This is truly one of the purest adventure trails in Southern Africa. The Gariep River or “great river” as it is called by the local Nama people offers a unique outdoor experience to those you seek tranquillity and adventure. The Orange River cuts through the Richtersveldt desert reserve and is now part of the Transfrontier transformation parks in Africa.

We offer 4 – 6 day river trails, exploring the many hidden treasures of this remote and almost forgotten desert reserve of Southern Africa. The river is surrounded by semi precious stone, rock formations, and volcanic rock to the abundance of small animals, primates and extraordinary bird life. Departing our base camp head to our adventure with just the bear necessities prepared for the days of wild camping to follow. Our camps will be along the river edge and we will follow the ethics of eco tourism along the river. 

River & Area Information: 
The Orange River originates in the Drakensberg mountains and meanders through a great part of South Africa to seek and meet the Atlantic Ocean at Oranjemund. In total the great Gariep is 2092km in length from source to mouth 39th longest river in the world.  An annual rainfall of 5-150 mm and temperatures of between 0-56 degrees along with the vegetation and the rates of evaporation qualifies the Richtersveldt as the superior desert region of South Africa. The river offers a source of life and existence to all life along its banks and bays. 
 
Umkulu Safari & canoe trails offer a base camp on the banks of the Orange River from where we conduct all our river trails through the Richtersveldt Reserve. Our base camp acts as the meeting and departure point for all our river trails and offer a level of professionalism and comfort to all our fellow adventure travellers.

Base Camp Facilities:
Showers, Chalets, campsites, bar facilities, friendly staff, safe parking, swimming pool, safe keeping of valuables and tremendous views of the Orange River. Our guides will meet and greet our clients and inform them of the preparations of the trails that follow.

Preparations for Trails:
All trails are lead by qualified river guides and we do offer a back up system from our Base Camp. You will receive a full briefing on the safety procedures and basic ethics of exploring the trail. Our guides will prepare all meals and assist with your equipment preparations before embarking on your adventure trail. No previous experience is needed and a moderate level of fitness is required.  

Equipment:
We make use of the best equipment available in South Africa and all has been SABS approved for rafting and canoe trails. Our two man inflatable rafts are suitable for all terrains and can comfortably handle any river graded 1-3. Every boat has 2 paddles, 2 buoyancy aids; dry bags and a cooler box for drinks.

Eco Trails:
No glass is allowed on the river and all waste will be transported along the trail and returned to base camp.  Please decanter supplies to plastic containers or make use of cans

Trail:
Our aim is to explore and discover the desert reserve with all its hidden treasures and trails. Our days are spent with early morning paddling, swimming, floating, bird watching and negotiating some rapids and fast flowing water. Our guides will take you through the steps of paddling through rapids, hiking some mountains and in general discover the eco system of the desert. This is not a race, but we do need to cover some distance on a daily basis to reach our destination. The trails vary from 40 km – 160 km. Umkulu safari & canoe trails offers 12 years of experience, passion and knowledge gained from the environment. Explore the Ultimate Desert River Trail.