Few experiences available to the local, foreign or first-time traveller are as thrilling and
satisfying, as healthy or as accessible as running South African rivers under expert guidance. We offer canoeing trips on the Orange River that you will talk about for many years to come! The route is a family-friendly section of the river for which no previous paddling experience is required. Children as young as 5 years and adults over 70 years have enjoyed the Orange River with us as it meanders through the rugged landscape of the Richtersveld.
It is a life-changing experience that will leave you feeling restored and revitalised and with a sense of achievement. It is an experience wherein one minute your adrenaline will be pumping as the white water surges around your canoe and then in the next moment you feel peace and tranquility as the huge, shimmering river becomes placid and still again. Feel work stress fade almost immediately as your only concern becomes negotiating rapids, finding a comfortable spot for the night and catching that big fish!
Drifting with the flow in a 5-metre Indian Mohawk canoe, gliding alongside the river banks with their
rich bird life, conquering Sambok or Entrance Exam rapids, hearing the call of the fish eagle, letting the sun soak tensions away, sleeping under the stars…..this and more will be your experience with Amanzi Trails.
There are fascinating geological formations wherever you look. A disused fluorspar mine can be visited and a short walk brings you to some San petroglyphs. Over 100 bird species have been sighted. Vervet monkeys, baboons and Cape monitors are a regular feature, and for the fortunate few, Cape clawless otter, steenbok or klipspringer can be seen.
The river water is free of bilharzia and malaria-carrying mosquitoes. There are plenty of yellow fish, silver fish and catfish, so if you are keen on fishing remember to bring your rod or handline and whole kernel corn along.
There are fascinating geological formations wherever you look. A disused fluorspar mine can be visited and a short walk brings you to some San petroglyphs. Over 100 bird species have been sighted. Vervet monkeys, baboons and Cape monitors are a regular feature, and for the fortunate few, Cape clawless otter, steenbok or klipspringer can be seen.
The river water is free of bilharzia and malaria-carrying mosquitoes. There are plenty of yellow fish, silver fish and catfish, so if you are keen on fishing remember to bring your rod or handline and whole kernel corn along.
Most of the rapids are Grade 1 and sound more daunting than they actually are.
They are, however, exhilarating and contrast the hours of lazing down-river with the current. Names like Deadman’s, Witches and
Snotklap rapids add to the anticipation.
All waters must be treated with respect so safety is a high priority. Our guides are highly experienced and safety procedures are set up at all rapids.
Your adventure begins at our beautiful base camp, Abiqua River Camp, an oasis in the desert overlooking the river and the rugged Geelkrans cliffs. The camp boasts hot showers, flush toilets, sheltered lapas and lovely green lawns. While paddling sun-drenched kilometers downstream, your vehicles are safe at this rustic thatch- and-reed complex. At the end point, a vehicle awaits to transport happy but tired paddlers and canoeing equipment back to the base camp.
All waters must be treated with respect so safety is a high priority. Our guides are highly experienced and safety procedures are set up at all rapids.
Your adventure begins at our beautiful base camp, Abiqua River Camp, an oasis in the desert overlooking the river and the rugged Geelkrans cliffs. The camp boasts hot showers, flush toilets, sheltered lapas and lovely green lawns. While paddling sun-drenched kilometers downstream, your vehicles are safe at this rustic thatch- and-reed complex. At the end point, a vehicle awaits to transport happy but tired paddlers and canoeing equipment back to the base camp.
