Canyoning
Boulder-hop, swim and slide your way down a rainforest stream in the Makandawa Reserve — jumps, rock pools and natural chutes, no technical rope skills required.
Overview
Canyoning here follows one of the small tributary streams that feed the Kelani River through the Makandawa Forest Reserve — a mix of scrambling over boulders, swimming through rock pools, and sliding down smoothed natural rock chutes under rainforest canopy. It's less technical than abseiling (most of the route is done on foot and by swimming, not rope), which makes it a good add-on to a rafting morning if you want a second, calmer water activity the same day.
Itinerary
- 30 min
Briefing & gear-up
Helmet and PFD fitting, route safety briefing at the reserve entrance.
- ~2 hours
Canyon descent
Boulder scrambles, rock-pool swims and natural rock slides down the stream bed.
- 20 min
Walk out
Short forest trail back to the trailhead.
What's included
- ✓Guide
- ✓Helmet and PFD
- ✓Bottled water
Not included
- ×Transport
- ×Towels/change of clothes
What to bring
- Quick-dry clothing
- River shoes or strapped sandals
- Dry bag for phone/valuables
Fitness level
Moderate — involves scrambling over wet rock and short jumps into pools; not suitable for those with knee/ankle injuries.
Best season
Year-round; stream levels are gentlest December–March.
Questions people ask
No — canyoning is done on foot and by swimming down the stream bed with no ropework, while our Waterfall Abseiling tour uses rope and harness to descend an actual waterfall face. Many guests do both on a 2-day trip.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your slot.
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