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Orange Gorge and Gariep Falls |
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Rafting Safaris 31/2 days |
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UMKULU RAFTING TRIPS: 4 Day Orange River Rafting | 6 Day Orange River Rafting | 7 Day Orange River Rafting |
UMKULU FISHING TRIALS: 3 Day Orange RIver Fishing Trail | 5 Day Orange River Fishing Trail |
OTHER ORANGE RIVER TRIPS: Orange River Gorge and Gariep Falls | Half Day Neus Gorge Run |
AREA INFORMATION: Orange River Map | National Parks in the Area | Towns and Accommodation in the Area |
Umkulu River Lodge Information | Discover the Richtersveld |
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Of all the trails we run, the Oranje Gorge (or !Gariep Falls route) is the most awesome in terms of its scenery and the sheer power of the river. The route follows the river as it twists from its east-west orientation to run north-south through a short but spectacular gorge. Halfway down are the !Gariep or Ritchie Falls, unrunnable by boat, which have to be portaged past. The picture below shows us having paddled back up the gorge to see the foot of the falls.
In the lower gorge is one of South Africa's famous rapids - "Big Bunny", so named because a German visitor on one of our trips could not pronounce the word "rapid" and kept calling it the "big rabbit".
Although the distance is fairly short we take 31/2 days because the surroundings are too good to miss - they just cry out to be explored. The trail begins at the border village of Onseepkans about 1hr30minutes drive from our main base at Kakamas. Drivers take the cars to the end point of the trail where there is safe parking. We return to the top and head downriver.
Day One takes us to Flat Rocks campsite where a wonderful play rapid awaits and there are great hikes to the mountaintops. Days 2 & 3 are spent approaching and then portaging into the gorge. Most of the third day is spent paddling and walking up the gorge, and running rapids for fun, while we camp two nights at one spot. The river divides around a series of islands and forms two major channels, the Chicken Run (or "Little George" on the Namibian (west) side, and the main run (or "Big George") on the east, or South African side. We do not run the main gorge which is filled with dangerous potholes and suck-backs. But we do paddle and hike up to see its enormous rocks and thundering channels. The Chicken Run, as the name implies, is far friendlier though it too contains memorable rapids like Scorpion, Screwdriver and Little Falls. The granite landscape comprises some of the oldest rocks on earth and - believe it or not - there is a theory that once upon a time a huge mountain range perhaps the height of Everest stood here, but has been eroded over many eons.
On day 4 we carry one down the gorge, running Big Bunny, Dolly Parton and Last Gasp before, paddling to the end point.
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FAQ |
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Who can do a Orange Gorge and Gariep Falls trip? |
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Orange River adventures are ideal for groups of friends and families with teenagers. Minimum age 10. We paddle downriver in fully self-contained 2-seater croc inflatables so if you have a small youngster, be prepared to look after him or her! For parents and kids, this is a wonderful relationship-building experience. Get to connect with your teenagers before they connect with someone else! The trip is also very suitable for corporate teambuilding groups. We can arrange it to suit your needs and will lay on special meals, transport or equipment depending on what you wish to achieve. |
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What can I expect on a Orange Gorge and Gariep Falls Trip? |
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No previous experience is required and we provide a kit list on booking. All boats, group equipment, and logistics are arranged by us, with menu lists provided for self-catering. The pace is not hurried and we take time to enjoy the environment and study the marvellous semi-precious stones brought down by the river. You do not need to be superfit but should be able to handle camping out, paddling during the day, hiking, swimming and group fun. Bring your own sleeping bag. |
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What about the weather on a Orange River and Gariep Falls Trip? |
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Autumn, winter and spring are the ideal time to go rafting in the Kalahari - it's far too hot in summer! In June-July frost is very rare, and the days are mild to warm. It can be chilly earning in the morning but the sun usually shines and it's pleasant on the water. By August-September the weather is generally warm to hot. Average temperatures range from March (+30degC Max - 15C Min), through July (21C - 2C), and September (26C-8C), compared with more than 40degC in summer. It is unlikely to rain, but during the "green season" at midyear rain is a welcome offering, and very localised. The Kalahari is a semi-desert forming part of the temperate Savannah or grasslands of Africa, but the further west we go the drier it gets |
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Tell me more about the personal and group kit? |
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When you book, we send a personal kit list. It's not hard or expensive to put the kit together: you need what you probably already have. Clothing: "dry gear" for nights, and "wet gear" to wear during the day. We have tents for hire but you can bring your own provided it is lightweight and compact. We do not recommend blow-up lilo mattresses and suggest that you use closed-cell foam or something else that will not puncture on thorns. Again, sleeping mats must roll up nice and tight and light. On self-catering trips you need to provide your own coolboxes which must be light, strong, and sealed properly against sun and water (ie Coleman coolers).
Group kit includes the kitchen and cookware; mugs, plates and cutlery; tarp shelter; chairs and tables; the portable loo; emergency cellphones & medical kit; and other accessories. We provide drybags/bins for the packing of clothing, sleeping bag, tent and air mattress. On catered trips we hanble the packing of food and bottles which are carried in clipdown crates and cold food in coolers - although everyone shares in carrying the loads. Naturally, we also provide all the boats, lifejackets, helmets and paddles for the river trip. In other words, all you need is your own personal stuff and away you go |
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What about safety and guiding ? |
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We'll want to know if you can swim and will make sure you wear your lifejacket and helmet at all times. We'll need to know if you have any medical conditions affecting fitness or judgement. But don't worry - so long as you are reasonably able to handle physical exertion in the outdoors you'll do fine.
We are obsessive about safety, having seen and experienced how rivers play tricks. Trips begin with a safety talk and we show you how to handle the boat in smooth and rough water. We are on hand to help you out of tough corners and provide rescue. As the trip goes on you'll gain confidence in the techniques of paddling, swimming in rapids (for fun!), and recovery of the boat and equipment after capsize - hopefully not too many of those! |
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What about accommodation, is there any campsites available? |
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Yes, go to our Kalahari Cliffs Page for more information. |
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What Orange River Rafting trips do you have available? |
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