The section of the Orange River we canoe was chosen because of
its sheer magnificent natural wealth. This section that we raft
is called the Richtersveldt section and we operate from Noordoewer
towards the Fish River confluence. It is 680km’s due north from Cape
Town and 1300km’s from Johannesburg, worth every km!!
The Richtersveldt National Park semi desert, through which the river
runs, is one of the largest mountain deserts in the world. Over 50%
of the plants here are endemic and support fascinating and varied
animal and insect life. The banks are lined with willow and ebony
trees which provide shade and shelter to river rafting clients;
forming an oasis green band of life through the orange splendor
of this semi-desert.
The Fish Eagle shows its majesty as it soars high above the rolling
waters while the Goliath Heron with its 6-7 foot wingspan eases its
way from the river’s edge. Not to mention the green brilliance of the
Malachite Kingfisher as he dives between the river and the trees.
But perhaps the most unique aspect of all is the ability to drift
through two million years of earth time. The arid, mountainous landscape
is composed of many varied rock types, which illustrate some of the major
geological events which occurred in the Southern Hemisphere over the last
two billion years.
We at Bundi River Rafters believe strongly in maintaining this unspoiled
and delicate environment. We also believe in educating our clientele on
environmental issues through a practical understanding of this area.
Sleeping on the river banks under the stars, and enjoying our scrumptious
cuisine, has only ever brought compliments. It is a relaxing, yet awesome
trip with a few challenging rapids ... an easygoing tour down an African river.
We offer different packages from 1 – 6 days. Tailor-made trips to suit your
needs are easily arranged. Fitness and paddling experience are not essential
as full paddling instruction is given.
Distances covered on each trip vary, depending on the strength of each
group's paddling. Short, relaxed 3 day trips usually cover 45km, whilst
longer trips range between 63 and 86 km. Each day we aim to cover around
15 km (river flow average about 4km/h), stopping regularly for refreshments,
lunch and to share in the excitement of the Grade 1-2 rapids.
In the past we used two man fiber glass Mohawk-style canoes but have now
switched over to two man inflatable "crocs".
Some advantages about Crocs:
- Safer because they do not capsize as easily as canoes
- One does not have to bail out water after each rapid as the crocs have a self-bailer built in through which the water flows
- More comfortable than the canoes to relax on
- Plastic and more child-friendly – no more wounds from sharp fiberglass pieces
- One can load more onto the crocs and also tie camping equipment on the sides onto the safety ropes.
- Do not break when you hit a rock in the rapids
- Easier to steer, therefore safer in faster flowing water to avoid rocks.
- One can get in and out of crocs more easily than canoes - an important factor for swimming during the hot summer months!
Orange River Accommodation:
Welcome to Bundi Adventures Base Camp!
The Bundi Base Camp is situated on the banks of the mighty Gariep River. The
Camp is located in the old River Rafters base camp which was used in the pioneering
days to explore the Orange River Rafting and canoeing route that is now used through
the Richtersveldt.
The Base Camp is limited to 8 en-suite rooms, 5 campsites, ablutions blocks, communal
kitchen and lounge and a big recreational hall. Not to mention the big lawns where kids
can play. We use the river to cool down on the hot summer days. An upgrade can be requested
from campsites to rooms at an additional fee of R495.00 per room per night. Chalets are
subject to availability. Open-air safe parking is available for guests.
Chalets:
We have a total of 8 rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms with a flush toilet and shower.
Arranged as follows: 3 rooms with 1 double size bed and 5 rooms with 2 ¾ beds. The beds
are of very good quality ensuring a good night’s rest. All beds are fitted with 100% cotton
sheets. Linen bath towels and soap will be provided as well as a small fridge with tea and
coffee making facilities.
Camp Sites:
Camp at our campsite on the banks of the Orange River under a million stars with the sound
of the soft flow of the river passing by. All sites are on grass underneath the trees. We
limit our camp to 5 campsites all with various amounts of people that can camp per area.
Please confirm the amount of people you would like to book on making your reservation. We
provide communal bathrooms with shower and flush toilets. Some sites have their own power
point. But please ensure that you request this on making your reservation. Remember to
bring your tent and camping equipment as we do not provide this.
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