dusi

Dusi, also known as the Dusi River or uDusi, is a river in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. It rises in the eastern highlands and generally flows southeast toward the Indian Ocean, where its waters reach the coast south of Durban. The river drains a portion of the province’s inland catchment and supports a range of riverine habitats in its lower reaches.

The Dusi’s flow regime is seasonal and variable, with higher discharge during the rainy season. Its course includes sections of rapids and shallow stretches, which influence local land use, water supply, and navigation. The river supports communities along its banks and contributes to regional irrigation and domestic water needs, while its catchment also encompasses wetlands and biodiversity areas protected for conservation.

The Dusi is best known for hosting the Dusi Canoe Marathon, one of Africa’s most famous long-distance paddle races. The event traverses the Dusi River and its tributaries and is typically held over several days, attracting both national and international competitors. It has a prominent place in South Africa’s outdoor sport culture and has contributed to river conservation awareness and regional tourism.

In Zulu, the river is referred to as uDusi. The name appears in local toponyms and organizations connected with the river and its surrounding communities. The Dusi remains a key geographic and cultural feature of eastern KwaZulu-Natal.