River Rafting

Probably the most well known river in South Africa, the Orange River, runs through the mountainous desert area known as the Richtersveld. Whilst for the most part, the river is still and scenic it is also known for its fun rapids. There is a one-day rafting trip above Augrabies which features some exciting but not too radical rapids. 

Down in the Western Cape you’ll find the Doring River where slightly more advanced white water rafting enthusiasts can test their skills. Running through the Kogelberg Nature Reserve, the Palmiet River is an absolutely wonderful South African white water rapid and offers fantastic mechanical rafting opportunities and wonderful scenery. The trip offered takes one day and includes all meals and sometimes a visit to a winery. The Molenaars is a very technical run but only works for a few days immediately after heavy rain falls in the catchment area - which makes it a difficult trip to plan. 

In KwaZulu Natal, The Umkomaas River on the glorious South Coast offers fantastic paddling with some fun and challenging rapid to navigate. Just north of Durban, the Umgeni River has some enjoyable rapids. The section paddled is part of the exhausting annual two-day Dusi Canoe Marathon. Blyde River in Mpumalanga is probably one of the most stunning rivers in the country and has rather steep gradients which make for some intense South African white water rafting.