Mzanzitravel Magazine

If you love a challenge that combines an edge of danger, plenty of
adrenalin during moments of crazy action, interspersed by periods of
total silence and tranquillity, and an exhilarating exposure to all the varied
beauty, nuances, moods, sounds and landscapes of nature, nothing
beats a river adventure. And in South Africa pride of place goes to the
mighty Orange River.
Rafting the Orange River, whether on the upper Free State/Eastern Cape
stretch of the river, or on the lower, more popular Northern Cape/Richtersveld
stretch, it offers one of South Africa’s best-value, best-scenery, best-experience
adventure holidays. A trip of a lifetime.
Drift lazily downstream on calm water, shoot the rapids at exhilarating speed,
explore bird-populated mid-river islands, swim in crocodile-free water, camp
on the river banks and sleep under the stars, enjoy exquisite meals cooked on
open fires, explore the surrounding environment and one of the oldest mountain
deserts, see some wildlife, learn about the river and environment from your guide,
as well as about the history and communities along the river. In the evenings,
tired but satisfied, you can share some red wine and the day’s experience with
your family, friends or newly-made friends around a ampfire. And there’s not a cell
phone, TV or clock in site to bother you. Just you, nature, blue skies, starry nights
and the river.
Longest river
South Africa has approximately 286 rivers covering a large variety of river
ecosystem types. Of these approximately 30 to 40 are major rivers from a
perspective that includes size and length, navigability, commercial and irrigation
purposes, infrastructure such as dams, and for use in terms of leisure activities.
From a tourism/adventure perspective, this can be narrowed down to around 8 or