Dusi Canoe Marathon 2023

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Dusi Canoe Marathon 2023: South Africa’s Canoe Epic

Get to experience the real atmosphere of the mad and the biggest canoeing event in South Africa. The history of the Dusi Canoe Marathon dates back in 1951 when Ian Player was sitting around a campfire in Italy. Tired and overwhelmed by homesickness, he came up with the idea of formalizing a race down the river from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.

This event is one of the biggest events in the continent, attracting between 1600 to 2000 paddlers each year. As a paddler, you can choose between normal marathons K1s, K2s or even K3s.

The 72nd edition of the race is scintillating enough and it even includes numerous portages where paddlers carry their crafts over hills, either to evade the un-runnable rapids and cataracts, or to eliminate long loops in the river. Most of these portages are through thick bushes and undulating steep terrain, with some of them being 4km long.

As a tradition, this race is held in the mid-February of each year when the summer rains are falling. The temperatures might be extremely high at times, but you just can’t complain about a thing since there is much to enjoy. The race starts on the Umsindusi river which runs through Pietermaritzburg. What follows is a 120km long ruthless race to Durban. The race is divided into 3 stages with each stage having its own challenges for the paddlers to overcome.

‘The race won’t only rock you, but also the after party which will feature some famous artists too.’

The party starts late in the evening and goes on until late at night. With insane discounts on drinks, this event brings you to the ideal festive mood. Participating in this event is motivated by the fact that there all lots of prizes to be won. All the festival goers have the chance to book some accommodation spaces at just affordable prices and close enough to the race.

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Where to view the Dusi Canoe Marathon

The entire race is based on water and you can view it as it unfolds along the river Umsindusi which runs through Pietermaritzburg to the point where Umsindusi river intersects with Umngeni all the way through to Durban in KwaZulu-Natal on the East Coast of South Africa.

How to get around the KwaZulu-Natal

You can get to the canoe marathon by using the shuttle method which enables you to drive your car to each stage finish. You can book your shuttle service with online or manual entry.

Where to stay for the FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon

There are several accommodation options which are readily available for you to choose from while at this famous canoe event. You’ll find the Lincoln Cottages which are located 12 km from the City Centre.

There is also Matts Rest which has 5 tastefully decorated semi self-catering B&B rooms. The Mulberry Guest house is another well-known facility for its 3 country cottages in Drummond. You’ll find several other accommodation facilities if you visit the website.

Things to do when you attend the FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon

On your stay for the canoe marathon, you can opt to have a little bit of fun when you attend the Hansa Dusi after party located at the Hops Riverside where you’ll get the privilege to flex your muscles by showing off some of your cool moves which you have lying in hype zone.

You can also take a walk with your friends along the river and enjoy the cool and clean water.

FNB DUSI Canoe Marathon 2023 dates

The 71st Canoe Marathon will run from February 16-18, 2023.