Orange River – Mayaputi Bridge to Aliwal North
Orange River – Mayaputi Bridge to Aliwal North · free state
Grade
II
Length
120km
Duration
3 to 7 days, depending on craft and water level
About
A scenic but flat 120km stretch from Mayaputi Bridge to Aliwal North, taking 3 to 7 days depending on craft and water level. Not dam-controlled. Views include cliffs, koppies and the magnificent Lichtenstein Gorge on the final section, which typically offers mirror-smooth water and no rapids. Two small rapids appear early: the Drop, 8km below Mayaputi Bridge, and Snake Bend another 3km on — both easy shoots. Further down, The Chute narrows into a chute ending in a stopper wave that can be sticky at some levels; scout first. High water allows an easy drift-cruise, though strong whirlies can still form despite the minimal gradient. After rains the water becomes silt-laden, so carry fresh drinking water. Shorter variations using farms as put-in or take-out are possible with prior permission.
Access
Put-in
Take-out
Permits
None