Half day Neus Gorge Run

Only a few km from Kakamas, this grade2-3 run takes a few well-spent hours. We often do it as a preparation for longer trails on the Orange, since the rendezvous for all trips is Kalahari Cliffs, our base camp, and Neus is only just upriver. So come a day or two in advance if you are planning a longer raft safari with us. We drive from the campsite and put in below the virtually unknown but wildly thundering Neus Falls. Then it’s a great float trip with a couple of good rapids to spice things up as we descend to our landing back at KalCliffs.

Few river trips in Southern Africa start at a more spectacular spot than the 8km Neus Gorge run.

There is a terrifying “chicken run” around river left – some chicken, some run, as Churchill might have said.

The rafts can penetrate the lower end of the Neus Falls rapids, then we turn downstream and float into the Neus Gorge itself. Low but impressive, the sun-blackened rocks stand at angles, their layered strata shattered by countless floods. After several good rapids it’s downhill all the way to our pull-out. Allow 3-4 hours for this marvellously scenic trip.

FAQ

• Who can do a Neus Gorge Run trip?

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.

• What can I expect on a Neus Gorge Run Trip?

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.

• What about the weather on a Neus Gorge Run Trip?

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

• Tell me more about the personal and group kit?

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

• What about safety and guiding ?

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!

• What about accommodation, is there any campsites available?

Yes, go to our Kalahari Cliffs Page for more information.