Join us on an unforgettable African Canoeing Adventure on the Orange River (Gariep River), passing through the breathtaking arid Richtersveld scenery. Under the
guidance of experienced and qualified staff you will enjoy a 4-day, 4-night adventure not easily matched. Enjoy scrumptious meals, raging campfires and great company as you overnight under the starlit African sky. To top it all the water is warm and the weather naturally perfect 'all year round'.
The Orange River, South Africa'a largest river - rises in the Drakensberg range some 15 km's south of Mont-aux-Sources and flows 2340km's westwards until it reaches the Atlantic Ocean at Oranjemund.
4-day, 4-night standard Orange River Trip
Day
Activity
Accomodation
Meals
0
Arrival at Base Camp
Camping
D
1
1st day on the river
Camping
B,L,D
2
2nd day on the river
Camping
B,L,D
3
3rd day on the river
Camping
B,L,D
4
4th day on the river
B,L
Arrival at Base Camp
Arrival at the river (base camp) will be the night before you set off paddling. Arrival at base will be after custom clearance. You are welcome to arrive from 16h00 onwards. Please try to be there before 20:00 as dinner is served at approximately 20h30. Should your arrival be earlier or later, please inform the office.
1st day on the river
You will be woken at approx. 07:00 - coffee and tea will be available, followed by a briefing session for the mornings’ events. Breakfast will be served at 07:30. Packing procedure will be demonstrated and explained during breakfast. Safety speech will be delivered and demonstrated at approx. 09:00. You should be on the water no later than 10:30.Lunchtime will be at approx. 13:00, lasting for +/- 1hr 30min. Back on the water until +/- 17:00. Once we arrive at the overnight spot you will have plenty of time to set up your sleeping area and settle in. Dinner served at approx. 20:00.
2nd day on the river
Breakfast at 07:30, on the river by 10:00. Lunch time at approx. 13:00. Off the river around 17:00 and supper will be served at approximately 20:00.
3rd day on the river
Breakfast at 07:30, on the river by 10:00. Lunch time at approx. 13:00. Off the river around 17:00 and supper will be served at approximately 20:00.
4th day on the river
Breakfast at 07:00, on the river by 09:00. Take out will be around 11:00. The drive back to base camp will take approx. 2hrs including border clearance for the group. Lunch will be served on arrival at the base camp. You will have the chance to freshen up before you depart or you have the option of staying for an additional night, if you made the necessary arrangements. The extra nights accommodation will be no extra charge but should you wish to be catered for, dinner will be an additional R65p/p, payable to Wildthing upon booking, notifying us in advance. Tea/coffee and rusks will be served in the morning.
Orange River New Year 5 days, 5 nights (27 Dec - 1 Jan 2011)
Day
Activity
Accomodation
Meals
0
Arrival at Base Camp
Camping
D
1
1st day on the river
Camping
B,L,D
2
2nd day on river
Camping
B,L,D
3
3rd day on river
Camping
B,L,D
4
4th day on river
Camping
B,L,D
5
Base Camp
B
Arrival at Base Camp
Arrival at the river (base camp) will be the night before you set off paddling. Try and be there before 20:00. Should your arrival be much later, please inform the office. Dinner served at 20:30.
1st day on the river
You will be woken at approx. 07:00 - coffee and tea will be available, followed by a briefing session for the mornings' events. Breakfast will be served at 07:30. Packing procedure will be demonstrated and explained during breakfast. Safety speech will be delivered and demonstrated at approx. 09:00. You should be on the water no later than 10:30. Lunchtime will be at approx. 13:00, lasting for +/- 1hr 30min. Back on the water until +/- 17:00. Dinner served at approximaely 20:00.
2nd day on river
Breakfast at 07:30, on the river by 10:00. Lunch time at approx. 13:00. Off the river around 17:00 and supper will be served at approximately 20:00.
3rd day on river
Breakfast at 07:30, on the river by 10:00. Lunch time at approx. 13:00. Off the river around 17:00 and supper will be served at approximately 20:00.
4th day on river
Breakfast at 07:00, on the river by 09:00. Take out will be at approx. 11:00. The drive back to base camp will take approx. 2hrs including border clearance for the group. Lunch will be served on arrival at the base camp. You will have the chance to freshen up before the New Years' Party starts at 18h00.
Base Camp
On 1 January 2011 you will be served a scrumptious breakfast. You will have the chance to freshen up before you depart or you have the option of staying for an additional night, if you made the necessary arrangements. The extra nights accommodation will be no extra charge but should you wish to be catered for, dinner will be an additional R65p/p, payable to Wildthing upon booking, notifying us in advance.
Orange River New Year 4 day, 4 nights (31 Dec - 4 Jan 2011)
Day
Activity
Accomodation
Meals
0
Arrival at Base Camp
Camping
D
1
1st day on river
Camping
B,L,D
2
2nd day on river
Camping
B,L,D
3
3rd day on river
Camping
B,L,D
4
4th day on river
B,L
Arrival at Base Camp
Arrival at the river (base camp) will be the night before you set off paddling, this will be 31 December. Try and be there before 17:00 as the party will start around 18h00 and dinner will be served at 20:30.
1st day on river
After breakfast the packing procedure will be demonstrated. Lunch will be served at the camp and the safety speech will be delivered and demonstrated at approx. 12:30. You should be on the water no later than 14:00. We will be on the water until +/- 17:00. Dinner served at approximately 20:00.
2nd day on river
Breakfast at 07:30, on the river by 10:00. Lunch time at approx. 13:00. Off the river around 17:00 and supper will be served at approximately 20:00.
3rd day on river
Breakfast at 07:30, on the river by 10:00. Lunch time at approx. 13:00. Off the river around 17:00 and supper will be served at approximately 20:00.
4th day on river
Breakfast at 07:00, on the river by 09:00. Take out will be at approx. 11:00. The drive back to base camp will take approximately 2hrs including border clearance for the group. Lunch will be served on arrival at the base camp. You will have the chance to freshen up before you depart or you have the option of staying for an additional night, if you made the necessary arrangements. The extra nights accommodation will be no extra charge but should you wish to be catered for, dinner will be an additional R65p/p, payable to Wildthing upon booking, pnotifying us in advance. Tea/coffee and rusks will be served in the morning.
Orange River New Year 3 day, 3 nights (31 Dec - 3 Jan 2011)
Day
Activity
Accomodation
Meals
0
Arrival at Base Camp
Camping
D
1
1st day on river
Camping
B,L,D
2
2nd day on river
Camping
B,L,D
3
3rd day on river
B,L
Arrival at Base Camp
Arrival at the river (base camp) will be the night before you set off paddling, this will be 31 December. Try and be there before 17:00 as the party will start around 18h00 and dinner will be served at 20:30.
1st day on river
After breakfast the packing procedure will be demonstrated. Lunch will be served at the camp and the safety speech will be delivered and demonstrated at approx. 12:30. You should be on the water no later than 14:00. We will be on the water until +/- 17:00. Dinner served at approximately 20:00.
2nd day on river
Breakfast at 07:30, on the river by 10:00. Lunch time at approx. 13:00. Off the river around 17:00 and supper will be served at approximately 20:00.
3rd day on river
Breakfast at 07:30, on the river by 09:00. Take out will be at approx. 11:00. The drive back to base camp will take approx. 2hrs including border clearance for the group. Lunch will be served on arrival at the base camp. You will have the chance to freshen up before you depart or you have the option of staying for an additional night, if you made the necessary arrangements. The extra nights accommodation will be no extra charge but should you wish to be catered for, dinner will be an additional R65p/p, payable to Wildthing upon booking, pnotifying us in advance. Tea/coffee and rusks will be served in the morning.
Dates for 4-day, 4-night standard Orange River Trip
August 2010
Arrive at camp
On River
Wed 25th
Thu 26th to Sun 29th
September 2010
Arrive at camp
On River
Wed 1st
Thu 2nd to Sun 5th
Wed 8th
Thu 9th to Sun 12th
Wed 15th
Thu 16th to Sun 19th
Sun 19th
Mon 20th to Thu 23rd
Fri 24th
Sat 25th to Tue 28th
Sat 25th
Sun 26th to Wed 29th
Tue 28th
Wed 29th to Sat 2nd
Wed 29th
Thu 30th to Sun 3rd
October 2010
Arrive at camp
On River
Wed 13th
Thu 14th to Sun 17th
Wed 20th
Thu 21st to Sun 24th
Wed 27th
Thu 28th to Sun 31st
November 2010
Arrive at camp
On River
Wed 3rd
Thu 4th to Sun 7th
Wed 10th
Thu 11th to Sun 14th
Wed 17th
Thu 18th to Sun 21st
Wed 24th
Thu 25th to Sun 28th
December 2010
Arrive at camp
On River
Wed 1st
Thu 2nd to Sun 5th
Sat 11th
Sun 12th to Wed 15th
Wed 15th
Thu 16th to Sun 19th
Wed 22nd
Thu 23rd to Sun 26th
Mon 27th
Tue 28th to Sat 1st
Fri 31st
Sat 1st to Mon 3rd
Fri 31st
Sat 1st to Tue 4th
January 2011
Arrive at camp
On River
Tue 4th
Wed 5th to Sat 8th
Wed 12th
Thu 13th to Sun 16th
Wed 26th
Thu 27th to Sun 30th
Wed 26th
Thu 27th to Sun 30th
February 2011
Arrive at camp
On River
Wed 9th
Thu 10th to Sun 13th
Wed 23rd
Thu 24th to Sun 27th
March 2011
Arrive at camp
On River
Wed 9th
Thu 10th to Sun 13th
Wed 9th
Thu 10th to Sun 13th
Thu 17th
Fri 18th to Mon 21st
Sat 26th
Sun 27th to Wed 30th
Thu 31st
Fri 1st to Mon 4th
April 2011
Arrive at camp
On River
Tue 5th
Wed 6th to Sat 9th
Fri 22nd
Sat 23rd to Tue 26th
Sat 23rd
Sun 24th to Wed 27th
Sat 23rd
Sun 24th to Wed 27th
Wed 27th
Thu 28th to Sun 1st
Thu 28th
Fri 29th to Mon 2nd
May 2011
Arrive at camp
On River
Wed 11th
Thu 12th to Sun 15th
Wed 25th
Thu 26th to Sun 29th
Wed 25th
Thu 26th to Sun 29th
June 2011
Arrive at camp
On River
Wed 15th
Thu 16th to Sun 19th
Wed 15th
Thu 16th to Sun 19th
Sat 25th
Sun 26th to Wed 29th
Thu 30th
Fri 1st to Mon 4th
July 2011
Arrive at camp
On River
Tue 5th
Wed 6th to Sat 9th
Sat 9th
Sun 10th to Wed 13th
Sat 9th
Sun 10th to Wed 13th
Wed 13th
Thu 14th to Sun 17th
Wed 27th
Thu 28th to Sun 31st
August 2011
Arrive at camp
On River
Fri 5th
Sat 6th to Tue 9th
Wed 17th
Thu 18th to Sun 21st
Wed 24th
Thu 25th to Sun 28th
Wed 24th
Thu 25th to Sun 28th
September 2011
Arrive at camp
On River
Wed 7th
Thu 8th to Sun 11th
Wed 14th
Thu 15th to Sun 18th
Fri 23rd
Sat 24th to Tue 27th
Fri 30th
Sat 1st to Tue 4th
October 2011
Arrive at camp
On River
Sat 1st
Sun 2nd to Wed 5th
Tue 4th
Wed 5th to Sat 8th
Wed 5th
Thu 6th to Sun 9th
Wed 12th
Thu 13th to Sun 16th
Wed 26th
Thu 27th to Sun 30th
November 2011
Arrive at camp
On River
Wed 2nd
Thu 3rd to Sun 6th
Wed 16th
Thu 17th to Sun 20th
Wed 23rd
Thu 24th to Sun 27th
Wed 30th
Thu 1st to Sun 4th
December 2011
Arrive at camp
On River
Sat 10th
Sun 11th to Wed 14th
Wed 14th
Thu 15th to Sun 18th
Fri 16th
Sat 17th to Tue 20th
Fri 16th
Sat 17th to Tue 20th
Sat 17th
Sun 18th to Wed 21st
Thu 22nd
Fri 23rd to Mon 26th
Thu 22nd
Fri 23rd to Mon 26th
Thu 22nd
Fri 23rd to Mon 26th
Dates for Orange River New Year 5 days, 5 nights (27 Dec - 1 Jan 2011)
December 2010
Arrive at camp
On River
Mon 27th
Tue 28th to Fri 31st
Dates for Orange River New Year 4 day, 4 nights (31 Dec - 4 Jan 2011)
December 2010
Arrive at camp
On River
Fri 31st
Sat 1st to Tue 4th
Dates for Orange River New Year 3 day, 3 nights (31 Dec - 3 Jan 2011)
December 2010
Arrive at Camp
On River
Fri 31st
Sat 1st to Mon 3rd
Rates for 4-day, 4-night standard Orange River Trip
Individuals
Adults
R2,595.00 p/p
U/23's
R2,495.00 p/p
U/18's
R2,395.00 p/p
U/12's
R 1,995 p/p
School Group trip
15 - 20 persons
R2,095.00 p/p
21+ persons
R 1,995 p/p
Student Group trip
15+ persons
R2,195.00 p/p
Rates for Orange River New Year 5 days, 5 nights (27 Dec - 1 Jan 2011)
Adults
R2795.00 p/p
U/23
R2695.00 p/p
U/18
R2595.00 p/p
U/12
R2195.00 p/p
Rates for Orange River New Year 4 day, 4 nights (31 Dec - 4 Jan 2011)
Adults
R2695.00 p/p
U/23
R2595.00 p/p
U/18
R2595.00 p/p
U/12
R2095.00 p/p
Rates for Orange River New Year 3 day, 3 nights (31 Dec - 3 Jan 2011)
Adults
R2450.00 p/p
U/23
R2350.00 p/p
U/18
R2250.00 p/p
U/12
R1850.00 p/p
Rates for 4-day, 4-night standard Orange River Trip
Individuals
Adults
R2795.00 p/p
U/23
R2695.00 pp
U/18
R2595.00 p/p
U/12
R2195.00 p/p
School Group trip
15-20 persons
R2295.00 p/p
21+ persons
R2195.00 p/p
Student Group trip
15+ persons
R2395.00 p/p
General information for the Orange River Trip
Where?
Richtersveld - Vioolsdrift area
How far?
+/- 670 km's from Cape Town
+/- 1455 km's from Johannesburg
Transport?
Generally own. Transport can however be arranged from Cape Town at additional costs
Cost?
See rates for breakdown of groups and ages
Directions?
See map (GPS System - WGS 84) 28.41.85 S, 17.29.71 E
When?
All year round. See Dates page. Contact us for availability.
Duration?
4 Days & 4 Nights (standard trip). Duration can vary for private customized trips.
Meeting point?
After custom clearance, meet at base camp. See border post procedure. Basecamp on RSA side, see map
Meeting time?
No later than 20:00 on the night prior to departure date. Please inform the office should you arrive later
Accommodation?
BASECAMP - Open-air camping on lawn. Ablutions with hot water. ON RIVER - Camping (own tents welcome)
Catering?
All trips are catered, 3 meals a day with 1st meal on arrival. Catering done according to special dietary requirements. Alcoholic and soft drinks are excluded.
Group size?
Individual bookings are welcome. Exclusive trips require a minimum group size.
Discount?
Applicable on Group Bookings. Refer to "Group Discount".
What we supply ?
Safe parking for your vehicle, experienced and qualified river guides, catering, River equipment, including Mohawk canoes, paddles, life jackets and bailers. Safety equipment and medical kit, watertight containers for personal gear, 48L Coolerboxes and ice (limited amounts), all utensils & crockery, braai wood & briquettes, toilet paper ,as well as transport back to our base camp.
Not included?
Transport and travelling costs to and from basecamp. Additional evening and catering for extra night. Additional alcoholic beverages or soft drinks (incl water), and snacks.
Other attractions?
The start of the Richtersveld 4x4 route.
14+ 1 person FREE
24+ 2 people FREE
34+ 3 people FREE
44+ 4 people FREE
To book a private/exclusive trip we require the following minimum numbers:
High season: min. 24 people Low season: min. 12 people (high season refers to school and public holidays)
OPTIONAL COVER. This cover is made available through Mike de Nobrega, Tourism Safety Consultant, and executed by Safemed. This does not include any hospitalisation benefit. COST: R80 p/p for the duration of your trip only. (Payable on booking of your adventure)
Passport information
YOU MUST HAVE A VALID PASSPORT!! Check expiry date. Minimum 3 months until expiry date, AND at least 3 blank pages.
Website: www.home-affairs.gov.za
Home Affairs Offices
: Pretoria (012) 324 1860 / 74
: Johannesburg (011) 639 4000
: Bloemfontein (051) 403 9100
: Durban (031) 308 7900 / 32
: Cape Town (021) 462 4970
Regular Passport
R190
± 8 weeks waiting period
Child Passport
R145
± 8 weeks waiting period
Temporary Passport
R90
± 7 working days waiting period
Emergency Travel
R70
± 5 working days waiting period
Border Post procedures
To be done BEFORE you arrive at our Base Camp
Enter RSA customs office – door no.1 - with PASSPORT, mention purpose of your visit, (i.e. Canoeing the Orange River). Get passport stamped (Vioolsdrif DEPARTURE STAMP)
Driver must have vehicle cleared (Door #3 - Customs) and declare any goods if necessary (Door #4 - Police) (This proced
ure is a formality and has to be completed on the RSA side)
Drive over the bridge to Namibian Immigration. Enter customs office (building on Left) with passport. Complete an entry form, and take an extra one along for the return journey once we collect you at the river. Get your passport stamped (Noordoewer ARRIVAL STAMP). The CBC’s (Cross Border Charges) are not applicable to you, so please do not pay, only applicable for visitors crossing the border.
Mention to the official what the purpose of your visit is, e.g. You will enter on RSA soil (Wildthing base camp) paddle towards Aussenkehr and exit via Namibia (4 or 6 days later, depending on the duration of your trip).
Once you have completed the procedure at Namibia border post, drive back to the RSA border post and make your way to the camp. DO NOT STAMP BACK OUT OF NAMIBIA OR BACK INTO RSA!!!!!
You must take the first turnoff (Kotzehoop) to the right once you have passed the RSA border post. (Follow the route as shown in top half of map available here).
IMPORTANT NOTICE Be in possession of a valid passport. Custom clearance must be obtained at both RSA & Namibian customs before proceeding to base camp. Have relevant vehicle papers ready, (registration & valid license disk) Drunk and disorderly behavior will not be tolerated at the border post. Address all officials formally and courteously. No non-prescribed drugs.
If required and only by prior arrangement & availability. Group discount available. R795 p/p return trip (ex. Cape Town) R400 p/p one way (ex. Cape Town & Orange River)
When making the choice of which river company to join on your Canoe Adventure, your mind must be filled with many questions, one of them is who to go with? Here are some good reasons to choose us:
We have 21 years experience, not only on the Richtersveld Orange River section, but on White Water Rafting Rivers too. Our guides are all highly skilled, professional individuals that have a perfect balance between fun and making your holiday safe and memorable.
All you have to do is get there safely. We’ll do the rest. You just relax and enjoy your well deserved holiday filled with adventure, swimming, fishing, birding and short hikes.
On our trips we provide 5 Star freshly-made bush cuisine and our guides have pride in what they serve.
We provide ALL your cutlery & crockery and the guides do all the washing up, so you can just break-away from your usual home routine.
If there isn’t shade, we make it with big shade shelters and even have a plan if it rains. We’ll also make sure your drinks stay cold.
Our guide ratio is much higher per trip than the required industry norm, so you’ll always feel safe.
We do our best never to make the trip sizes too big to loose that personal touch and by doing so better campsites are available.
So, spoil yourself! Let Wildthing treat you to an adventure in style, you deserve it.
ESSENTIAL
◦
Passport
CAMPING GOODIES
◦
Tent (optional) *
◦
Stretcher / Ground Mat (flat/Inflatable)
◦
Sleeping Bag
◦
Small pillow
◦
Camping Chair
◦
Torch / headlamp (incl spare batteries)
◦
Umbrella
CLOTHING
On River
◦
Costume
◦
Shorts
◦
Long sleeve linen/cotton shirt
◦
Kikoi/wraparound
◦
Cap or wide brim hat
◦
River shoes (tekkies, crocs, aqua shoes, etc)
Off River
◦
T-shirt
◦
Shorts
◦
Tracksuit (warm suit for winter)
◦
Windbreaker
◦
Socks
◦
Beenie/buff (especially in winter)
◦
Shoes
REFRESHMENTS & SNACKS
◦
NO GLASS CONTAINERS
◦
Water **
◦
Soft Drinks
◦
Alcoholic Drinks
◦
Mix-a-drink sachetts eg Game
◦
Snacks
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
◦
Beach umbrella
◦
Fishing Rod
◦
Camera
◦
Binoculars
◦
Cricket bats, rugby balls, frisbees etc
◦
Book
FOR PACKING
◦
Refuse bags (6 per person) (not black)
TOILETRIES & MEDICATION
◦
Biodegradable soap/shampoo
◦
Towel
◦
Personal toiletries
◦
Personal medication
◦
Insect repellent
SUN PROTECTION ***
◦
UV Sunglasses (cord essential)
◦
25+ SPF Sunblock
◦
Good lip ice
◦
Umbrella
*Tents: Own tents are welcome. We do suggest it for the months of June to August to shelter from the dew formation during the night. Use a 2/3 man tent, for which there is ample packing space on your boat. Tents can also be used as shelter from the sun, wind, other people, cold and rain any time during the year!
**Water: River water is ok for drinking (depending on water level) but is not recommended. Preferably bring tap or mineral water from home (1+ liters pp per day). The recommended water intake per day is 2 liters pp per day, including soft drinks, tea, etc.
***NB! Do bear in mind that you are entering a desert area and that you will be exposed to the sun for several hours of the day, the suns reflection off the water is intense and so is the heat. Wear sunglasses with suffiecient UV protection and cover yourself with sufficient sunblock and lip ice. A beach umbrella can ensure shade at all times onland and on water. Remember to bring a cord for your glasses so that you do not lose them.
