Please note
2025 dates are still to be confirmed.
Please confirm with the event organiser before making any travel plans relating to this event.
About the Dusi Canoe Marathon
Every year, the world’s top canoeists and teams come together to tackle the exciting Dusi Canoe Marathon, which continues to be the biggest event of its kind in all of Africa. Although it is a major challenge, this marathon is still so popular amongst sportsmen and – women, as well as their fans. There are between 1 600 and 2 000 athletes participating in the event every year.
This event began in 1951. It extends for some 120 kilometres on the waterways that extend between Pietermaritzburg and Durban in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal. This part of the country is known for its stunning weather conditions and spectacular natural vegetation. It begins at Camps Drift in Pietermaritzburg on the uMsindusi River.
There are three stages to the race, known as K1, K2 and K3. Each stage can be tackled on its own, but only athletes that are competing in the correct canoe type are eligible to win.
Stage One
This stage is 42 kilometres long and extends from the uMsindusi River through to Dusi Bridge, with 15 kilometres of having to carry the canoe through the countryside (portage).
Stage Two
Stage Two of the race is a gruelling 46 kilometres long and extends from Dusi Bridge to Inanda Dam, with a flatwater paddle across the dam, which is some 11 kilometres long. In this stage, the confluence of the Mgeni River and the uMsundisi River creates an added challenge that demands experience and expertise.
Stage Three
Starting from Inanda Dam, this stage is 36 kilometres long and ends in Blue Lagoon, in the capital city of the province. It includes a 10 kilometres flatwater paddle across the dam.
The finish of the race is held at the Kingfisher Canoe Club and the prize giving is at the Blue Lagoon to reward the men and women that conquered the three-day water adventure.
To avoid disappointment it is advisable to book your accommodation well in advance for this event. Visit the Pietermaritzburg Accommodation pages to find guest houses, hotels and self catering places to stay and for additional info about Pietermaritzburg which includes attractions, restaurants and things to do, see Pietermaritzburg Info.
Need to Know
WhenTo be confirmed - February 2025
WhereCamps Drift, Camps Drift, Pietermaritzburg, 3201, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
Telephone+27 (0)33 394-9994
OvernightStay nearby in Pietermaritzburg, in KwaZulu Natal
Disclaimer
Please note, event details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the event organiser is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the event/festival is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
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Find Dusi Canoe Marathon in these collections
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options by proximity
* Distances shown are "as the crow flies", not driving distances. Please confirm with the establishment should driving distance be a factor in your decision.
Alexandra Bed & Breakfast
Boasting a tranquil setting, Alexandra Bed & Breakfast in Pietermaritzburg is conveniently located close to the airport, schools, Harry Gwala Sta...
Mino Guest House
Mino Guest House offers bed and breakfast and room-only accommodation in Pietermaritzburg, in the area of Scottsville. The guest house is the ide...
Regal Inn Pietermaritzburg
Regal Inn Pietermaritzburg is situated in the academic urban sprawl of Scottsville, just minutes away from the city centre with easy access to th...
79 On Ridge Bed And Breakfast
79 On Ridge Bed & Breakfast is an elegant choice for visitors to Pietermaritzburg. 79 On Ridge has personal service, attention to detail, and pro...
New England Guest House
New England Guest House can be found in the Scottsville area in Pietermaritzburg. Each double room has a king size bed that can be split into two...
@ 21 Guest House
Ideally located 6km from the centre of Pietermaritzburg, @ 21 Guest House offers lovely rooms which can accommodate two adults in air-conditioned...
Tancredi Bed & Breakfast
Tancredi is a beautifully restored Victorian home offering accommodation in four en-suite bedrooms. At Tancredi Bed & Breakfast, room facilities...
Wooden Manor Guest House
Wooden Manor Guest House is located in Clarendon, Pietermaritzburg, just below World's View. Choose from a Bed & Breakfast room or the Self Cater...
Town View Unit Two
Town View Unit Two in a secure complex in Clarendon, Pietermaritzburg and accommodates four guests in two bedrooms. The open plan interior is ta...
Town View Unit One
Situated in a secure complex in the leafy northern suburb of Clarendon and just 3kms from the centre of town, Town View Unit 1 offers accommodati...
All Saints On Roberts
All Saints On Roberts offers accommodation for guests in an up-market two bedroom apartment situated in the leafy suburb of Clarendon, which is l...
Ridgeway Close
Ridgeway Close is situated in the heart of the suburb of Scottsville, one of the major accommodation areas of Pietermaritzburg. We offer a variet...
Thembelihle Guest House
Thembelihle Guest House offers comfortable accommodation in Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg. We offer five suites, each with a double bed, an en-su...
Madlula's Guesthouse
Madlula's Guesthouse is neatly tucked next to the university of KwaZulu Natal, between Hayfields and Scottsville malls in Pitermaritzburg. We off...
Blue Sands Guest House
Blue Sands Guest House offers comfortable accommodation in Pietermaritzburg in the residential suburb of Scottsville. Conveniently situated close...
Duvet & Crumpets
Duvet & Crumpets is very conveniently situated in the lovely city of Pietermaritzburg - being only two km from the start of Comrades, the Amashov...
Africa's Eden
Africa's Eden is a 2 acre estate situated along a small green belt, wedged between 2 streams - hardly what you would expect to find a mere 2.5 km...
The Musafer Travel Lodge
The Musafer Travel Lodge offers a Muslim owned and managed establishment with Islamic ethos and Halaal meals. All rooms are offered on a bed and ...
Taunton House
Taunton House is a Natal Midlands Bed and Breakfast located in Wembley, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. The surroundings are very tranquil, with ...
Smithgrove Guesthouse
SmithGrove has accommodation with a beautiful mix of the old and the new, with its classical Victorian design housing a contrast of modern furnis...
Arlington Guest Lodge
Located in Wembley, Pietermaritzburg, Arlington Guest Lodge offers easy access to all that Pietermaritzburg has to offer. The Lodge provides nine...
Redlands Hotel
Redlands Hotel is situated in the sought after northern suburb of Wembley in the heart of the beautiful Redlands Estate. Ideally situated 5 minut...
Hidden Inn
The Hidden Inn is your home away from home. Accommodation is comprised of three semi units with en-suite bathrooms, a lounge area and a kitchenet...
Wylde Rose Cottage
Escape to the tranquil Wylde Rose Cottage in Wembley. This intimate retreat offers cosy accommodation in Pietermaritzburg for two, complete with ...
Greenlands B&B
Greenlands B&B is graded as Highly Recommended by the AA. Each of the five air-conditioned, comfortable, well equipped, tastefully furnished, air...
Rockabilly Ranch
Rockabilly Ranch offers comfy self-catering accommodation near Pietermaritzburg. Our surrounds are tranquil and full of bird life. We have a rive...
MS Self Catering
Located in a quiet residential area of Pietermaritzburg, MS Self Catering provides comfortable accommodation for 14 guests in five bedrooms and a...
Thorn Tree Lodge
Thorn Tree Lodge is located in Hayfields, Pietermaritzburg. The lodge offers accommodation in twenty one rooms and is set in an indigenous garden...
7 on Oakleigh
7 On Oakleigh Self-catering Garden flats are situated in the leafy, upmarket suburb of Wembley, on the north side of Pietermaritzburg. The units ...
Ascot Bush Lodge
Ascot Bush Lodge offers accommodation in 11 en-suite rondavels with Queen sized beds, four family lodges equipped with one queen and two single b...
Athlone Lodge
Set in lush green and tranquil garden-like surroundings the Athlone Lodge is set in an elevated position in Athlone and offers comfortable accomm...
Brevisbrook Bed & Breakfast
Enjoy the warmest hospitality in Pietermaritzburg as Patrick welcomes you to Brevisbrook. Guests feel most relaxed in this peaceful country style...
Wensleydale Guest Lodge
Beautifully appointed with an African safari lodge flavour, Wensleydale Guest Lodge is situated in Pietermaritzburg and offers a combination of s...
Valley Vista Lodge
Valley Vista Lodge is an up market guesthouse situated in a leafy suburb close to the Pietermaritzburg CBD and with stunning views over the city ...
Hamilton Guesthouse
Situated in Pietermaritzburg, Hamilton Guesthouse offers comfortable accommodation for up to eight guests. Here you are near to a variety of attr...
Matts Rest B&B
Matts Rest B&B is set in a tranquil garden setting and offers self- catering as well as bed and breakfast accommodation in the quiet surburb of H...
A Garden Suite
Situated in the lush suburb of Athlone in Pietermaritzburg, A Garden Suite is ideally located close to a number of private schools, shopping mall...
Lake Sands Manor
Lake Sands Manor offers accommodation in Hayfields, Pietermaritzburg and is ideally positioned close to many popular attractions. We can be found...
Heroes BnB Lodge
Each room has TV with full Premium DStv package, free Wi-Fi access, air-conditioning, a bar fridge, a microwave, a safe to store valuables, tea- ...
Dunranch House
Dunranch House is an upmarket Guest House offering Bed & Breakfast accommodation and a self-catering cottage on two acres on the northern side of...
Fountains Self Catering B&B
Fountains, which has a highly recommended rating, is a self catering B&B, that makes use of solar power, destination for the discerning traveller...
Lincoln Cottages
Lincoln Cottages is nestled amongst indigenous Acacia trees in the tranquil suburb of Lincoln Meade, and offers an ideal base from which both the...
Bancroft B&B
Located in the forested, evergreen hills of Hilton, above Pietermaritzburg, is Bancroft B&B. We offer three stylish and extremely comfortable, we...
Acacia Bush Lodge
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Courtleigh Cottage
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Gateside Guesthouse
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The Farriers
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Hilton View B&B
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The Shepherds Loft
The Shepherds Loft offers Hilton accommodation in a lovely garden where you can hear the birds sing in the morning and the frogs call at night in...
The Hayloft
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Crofters Loft
Crofters Loft offers Hilton accommodation nestled in our flowery gardens. Hear the birds sing in the morning and the frogs call at night in our e...
The Knoll Historical Guest Farm
The Knoll Historical Guest Farm is situated at the gateway of the Midlands Meander close to Pietermaritzburg. The Knoll Historical Guest Farm off...
Hilton Castle
Hilton Castle is located in Hilton, between Pietermaritzburg and Howick. It offers three individually decorated units, each furnished with comfor...
Kings Hill Guest House
Kings Hill offers comfortable accommodation in Hilton. While here you are welcome to make use of the swimming pool and the braai facilities. A la...
ANEW Hotel Hilton
Originally established in 1936, the elegant and upmarket hotel consisting of 97 rooms now boasts all the modern amenities expected from tourists ...
Greenwood Lea Cottage
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Desiderata Chalets
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The Studio at The Aloes Farm
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The Hilton Bush Lodge
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Orchards Bed & Breakfast
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Closest things to do in the area
Macrorie House Museum
Pietermaritzburg is filled with beautiful, old houses but Macrorie House is the only early to mid-Victorian double-storey house open to the publi...
Pietermaritzburg Model Engineering Society
Why not take a train ride with a difference at the Model Engineering Society in Bisley, Pietermaritzburg.When you arrive you will be given a tour...
Visit Alexandra Park
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The Garden Of Remembrance
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Visit the Natal Museum
Trade in an afternoon playing with mini plastic dinosaur toys for an afternoon spent gazing at a life size models of Stegosaurus, Triceratops and...
Run into the Comrades Museum
An old restored Victorian house holds the history and memorabilia of an old race that is the ultimate human race. Comrades Marathon House serves ...
Tatham Art Gallery
Let art be part of your KwaZulu-Natal experience when you book accommodation in Pietermaritzburg. This vibrant city is home to the Tatham Art Gal...
Visit the National Botanical Garden
The Pietermaritzburg National Botanic Garden has a planted area dedicated to attracting 150 species of local birdlife and planted acres dedicated...
Visit the One O' Clock Gun
If you are walking through the City of Pietermaritzburg near midday you may hear the resounding noise of the one O’clock gun. As the sound of the...
Accommodation convenient to Dusi Canoe Marathon
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / KwaZulu Natal Accommodation / Natal Midlands Accommodation / Pietermaritzburg Accommodation