Orange River Information

The Orange River name is because of the Dutch Prince William of Orange. The Gariep River or “Great River,” as the local Nama people call it. The Orange River cuts through the Richtersveld desert reserve. Now it forms part of the Richtersveld Ais-Ais Transfrontier Park.

The river starts high in the Drakensberg Mountains. The river then meanders for about 2200 km until it reaches the Atlantic Ocean. The mouth of the river is Alexander Bay (Oranjemund).

The total catchment area of the River system constitutes 77% of the surface area of South Africa. 40% of the basin is outside South Africa in Lesotho, Namibia, and Botswana. Yearly the Orange River provides an excellent source of life to all living in its arid surroundings.

We are a local company with a passion for adventure and conservation.

Most of our rafting and river operations extend from Vioolsdrift to Sendlingsdrift. We pride ourselves on offering value for money river adventures. Our adventure portfolio on the Orange River covers from 3-hour river rafting adventures to 7-day trails.

Orange River Information

The river rafting trails are unique because the Richtersveld Desert surrounds them. It is a pool drop river, and over 300 km, the river drops 150 meters in height. It is a gradual slope with entry-level and moderates to high-level rapids. Our experienced river rafting team will guide you through all the rapids. Our two-person and four-person inflatable rafts are perfect for negotiating these rapids in the safest possible way.

The river rafting adventure trails will lead you to experience the remote and rugged Richtersveld. Experience a wild bush campsite on the river banks and sleep outside under the stars. Escape into the wild and visit the Orange River on a river rafting adventure trail. This Rafting Trail is an experience you will never forget!

River rafting is one of the purest adventure activities in Southern Africa.

Orange River Highlights:

The Richtersveld desert has Breathtaking scenery.
There is a variety of birdlife.
Paddle through Exciting fast-flowing rapids.
One of the few places where Sleeping under the stars is the norm.
It is relaxing next sitting around the fire in the evenings.
We prepare all our meals on open fires.
The fishing is excellent along the river, and we catch and release.
Swimming in the Orange River
We can be Hiking in the mountains of the Richtersveld.

Rafting Preparation List.

It is essential to pack a dry bag for personal belongings.
Make sure you wrap your belongings in a watertight seal bag before using the dry bag.
Bring a Torch, spare batteries, and a headlamp.
Pack a Powerbank for charging and or solar power banks.
Wide rim hat, cap, sunglasses with a float attached.
Always have Sunblock and after sun in your kit.
Bring Gloves for paddling and long sleeve shirt for protection.
Bring a pair of water shoes and walking shoes.
Basic personal medical kit, essential, anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, rehydrate satchels.
Place your camera in a waterproof container - a Pelican case.
Powerfood snacks and trail mix snacks
Bring a Self-inflated mattress and sleeping bag.
Pack some Superglue and duct tape as a repair kit.
Always have Lipbalm or zambuck ointment.
Bring a buff and beanie for the unexpected climate.
Plan your Dry clothes for the evenings and easy to dry fabric.
Essential to pack warm clothes for unexpected weather changes.
A pocketknife or multi-tool with some camping utensils is essential.
A comfortable dry towel is always a bonus.
A sense of adventure, along with a sense of humour, will be essential.

The Richtersveld is a unique desert region on the western coast of South Africa. The Rafting adventure allows us to explore this magnificent desert on an inflatable raft. We are concentrating on rafting adventures on the lower orange river. This is a stretch from Henkries down to Sendelingsdrift. This region of operation is where the Richtersveld region starts. It is more remote and a total outdoor adventure experience.

Daily state of Dams South Africa

Rafting Schedule