White Water Rafting Rivers of the World - South Africa
Orange River Whitewater Rafting
The Orange River is the longest river in South Africa and is also known by the name Gariep River or Senqu River. The river has its source in the Drakensberg Mountains located in Lesotho. After emerging from its source, the river flows further towards the west through South Africa and empties into the Atlantic Ocean. Interestingly, the river forms the border between South Africa and Lesotho and even between the countries of South Africa and Namibia.
One of the most popular rivers in South Africa, the Orange River moves through the mountainous semi-desert region of Richtersveld. The Richtersveld supports captivating and varied animal-life and is also rich in natural wealth. Worth mentioning, the entire green splendor coupled with the foaming waters are utterly magnificent to watch and equally exhilarating to raft on!
With tumultuous torrents and enlivening whitewaters, the Orange River gifts all the rafters lots of entertaining moments! Especially, during the months of March and April, with rains increasing the river volume, the water body provides the best rafting conditions. Apart from enjoying the rolling whitewaters of Class V, you might even catch a glimpse of the fish eagle at the Richtersveld.
A rafting adventure on the Orange River is not just a river ride; it is, in fact, the best way to spend your short weekend trip! Whether you plan for a half-day trip or a full-day adventure, you will surely enjoy every moment of the awesome rafting voyage. Outstanding visual beauty, incredible sunsets and enthralling torrents – you can get everything while rafting along the splendid Orange River!
Details of our Orange river rafting trips are below
THE ORANGE RIVER RICHTERSVELD
“THE ONLY TRUE MOUNTAIN DESERT IN SOUTH AFRICA”
The Orange River (Gariep) originates from the Lesotho highlands up in the Drakensberg Mountains and meanders through South Africa and the amazing Richtersveld Desert Reserve before it joins the icy Atlantic Ocean. The Richtersveld is a unique desert reserve that shows the signs of old volcanic mountains, the trails of Khoi -San people and the aridness of an unforgiving desert reserve that lives off the Orange River. 50% of the succulent plants are endemic to the region and it is famous for its many semi-precious stones. ANNUAL RAINFALL: 5-200 MM
LENGTH FROM SCOURCE TO MOUTH: 2 092 KM (39th Longest in World)
TEMPERATURE: O – 52 DEGREES
PLANTS: Wild Raisin Tree, Tamarisk, Wild Tobacco, False Ebony, Shepard’s Tree, Camel Thorn Tree, Sweet Thorn, Quiver Tree, Bastard Quiver Tree (Endemic to the Richtersveld), Halfmens.
ANIMALS: Klipspringer, Steenbok, Hyena, Leopard, Baboon, Dassie, Vervet Monkey, Cape Clawless Otter and Wild Horses.
BIRDS: African Darter, Fish Eagle, Black Eagle, Hammerkop, Goliath, Grey and Black Headed Herons, White Breasted Cormorant, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Cattle Egret, Black Stork, White Stork, Yellow billed Stork, Egyptian goose, Black smith plover; Malachite, pied, pygmy, giant – kingfishers.
REPTILES/ INSECTS: Red Roman, Scorpions, Horned Adder, Mountain Adder, Dwarf adder, Puff Adder, Cape Spitting Cobra, Water Monitor Lizard, Fog Basking Beetle.
ROCK FORMATION: Granite Rock, Metamorphic Rock and Sedimentary Rock.
Base Camp and Preparations:Our base camp, on the banks of the Orange River provides you with the necessary comforts like safe parking, hot showers, flush toilets, grassy campsites, a great swimming pool, bar facilities and safe lock-up storage. Under the stars of the Richtersveld, you will meet your fellow paddlers and your friendly guides will brief you on the trip details whilst preparing their famous bush cuisine. After breakfast the next morning, we organize the final packing of our equipment and after a short safety talk, we launch our inflatable rafts and start our paddling adventure through this unique desert eco-system. We will be camping on the banks of the river and sleep under the stars (Tents are optional).
Equipment & Guides:We make use of 2-man inflatable rafts (crocodiles) with cooler box, dry bags, buoyancy aids and 2 paddles included. The inflatable rafts are easy to control and allows for safe guiding through the fast flowing rapids that we occur on our expedition. Two qualified river guides, equipped with the required experience will guide your expedition through the Richtersveld Desert Reserve. No previous experience is needed and only a moderate level of fitness is required. All remains and rubbish will be carefully transported on the river and brought back to the camp where we recycle and transport the remains to Springbok. No glass allowed on the river. When you bring supplies, please decanter in plastic bottles or use cans.
Expedition:The next few days are spent on the Orange River where you will explore this magnificent desert eco system. Your guides will take you through some fast flowing water and guide you with knowledge and experience to ensure maximum enjoyment of this magnificent river. You will have the opportunity to experience some wave surfing, rapid floating, hiking and fishing that provides fun for everyone. Stretches of still water will give you ample opportunity to admire the beautiful gorges and scenery. The expedition is not a race and along with our carefully planned route and itinerary, it allows you to have maximum time to complete the expedition.
Suggested Kit list: 1) Sleeping bag & sleeping mat (roll mat or blow up mat)
2) Torch, batteries, matches, toilet paper, bio – degradable soap
3) Camera, film (Watertight container, or disposable splash proof camera)
4) Sunglasses with string & cork, t-shirts, sarong, shorts, khikhoi, anorak, sweater, strops, pants, tracksuit
5) Sun cream, lip balm, sun hat, cap, re – hydrate sachets, 6 disposable bags
6) Own cutlery & crockery (plastic or enamel), cups
7) Own drinks, cans and plastic containers only, No Glass.
8) Valid Passport – no one will be allowed without a valid passport
9) Insect repellent (Mosquitoes at Base camp)10) Big sun umbrella (optional) 11) Sense of Humour!!!
NB please check single entry visas (student study permits)
ALL PRICES SUBJECT TO CURRENCY MOVEMENTS
Return transport ex Cape Town can be arranged £55/R800.00
4 Day Orange River
Day 1 Arrive at Base camp (D)
Day 2 River (B.L.D)
Day 3 River (B.L.D)
Day 4 River (B.L) Dinner back @ Base camp
Day 5 Depart after breakfast
Price
Adults: £170/R 2 450.00
Children u/12: £145/R 2150.00
Min 5 YRS, max 75 YRS
Orange River 6-Day Expedition
Day 1 Depart Cape Town at 06h00
Day 2 Orange River (B.L.D)
Day 3 Orange River (B.L.D)
Day 4 Orange River (B.L.D)
Day 5 Orange River (B.L.D)
Day 6 Orange River (B.L.) Dinner back @ Base camp
Day 7 Depart after Breakfast.
Price: £180 R 2 650, 00 p.p.
Orange River Dates 2009
Code |
Date |
Description |
Price |
ORA 2 |
10-14/01 |
4 Day Orange River Rafting |
£170/R2450 |
ORA 3 |
17-21/01 |
4 Day Orange River Rafting |
£170/R2450 |
SPEC 1 |
24-28/01 |
4 Day Orange River Student Special |
£150/R2150 |
SPEC 2 |
31/01-04/02 |
4 Day Orange River Student Special |
£150/R2150 |
SPEC 3 |
07-11/02 |
4 Day Orange River Student Special |
£150/R2150 |
SPEC 4 |
14-18/02 |
4 Day Orange River Student Special |
£150/R2150 |
ORA 4 |
21-25/02 |
4 Day Orange River Rafting |
£170/R2450 |
ORA 5 |
28/02-04/03 |
4 Day Orange River Rafting |
£170/R2450 |
ORA 6 |
07-11/03 |
4 Day Orange River Rafting |
£170/R2450 |
ORA 8 |
14-18/03 |
4 Day Orange River Rafting |
£170/R2450 |
LW 1 |
18-22/03 |
4 Day Orange River Long Weekend |
£170/R2450 |
FAM 1 |
28/03-03/04 |
4 Day Orange River Family trip |
£555/R8195.00 |
SPEC 4 |
28/03-03/04 |
4 Day Orange River Student Special |
£150/R2195.00 |
FAM 2 |
04-08/04 |
4 Day Orange River Family trip |
£555/R8195.00 |
SPEC 5 |
04-08/04 |
4 Day Orange River Student Special |
£150/R2195.00 |
LW 2 |
09-13/04 |
4 Day Orange River Long Weekend |
£170/R2450 |
LW 3 |
10-14/04 |
4 Day Orange River Long Weekend |
£170/R2450 |
ORA 9 |
18-22/04 |
4 Day Orange River Rafting |
£170/R2450 |
LW 4 |
25-29/04 |
4 Day Orange River Long Weekend |
£170/R2450 |
LW 5 |
27/04-01/05 |
4 Day Orange River Long Weekend |
£170/R2450 |
LW 6 |
01-05/05 |
4 Day Orange River Long Weekend |
£170/R2450 |
ORA 10 |
16-20/05 |
4 Day Orange River Rafting |
£170/R2450 |
LW 7 |
13-17/06 |
4 Day Orange River Long Weekend |
£170/R2450 |
School 1 |
27/6-01/7 |
4 Day Orange River Family trip |
£555/R8195.00 |
School 2 |
04-08/07 |
4 Day Orange River Family trip |
£555/R8195.00 |
LW 8 |
08-12/08 |
4 Day Orange River Long Weekend |
£170/R2450 |
ORA 11 |
22-26/08 |
4 Day Orange River Rafting |
£170/R2450 |
ORA 12 |
05-09/09 |
4 Day Orange River Rafting |
£170/R2450 |
ORA 13 |
12-16/09 |
4 Day Orange River Rafting |
£170/R2450 |
LW 9 |
23-27/09 |
4 Day Orange River Long Weekend |
£170/R2450 |
School 3 |
24-28/09 |
4 Day Orange River Family trip |
£555/R8195.00 |
School 4 |
30/09-04/10 |
4 Day Orange River Family trip |
£555/R8195.00 |
ORA 14 |
10-14/10 |
4 Day Orange River Rafting |
£170/R2450 |
ORA 15 |
24-28/10 |
4 Day Orange River Rafting |
£170/R2450 |
SPEC 6 |
01-05/11 |
4 Day Orange River Student Special |
£150/R2195.00 |
SPEC 7 |
07-11/11 |
4 Day Orange River Student Special |
£150/R2195.00 |
SPEC 8 |
14-18/11 |
4 Day Orange River Student Special |
£150/R2195.00 |
SPEC 9 |
21-25/11 |
4 Day Orange River Student Special |
£150/R2195.00 |
SPEC 10 |
28/11-02/12 |
4 Day Orange River Student Special |
£150/R2195.00 |
FAM 3 |
05-09/12 |
4 Day Orange River Family trip |
£555/R8195.00 |
FAM 5 |
12-16/12 |
4 Day Orange River Family trip |
£555/R8195.00 |
LW 10 |
12-16/12 |
4 Day Orange River Long Weekend |
£170/R2450 |
LW 11 |
16-20/12 |
4 Day Orange River Long Weekend |
£170/R2450 |
NY 1 |
26/12-01/01 |
6 Day New Years Bash |
£195/R2850.00 |
NY 2 |
28/12-01-01 |
4 Day New Years Bash |
£182/R2650.00 |
NY 3 |
31/12-04/01 |
4 Day New Years Bash |
£182/R2650.00 |
