Text: Kate Collins. Pictures: Gravity Adventures. Article from the Autumn 2012 issue of Wild Magazine.
“The Palmiet offers a fast-flowing, somewhat bouncy ride through terrific scenery.”
1. Orange River near Noordoewer
Leave your worries behind as you take on a four- or six-day trip down the mighty Orange. This trip is open to anyone, with neither fitness nor experience essential. Gaze at curious rock formations and take in the beauty of the Ai-Ais/Richtersveid Transfrontier Park’s magnificent scenery and birdlife. At night, settle back and stargaze from your perch on the riverbank. Guides prepare all meals and are trained to help you get through each rapid safely. Popular with friends and families, this adventure can be just as much fun when you join another group. If you feel the heat, simply slip off your raft into the river.
Rates Depends on the company you book with. Gravity Adventures, Felix Unite, Wild Thing and Amanzi Trails River Adventures all offer guided trips.
2. Palmiet River near Kleinmond
The Palmiet is an easy-going paddle in summer that, with the arrival of winter rains, becomes a white-water adventure, so choose your season carefully. An hour from Cape Town, the river runs through the scenic Kogelberg Nature Reserve where fynbos-covered mountains form a backdrop. Take on the rapids in the company of guides who provide equipment, food and safety support for your trip. As you’ll find out, you don’t need to be particularly fit or skilled to enjoy a sunny day on the water. After your paddle, get comfortable in one of the reserve’s brand new eco-cabins. You’ll have earned a good night’s rest.
Contact Gravity Adventures 021-683-3698 for paddling. Book accommodation on 0861-CAPENATURE (0861-227-362-8873).
Try one of these paddling adventures for quality time with friends and family.
3. lnanda Dam near Durban
While Inanda Dam is well known for its popular annual bass fishing tournament and as a hectic stop-over point on the Dusi Canoe Marathon, it’s also a place to escape Durban’s heat, to relax and feel completely at ease. Hire a canoe and take to the dam’s calm waters, or bring your own. Better still, bring your tent and stay overnight. If camping is not for you, the dam boasts lovely safari tents right on the water’s edge.
Contact Msinsi Reservations 031-766-9946
4. Great Usutu River Swaziland
Paddle along the largest river in Swaziland on a two-person inflatable raft. The Bulunga Gorge on the Usutu River invites white-water enthusiasts for adrenalin fun on half- or full-day rafting excursions. Transport, equipment and lunch are included. The river is challenging but you don’t need to have prior experience to attempt the rapids (grade two to four). Later, visit the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and stay in one of the traditional beehive huts. The huts are dome shaped and arranged in a circle, traditional Swazi style. When you are not paddling, try a game drive or go on a walking safari for a chance to explore the bush on foot.
Contact Book paddling phone +268-2528-3943/4 for accommodation.
5. Keurbooms River near Plettenberg Bay
The real charm of the Keurbooms Nature Reserve lies in the winding river that cuts through indigenous forest. The Whiskey Creek Canoe Trail is the best way to explore the reserve. The area boasts beautiful birdlife and the Knysna turaco, malachite kingfisher and giant kingfisher are among the beauties to spot. Paddling is easy going, so the trail is a good option for families. The Whiskey Creek Cottage is your destination for the night. It’s a scenic 7 km paddle upstream and you can look forward to a meal on an open-air deck under the stars. The cottage sleeps up to 10 people and is booked exclusively for each group.
Rates Contact Central Reservations 0861-CAPENATURE (0861-227-362-8873) or 021-483-1090
Did you know? The Wild Card parks offer a variety of activities, from kayaking to mountain biking. Find a new way to get close to nature.
