Augrabies 4 Day Canoe Safari
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Fishing, Family, Adventure, Nature, Photographic and Scenic tours.
Ages 7 to 70 – if you are bold, you are never too old.
WHERE
The trip runs out of the Augrabies Falls National Park on the Orange River, Northern Cape, South Africa. A great place to start your Orange River Adventure. Entrance is included in the price and we take care of your permits
NO PASSPORTS ARE NEEDED
THE RIVER
From mild to wild the Orange River has it all, although the Canoe trips run on a beautifully wild piece of the river. The stretch runs through interesting channels and islands with small rapids along the way,
Covering 45km from start to finish, the trip is comfortable for even the inexperienced paddlers.
CRAFT
We use 2man Mohawk Fibreglass Canoes which are like the limousines of all canoes, with ample space, high chairs and plenty leg room. These stable craft make for easy paddling while spacious enough for you to fit in all the creature comforts you need for 4 days.
EXPERIENCE LEVEL
All levels of experience are welcome. This trip is highly suited for families, kids, fisherman, birders, photographers, and adventurers. Age group 7-70yrs although we do sometimes make exceptions.
WHAT WE SUPPLY
We supply all meals, catering, snacks, teas, coffees, fires, Ice, coolerboxes, waterproof packing space for your clothes, portable chemical toilet(loo with a view) and experienced qualified guides. Guides cook, make fires, set up the toilets daily, boil kettles, make washing up water, take you on walks and generally take good care of you.
WHAT YOU BRING
(Click here for a full Kitlist)
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 advisable. 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 but it will melt! The river is entirely drinkable and we do take purification tablets.
Whatever you drink, double it!!
HOW TO GET HERE
By bus: Intercape runs daily between JHB and Kakamas departing early in the morning and arriving at about 20h00, from CT trips are nightly and depart around 17h00 and arriving the following morning at about 06h00.
By Air: The closest national airport is located in Upington, 120km from Augrabies Falls NP. There are daily links between Upington, Cape Town and Johannesburg. Several hire care agencies are located at the airport and the city centre. There is a private landing strip only a few kilometers from the park but please contact us for more information.
By Road:
From Cape Town take the N7 north to Springbok. When you arrive in Springbok turn onto the N14 to Kakamas and Upington. About 10km before Kakamas turn left into the R359, the park will be signposted. From this point onwards you will reach the park after driving another 39km. The entrance to the park will be signposted.
From Johannesburg take the N14 through the North-West Province to Kuruman and then onwards to Upington. From Upington keep on the N14 towards Kakamas and once you reach the centre of town the park will be signposted. Keep on the N14 when passing through Kakamas and after 10km turn left on the R359. From this point onwards you will reach the park after driving another 39km. The entrance to the park will be signposted.
GPS CO ORDINATES: Entrance Gate 20.34923 and 28.61740
SAFETY
This is a fully guided safari, all guides are trained and qualified in Swiftwater Rescue through the African Paddling Association, carry first aid certification and have experience. At any rapids guides set up suitable safety and rescue positions to make sure that you are never get into any difficulties. All trips are run in a controlled fashion and great care is taken in making it safe and fun for all ages. We are also one of a few companies that are fully insured with SATIB and carry full Cas Evac facilities with 4 doctors online at anytime day or night.
TRIP DESCRIPTION
Your outventure begins at the Augrabies Falls National Park, an amazing camp situated on the edge of the Augrabies Gorge, a great place to relax and get into the chilled pace of the Kalahari. A short walk 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. Our river trail passes through some of the most unspoilt areas of our country, a snake winding through an untouched wilderness giving life to the Sub-Kalahari and creating an oasis to the adventurer and paddler.
Day 1 – ARRIVAL
Meet at the Augrabies Falls National Park campsite from 16:00 onwards. Set up camp for an evening braai and an introduction to your next few days paddle down the almighty Orange. Meet your fellow guides and enjoy an informal briefing.
Day 2
Wake up to an early breakfast at sunrise, gear up and then we drive you 70 km's through Bushman land to the put-in point. Spend the morning paddling and becoming more acquainted with your boat and the river. Lunch is prepared somewhere under the green curtain of trees along the banks of the river with a comfortable setting and perfect for that siesta. Some minor rapids are experienced on your way to the first nights campsite called Amphitheatre.
Day 3
Start the day to a hearty breakfast of fruit, cereals, toast, rusks, tea and coffee. Enjoy the cool of the morning before setting off on another day paddling, swimming, birding, fishing and relaxing.
Heading into the unknown others can hear your thoughts as you meander downstream further and further into the wilderness. Lunch under the shade of the river banks. Fish Eagles scream overhead entertaining you to a delight of aerial acrobatics in the hot summer thermals.
Enjoy a short afternoon paddle through some of the more exciting stretches of the trail before reaching camp opposite Black Mountain. A short walk up one of the rocky hills leaves you in awe before a feast fit for a king. Our guides will tickle your taste Buds and satisfy your cravings leaving you with full belly and a feeling of accomplishment after the day’s adventure.
Day 4
Awake to a glorious daybreak and head downstream to minus 4 for a short hike to the top of a “hang ten” foot like rock tower looking for crystals along the way. On your return a cooked brunch will await you. Spend the rest of the day negotiating numerous channels scarred with the activity of water monitors and the ever elusive otter. Spend the night camping under the stars as you discover your new found ancestral instinct and realize that your tent is no longer necessary.
Final Day
Fish rise to the sound of chirping birds and awake you to coffee and rusks before heading off in the direction of your final rapid – GRADUATION RAPID. Not far downstream our vehicles will be awaiting you, load up and return to basecamp, hot showers and a farewell lunch.
ANIMALS INCLUDE: baboon, Vervet monkeys, scrub hare, ground squirrel, leopard, caracal, African wild cats, bat eared fox, cape fox, jackal, cape clawless otters.
FOR THE BIRDER: Rosy-faced Lovebirds, African Reed Jacanas, Bee-eaters, Masked and Sociable Weavers, Cormorants; Goliath, Grey and Black-headed herons, Fish Eagles, Black Eagles; Pied, Giant and Malachite kingfishers, Rock Kestrels, Egyptian Geese, African Black duck, African shell duck and many more...
FISH SPECIES: Yellow Fish, large and smallmouth, silvers, catfish, mudfish, bream and several other species inhabit these waters.
TO BOOK
Complete the booking form, fax/mail it back to us along with proof of payment of your deposit. We require a 50%p/p deposit to confirm your booking, the balance due no later than 30 days prior to arrival.
“COME VENTURE OUT WITH US”
