Blyde River Rafting – South Africa

 

R1 360 per person

(Operating from December to March)

An extreme whitewater experience!

 

Rafting the Blyde River will earn you the distinction of having rafted one of the most spectacular rivers in the world. The canyon is one of the most unspoilt wilderness areas in the country. It is the third biggest canyon of its kind in the world, after the Grand- and Fish River canyons. While paddling demanding rapids you get the chance to enjoy breathtaking scenery, including the famous Three Rondavels.

 

Location:

Starts in the Mariepskop Forestry Reserve, ends where the Blyde River enters the Blydepoort Dam.  The day-trip ends near Swadini where the motor boat comes ashore.

 

Departure point:

Aventura Swadini Resort (on the R40 from Hazyview to Hoedspruit)

 

Departure time:

07h00

 

Duration:

Full Day 07h00 to 18h00

 

Length:

8km white water plus 5km motor boat cruise over dam

 

Difficulty:

Class 3-4

 

Type:

Steep pool-drop, some long, technical rapids.  Raft the third biggest canyon in the world!  Unspoilt wilderness with spectacular canyon scenery.

 

Included:

• Picnic lunch on the river bank and drinks on the motor boat.
• This includes a CD with photo’s of the trip per group.

 

Equipment

We use 2-person “Croc Rafts” made by African River Craft.  These forgiving boats are ideal for our river conditions, from the mild Lower Blyde to the challenging Blyde Canyon. Participants paddle their own boats (2 per boat) and guides go along in their own craft. Each participant is issued with a buoyancy aid, a helmet and, of course, a two-bladed paddle.

 

Safety and River Ethics

All white water trips are run in accordance with the APA River Safety Code and Code of Practice.  A detailed safety briefing precedes each river trip.  Participants need no prior experience but should not be afraid to float in swift water with a buoyancy aid and should be essentially healthy.  No alcohol 8 hours before or during paddling activities. Please inform your guide beforehand if you have a medical condition he/she should be aware of

 

Difficulty

Difficulty is rated on a scale from 1 to 6, where Class 1 is moving water, Class 2 and 3 offer great excitement and Class 4 is truly challenging.  A class 5 rapid is extremely difficult, long and very violent (first-time paddlers certainly don’t do them).  Class 6 is essentially un-runnable, until some insane kayakers survive it and the rapid’s rating may be changed to Class 5.  Flipping the raft or falling out and having a swim is part of river rafting.  Although

 

few people ever end up swimming in the Lower Blyde, everyone has a swim in the Blyde Canyon.

What to bring along

Shorts, T-shirts, swimming costume, sun-block, shoes you can swim in, walking shoes, towel and a sense of adventure.  We take a camera with for your convenience and photos can be bought afterwards.  We provide limited space in dry containers.

 

FAQ

• Is the trip strenuous?

A: Yes!

 

• Do you have to be fit?

A: Some degree of fitness is required

 

• Can the whole family go in one boat?

A: Yes, if you’re a family of two. We use 2-man-inflated rafts.

 

• Do I need to have previous rafting experience?

A:  No, first time rafters are welcome!

 

• What is the minimum age?

A: 12 years