Nukakamma PPC Canoe Trail

Directions to the Nukakamma Canoe Trail

This 2-day trail takes you along the scenic Sundays River, and starts and ends in a little hamlet called Cannonville – situated just 30 minutes’ drive north of Port Elizabeth.

Take the N2 national highway northbound for approximately 36 kilometres. Just after crossing the Sundays River bridge, turn right off the highway at the crossroads which is signposted with a Colchester/Cannonville signboard (a BP petrol/gas station is your landmark). Turn right again at the T-junction and then left into Aquavista Crescent.

You will check-in at number 72 Aquavista Crescent and then continue down to the slipway where your canoes will be waiting.

Cost

R130 per person (minimum of 6 & maximum of 12)

R250 for portage of luggage, food & beverages to overnight facility

Start

Cannonville

End

Cannonville

Distance

29 kilometres round trip

Duration

3-5 hours of canoeing per day

2 days / 1 night (the trail can be extended to 2 nights at a small additional fee)

Rating

Varies according to the weather

Permit

None required

Features

Abundant species of bird life; variety of wildlife; good fishing (angling permit required); rustic accommodation; incredible natural flora; pristine waterways.

Take With You

Whilst canoeing you should have:

Sunglasses

Hat

Sunscreen

Good walking shoes

Camera

Binoculars

Refreshments & Water

Insect Repellent

Swimming Gear

Please Note

There are only 2-man canoes available so you should try to ensure that everyone has a partner.

A full list of what to pack for the overnight stay is provided when you book.

Description

The flat-water canoe trail is situated on the Sundays River and begins and ends in the picturesque village of Cannonville, just 30 minutes’ drive from Port Elizabeth on the northbound N2 highway to Johannesburg.

The Nukakamma Canoe Trail is one of the most sought-after canoe trails in South Africa. It is the first and only accredited GREEN FLAG STATUS canoe trail in the Republic of South Africa. The trail accommodates a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 paddlers, in stable, 4m double, unsinkable fibreglass canoes.

The 14,5km paddle to the “Hudson Hut” (the overnight facility) can take between 3 and 5 hours, depending on the weather. Paddlers should be on the river by no later than 07h30 in order to be well on their way upriver should the wind come up later in the morning. Prior to leaving on the trail, you are supplied with lifejackets & then briefed on canoeing and river safety, as well as some interesting facts about the Sundays River.

At certain times of the year paddling through “Mullet Alley” can be an exciting experience when mullet, related to the herring family, take the canoes for predators and jump into and over the canoes in an effort to escape. There are approximately 210 recorded bird species in the area as well as wildlife to be seen on the way to and from “Hudson.”

Environmental and conservation material is permanently on display in the barbecue and cabin area of the overnight facility. A Roberts’ book on South African birds and others on animal tracks and first aid treatment is available in the cabin.

Keen anglers can catch a variety of saltwater fish nearer to the mouth of the river & freshwater fish such as carp and barbel (catfish) at the Hudson Hut. Enjoy a sundowner on the sundeck overlooking the river, and listen to the birds as they settle for the night. You may even hear the haunting cry of the African Fish Eagle or the howling of a Jackal in the distance while you are having your dinner!

Highlights

This trail is rich with wildlife, birdlife and will take your breath away when it comes to pristine beauty and tranquillity.

Watch out for Kudu, Bushbuck, Porcupine, Cape Otter, Vervet Monkeys and other wildlife on the banks of the river. You will also find over 210 species of bird and a wide variety of fish.

As the Eastern Cape is famous for having 6 of the world’s 7 natural biomes – you will encounter many kinds of natural flora along the trail.

Accommodation on Trail

The accommodation at the “Hudson Huts” consists of a two-roomed log cabin. Each room is fitted with two, three-tiered bunk beds with luxury 100mm thick foam-rubber mattresses. Leading off, and attached to the cabin, is a huge 7m x 4m barbecue area that is brick-paved, roofed and covered on three sides. The barbecue is fitted with a smoke canopy. A 10kg bag of firewood is supplied, however extra wood can be purchased @ R20 per bag limited to 2 extra bags per trail. The area is also equipped with tables and chairs, pots and pans, camp kettle and all barbecue utensils.

Contact Details

Tel/Fax: +27 41 468 0238

Cell: 082 897 2859

Email: rwrich@worldonline.co.za