ORANGE RIVER GORGE EXPEDITION TRIP

This is a 3 day trip with grade 2, 3 and 4 rapids. This trip does preferably require some previous knowledge or experience of river trips although the adventurous will manage easily.

The Trip
Your outventure begins at Augrabies Falls Backpackers, an amazing camp situated just 10km from the Falls, a great place to relax and get into the chilled pace of the Kalahari. A short drive will provide you with the most spectacular sunset over the picturesque waterfall and lunar landscape. The next day we introduce you to the Orange River.

Probably the best white water on the Orange River as it drops through the Onseepkans gorge and flows towards the historic Pella Drift. After the drift the river slows for a while before reaching the "Chinese Gardens" where the river has braided a series of streams through the bedrock.

This has created a whole maze of channels and islands between some excellent Grade 3 rapids where we will spend some time playing in them and exploring the area.

Participants
Must be physically fit and capable of such an expedition. A medical certificate may be requested. Experience in boat handling and river tripping is essential and participants will have to pull at least their own weight in all aspects of the trip. Exposure to the elements is constant and will include heat and dust, the possibility of short violent thunderstorms, insects, the odd snake and creepy crawly things that run around at night.

The Crew
Experienced, professional APA registered guides and back-up crew will operate these trips which travel through one of the most remote regions of Southern Africa. All participants will be expected to obey their instructions as well as to participate fully in the running of the trip.

The Craft
Two man inflatables or four man rafts depending on water levels. Kayakers are welcome to bring their own. The trip will start from our operations base, 30 km from the Augrabies Falls National Park at our Riverside Camp. For those coming in via Upington, we can arrange accommodation if needed and transfers to Augrabies.

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL Meet at our base from 17H00 Night spent in our camp.

DAY 2 - ON THE RIVER Hearty breakfast, then head for the river. Our vehicles will drive you on a scenic trip to Onseepkans border post arriving mid morning at the put in. Paddling and safety instruction before our first rapid at the Ledges. Then it's on to Scorpion and S-rapid before stopping for Camp.

DAY 3 - ON THE RIVER The morning is spent with some great fun in the Chinese Gardens. We tackle the drop at Little Falls. A short walk gives us excellent views of the Gorge and Ritchie Falls. The afternoon portage and abseil drops us into the river again below the falls. We paddle upstream and spend a while exploring the area. Overnight in the gorge.

FINAL DAY A short paddle brings us to Big Bunny… followed by Dolly Parton, followed by a relaxed paddle in the Gorge to the take-out where our vehicles will meet you for the drive back to Augrabies where you can enjoy a shower and farewell lunch. We include the services of our qualified guides, all rafting equipment including watertight buckets, safety gear, all meals, hot drinks, coolerboxes (and ice!).

WHAT TO BRING
For the Fisherman: The fishing is superb, all tackle works well from bait to lure fishing. For the Fly-fisherman it is a gem with trophy Yellows everywhere as well as a variety of other fish species. For the Birder: Bring your binoculars and a good field guide. The area boasts almost 400 species.

Wet gear: Sunblock, Hat, sunglasses with ties, track shoes, costume, shorts, long sleeved shirts, waterproof windbreaker.

Dry gear: Mosquito repellant, Tracksuit, shirts, underwear, dry shoes or boots, environment friendly toiletries, torch and camera.

Camping gear: Sleeping bag, camp chair and eating utensils (knife, fork, spoon, plate, mug). Although this is the desert, rain is not unheard of so a compact tent can be useful.

Drinks: Only cans are adviseable. No glass, except decent bottles of wine. It is the desert so pack double to what you would normally. (i.e. times 2) We supply ice on the first morning but it will melt! By day 4 there won't be anything cold. The river is entirely drinkable and we do take purification tablets.