6 Day Orange River Rafting

INTRO

Orange River Rafting : Facts

Trail distance: 75 – 140 km (depending on the water level)

We kick off our 6 day Orange River rafting trails with a paddle, negotiating rapids, viewing the array of bird life, cooling off in the river and relaxing in the sun while admiring the scenery. Hiking in the Richtersveld is where you will find a lost world of plants endemic only to this area and has adapted to the landscape in order to survive.

After a long days paddle, we set up camp while the smell of the authentic bush style dinners prepared by the guides hang in the air. We sit and relax under a blanket of Richtersveld stars as we watch the moonlight dance on the water, the perfect ending to a day of rafting on the Orange River.

Sample of Itinerary

All our trails start & end at The Growcery Base Camp

11 – 17 July

11 Jul: Arrival day at base camp around 17h00 – briefing and dinner provided – sleep base camp (D)

12 Jul: Day 1 After breakfast the Orange River rafting adventure departs (B.L.D)

13 Jul: Day 2 Orange River (B.L.D)

14 Jul: Day 3 Orange River – re supply (B.L.D)

15 Jul: Day 4 Orange River (B.L.D)

16 Jul: Day 5 Orange River (B.L.D)

17 Jul: Day 6 Depart after lunch back to base camp, tour ends upon arrival at camp (14h30 – 16h30)(B.L)

B-Breakfast; L-Lunch; D-Dinner

Rates

Adults: R3 350

Children U/12: R2 750

INCLUDES

What is Included?

Park fees, entrance fees
Breakfast, lunch, dinner (as indicated)
Qualified river guides
Two man inflatable raft (croc)
Paddles & flotation devices
60L Dry bag (for personal belongings)
45L Cooler box per boat (ice can be purchased at base camp)
Transfer back to The Growcery (base camp)

EXCLUDES

What is Excluded?

Camping equipment (tent, cutlery, crockery etc)
Water (2l per person per day), juice & alcoholic beverages, snacks for in between meals
Accommodation & food after your rafting trail

KIT LIST

Suggested Packing List

Sleeping bag, roll mat/ blow up mattress, torch/ head lamp, matches
Camera (water tight container)
Sunglasses (with safety strap), lip balm, hat, sunscreen
Water bottle, 6 bin liners
T-Shirts, khikoi, shorts, strops, sweater, long pants, second skin, swimsuit, towel
Hiking boots
Tent, umbrella, camping chairs, gloves – optional
Own drinks (no glass allowed), rehydrate sachets
Personal medical kit, insect repellent (Stingose), toiletries, bio degradable soap, toilet paper
Cash (No card facilities at base camp) and a good sense of adventure
Valid Passport

MAP

6 Day Orange River Rafting Map

FAQ

FAQ

What level of fitness and experience do I need for the Orange River Rafting Trip?

No previous experience is needed, only a moderate level of fitness is required.

When is the best time to go on an Orange River Rafting trip?

All year round is a great time to go on an Orange River rafting trip, prepare for chilly evenings in wintertime and

February can get hot.

How many people fit on a boat (croc)?

2 People per croc.

Why does Umkulu use crocks?

With many years of experience in the water we made the decision to stick with crocks. Although crocks are a bit slower in the water it does provide more stability in the rapids, getting in and off the boat when you want to cool off in the Orange River and much more space to relax and enjoy the scenery on the easy stretches.

What can we expect in weather and can we sleep under the stars?

Yes, you can sleep under the stars, most of our clients does. The Richtersveld desert is known for extreme

temperature differences. You need to be prepared for hot & cold temperatures.

What is the minimum age for children to safely join the trip?

We recommend children from the age of 5 and up but parents can use their own discretion.

Can we book our own private group and choose our own departure date?

Yes, a minimum of 10 people would allow you to schedule a date that suits you. This cannot be guaranteed during

long weekends, Christmas and Easter seasons but please enquire at the office for more details on private trails.

Can we paddle to the Orange River mouth from your camp?

Yes, with a minimum of 12 people we can tailor make your trail. We are flexible with group booking and we are

able to offer unique itineraries on request.

Should I tip the guides?

If you are returned to base camp safely and had a fabulous time you are welcome to do so.

Are there other fun things we can do in conjunction with a rafting trip?

Yes, our base camp offers great hiking and biking trails. You can also take part in a 4×4 safari train in the

Richtersveld and Nababeep Conservancy. Day trips to Fish River Canyon and Ai-Ais Transfrontier Park are also

available from camp.

Do you offer accommodation pre and post Orange River rafting trip or just camping facilities for people travelling?

Our Growcery base camp www.thegrowcery.co.za is open to campers, paddlers, adventures seekers, 4×4

enthusiasts, bird watchers and fly fishing fanatics and open all year round.

Is there a kiosk at base camp?

Rafting shirts and caps for sale at kiosk for bragging rights, we also have a fully stocked cash bar, braai packs, wood

and ice for sale at base camp. We also cater for meals on request.

Do you have credit card facilities at camp?

No unfortunately we only accept cash at our base camp but at Vioolsdrift border there is an aATM at the shop.

How long does it take to get back to base camp after a 4 or 6 day Orange River rafting trail?

It is safe to say from pick up in Namibia you will reach our camp anything between 14h30 and 16h30. This all

depends on the time of the year and traffic at the border post.

Why do we have to get our passports stamped before we reach base camp?

We start all our trails form our base camp situated on the South African side of the Orange River. We finish our

rafting trails on the Namibian side and return to our base camp. The reason for this is that there is no access road

on the South African side to the take out point.

Is it safe to swim in the Orange River?

There are no Crocodiles or Hippos in the Orange River, it is perfectly safe to swim.

What does the campsites on a river trail look like?

The camps on river can be anything from a nice grass bank to a sandy beach depending on the water levels and

amount of people on river.

What fish are in the river and can we fish whilst on the Trail?

Please feel free to bring your fishing gear, you will have more than enough time during lunch breaks and overnight

spots to throw a line in the water. The most common fish found on the stretch that we raft on is Sharp tooth

Catfish, Orange River Mudfish, Carp, Small and Large mouth Yellow fish and yes bring the fishing gear with, you will

have enough time at lunch and at the overnight spots to get a bit of line in the water.

Do we need to pack extra food for the trip?

We recommend that you bring in between meal snacks. You will be served good portions at breakfast, lunch and

dinner but you might just get a little hungry after a few hours of paddling

What is the difference between a Wet and Wild Trail and an Orange River Rafting Trail?

On the Wet and Wild Trails is a combination of Orange River rafting and a 4×4 safari trail in the Richtersveld. This

trail is a good introduction to the green vegetation and fast flowing water of the river and the contrasting desert

landscape of the Richtersveld.

What makes the Kayking Trail different to a 4 or 6 Day Orange River rafting trail?

Our Kayaking Trail is more of an expedition. We use different equipment and meals are more sustainable to enable

clients the long distance paddling. Our Kayaking trails are not for the faint hearted with long stretches of paddling

and negotiating fast flowing water with natural elements working against you. The total distance you cover on this

trail is 300km in only 8 days. A true African river experience!