in the Ceres area. Access requires a Cape Nature permit as well as permission from the landowner at Glendonald Farm. The put-in is at the low-level bridge at Glendonald Farm, and the take-out is at the road near the Citrusdal Warm Baths. The run is best completed as an overnight trip given its length and commitment level.