Accommodation in the Area

Orange River – Base Camp – The Growcery

The Growcery basecamp is situated on the banks of the Orange river and offer a traquil eco friendly environment with endless views of the orange river and the surrounding rock formations. A basic needs bushcamp with all the bare essentials needed to provide you with an unforgettable experience.

The Camp site is located on the South African side of the Orange River about 20km downstream from the Vioolsdrift border post. It is the perfect place to relax after a day’s drive and cool off in the longest river in South Africa.

The river is perfectly safe to swim in, no crocs or hippos!!!!

Accommodation at the Growcery

We offer grassy campsites.
Thorn tree - sleeps 20 – 30
Rocky horror – sleeps 20
Fish eagle sleeps 25
Sativa - sleeps 15
Indica sleeps 15
Tamariskia – sleeps 25

 

Camping Fees

R80 per adult per day.
Our tented camp will be completed in April 2012 sleeps 20 people, 2 per tent @ R 120 per person per night.

The perfect eco camp to start your river adventure or just to stay a few days, relax and explore the beautiful desert surroundings along the orange river.

 

Facilities at The Growcery

• Hot open air showers
• Excellent camp sites
• Pristine ablutions with flush toilets
• Endless river & mountain views
• A fully stocked bar (The Dispensary)
• Adventure hikes
• Safe swimming
• Fishing
• Day trips and half day trips on the Orange River
• Meals

 

Directions to Umkulu Base Camp – The Growcery

All our river rafting trails start and end at our base camp, 20km down the road from Vioolsdrift.

From the South African side – just before the Vioolsdrift border post, there is a dirt road to your left saying “Kotzeshoop”.  Turn left there, and follow that dirt road for about 20 km’s all along the Orange River to our base camp (on the South African side of the river).

From when you turn off from the N7 – travel for 10km on the dirt road and pass the Aquacade sign on your right hand side, continue on this road and you will pass the Rooiwal Shop also on your right hand side.  Continue over the mountain, following the river on the right hand side for another 10 km until you see the sign board for the Umkulu Base Camp.

GPS co-ordinates

Latitude: -28.698041; Longitude: 17.49843

 

View on the Map

 

Directions to Vioolsdrift

 

From Cape Town

Travel along the N7 towards Springbok and on to the Vioolsdrift (South African) and Noordoewer (Namibian) borders. 670km.

From Upington

Take the N14 to Springbok and from Springbok the N7 to Vioolsdrift. From Upington to Springbok is 387km. From Springbok to Vioolsdrift is approximately 115km.

From Johannesburg

Take the N14 to Springbok (1274km) and from Springbok the N7 to Vioolsdrift (115km).

Border Crossing Procedures

Stamp out of South Africa and into Namibia and return to South Africa WITHOUT being stamped out of Namibia and back into South Africa again, (the last stamp in your passport should be the entry stamp into Namibia!). On forms that are filled out at the border, state that your address in Namibia is the Orange River. DO NOT pay the road tax, as you are not using the roads but return straight to South Africa.

GPS co-ordinates

Latitude: -28.698041; Longitude: 17.49843

Accommodation Options
Coming soon

 

Alexander Bay

The wetland at the mouth of the Orange River forms an important stop over for a great variety of migratory birds and has accordingly been declared a Ramsar site. The endemic Barlow’s Lark, a must for any birder, is also found along the riverbanks, along with smooth pebbles and semi-precious stones for rock and gemstone enthusiasts. Unfortunately this wetland is currently under major threat from several sources including reduced flow and desertification, but efforts are underway to restore this wetland. Also of interest are fields of green and orange lichen growing on a hill near the turnoff of the town. These lichen fields are soon to be declared a national monument.

Getting there:

Alexander Bay is a mining town located at the mouth of the Orange River, 85 km from Port Nolloth. In the past strict security made access to Alexander Bay difficult but today this frontier town invites visitors to explore its fascinating pioneering history. Although the border post to Namibia is open from 6:00 till 22:00, you need a permit to enter the Sperrgebiet and Oranjemund which you have to drive through to get further into Namibia. Movement in the Sperrgebiet area is very restricted and entrance permits need to be approved well in advance for all visitors. Security clearances are done at the Security Department offices in Oranjemund and the Springbok Police Station in South Africa.

Acoomdation:

Alexander Bay Tourist Information:

Ralph v Reenen 027 831 1703

 

Eksteenfontein

Eksteenfontein lies in a wide plain stretching to distant mountains and Halfmens trees. Like Kuboes, it belongs to the hot, dry semi-desert region of the Richtersveld, home to endemic succulents and desert wildlife. The Richtersveld National Park as well as the banks of the Orange River are within a two hour drive.

Getting there:

Eksteenfontein is the gateway to the planned Rooiberg Conservancy, a vast wilderness adjoining the Richtersveld National Park. This small town is 50 km from Lekkersing and 80 km from Kuboes, and a 4×4 trail connects Eksteenfontein with Vioolsdrift, where you can cross the border into Namibia. Eksteenfontein can be accessed easily without a 4×4 along tarred and gravel roads from Steinkopf.

Accommodation:

Tourism Information Centre:

Volenti

Tel/ fax: 027 851 7108

e-mail: henleys@lantic.net

 

Kuboes

Situated in the heart of the Richtersveld, the area of Kuboes is as hot and dry as it is vast. A rugged and remote terrain, neighbouring the Sandveld and coastal plains, it contributes to one of the most attractive and diverse arid wonders in Southern Africa. Fascinating succulents such as the ancient Kokerboom tree share the rocky soils with birds, insects and reptiles. If you are lucky, you might spot an elusive klipspringer, a ground squirrel, a Smith’s red rock rabbit, or even a majestic Gompou on the sandy plains.

Getting there:

Kuboes, lying on the periphery of the Richtersveld National Park, can be accessed from two roads. It is approximately 70 km from either Alexander Bay or Eksteenfontein to this village.

Accommodation:

Municipal Office

027 8312375

 

Lekkersing

Lekkersing is nestled in the hills of the Richtersveld, the faulted, age-old lava landscape of rugged mountain ranges interspersed by wide plains. Temperatures up to 53 degrees Celsius have been measured in this area, but the trees at Koersdap shelter you from the harshest sunshine.

Getting there:

The small town of Lekkersing is nestled in the hills of the Richtersveld, 50 km from Eksteenfontein and 70 km from Kuboes. It can also be accessed from the road (R382) to Port Nolloth.

Accommodation:

Lekkersing Municipal Office

Marie or Mina

027 8518580

 

Port Nolloth

Port Nolloth, formerly known as ‘Aukwatowa’ (Nama: “Where the water took the old man away”), was virtually uninhabited until the discovery of diamonds in 1926. Old railway tracks bear testament to copper deposits that were mined inland at Okiep and transported by train to be exported from this harbour town in long forgotten days. Sizamile (which means: “we have tried”) was built in 1993 and is home to about 1200 people. In 1921, the first black people started living in Port Nolloth in Paraffien-Street on the border of the coloured settlement. Later, they were moved to the Tent Dorp and the Bloukamp, before they settled in in Sizamile. Topographically, the town belongs to the dry and vast Sandveld, and is often shrouded in sea fog locally known as the malmokkie.

Getting there:

Port Nolloth and the informal settlement, Sizamile, are situated on the Atlantic Coast and form part of a circular route through the Richtersveld. Turning off the N7 at Steinkopf the R382 takes you some 90 km to Port Nolloth and Sizamile. From here you can continue to Alexander Bay, Sanddrift, the Richtersveld National Park, Kuboes, Eksteenfontein, Lekkersing and finally back to the R382.

Accommodation:

Port Nolloth Museum and Tourist Information

027 851 8350