Orange River – Vioolsdrif down
Orange River – Vioolsdrif down · northern cape
Grade
II
Length
75 or 120 or 160 km
Duration
4 to 8 days
About
The classic Orange River multi-day trip, winding through the rugged Richtersveld Mountains. Distances of 75, 120 or 160km are possible depending on take-out, over 4 to 8 days. Flow is dam-controlled (Vanderkloof and Bloemhof). The river is largely flat with occasional small rapids and frequent channels between islands. Geological features such as Snail Mountain and abundant birdlife and beaches make the trip. The major rapid, Sjambok, funnels through a narrow gap with waves and side whirlpools — not difficult, but known for flipping open canoes. Immediately after, the river enters the deep canyons of the Richtersveld National Park. Halfmens plants (pachipodium namaquanum) can be seen on the steep mountainsides, becoming more common further downstream. Take-outs are Aussenkehr farm (about 4 days), the Fish River confluence (another 2 days) or Sendelingsdrif. The first two are on the Namibian bank, requiring a border-post crossing at Vioolsdrif and a put-in on the northern bank. Sendelingsdrif is on the South African side. Beyond Aussenkehr the river offers more rapids and channels but remains easy. From Sendelingsdrif to the sea the river is entirely flat, and permission to exit at Alexander Bay is hard to obtain.
Access
Put-in
Take-out
Permits
None
Commercial operators
- Gravity River Tours