3-Day Orange River Rafting

The 3-Day Orange River Rafting trail is an adventure suitable for those who need adrenalin and those who crave to escape the city. It is perfect for students and those who don't have much time.

Join us and experience the Richtersveld on an inflatable raft and use the Orange River as a mode of transport. Please bring along any inflatable devices you have, and let's make our Adventure a fun and colourful one! Explore the only mountain desert in South Africa and let our experienced guides lead you through one of the most striking landscapes South Africa has to offer.

It is the perfect outdoor getaway with fun-filled rapids, hiking, star gazing and discovering the stark beauty of the Richtersveld desert. Sleep under the star-studded skies of the Richtersveld and enjoy fire-cooked meals made by your guide.

The 3-Day Orange River Rafting is the perfect Adventure for those who enjoy a bit of rugged bush living!

Route Plan

Day 1 Arrive at base camp at 17:00 for the briefing Dinner included
Day 2, 3 Orange River Rafting + Camping on the banks of the Orange River Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 4 Rafting and transfer back to base camp. Tour ends on arrival at camp Breakfast, Lunch, camping incl

 

We will take you from our base camp, The Growcery, through the Nababeep Community and Richtersveld Community Reserve. Over the next three days, you can expect to have spectacular mountain views, fast-flowing channels and excellent birdlife. The river has rapids graded at levels 1 – 3 in difficulty and is suitable for beginners. The Orange River is a pool drop river, which means there is always a pool after every rapid.

The Richtersveld is home to goat herders trekking through the endless desert mountains. We don't have designated campsites and camp for the day depends on the progress made that day, where we will choose our overnight spot on the banks of the river. It is an excellent combination of rafting, relaxing, hiking and exploring. It is not a race but rather an outdoor expedition suitable for all with no experience.

How to find us?

Our Basecamp, The Growcery, is 22km from the border post inside South Africa. Our Adventure will start in South Africa and end in Namibia. We will then be transported back through Namibia and over the Border back to the Growcery Camp.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need any experience to join this trip? – No knowledge is required.
  • Is there malaria in this region? – This is a disease-free zone.
  • How far is this trip? – 45-70km depending on the water levels.
  • When is High water? – Dec – April.
  • When is low water? – May – Nov.
  • How big are the groups? – a maximum of 24 people per group.
  • Can I book a private trip? – Yes, you can, permitting it is a group of a minimum of 18 people in low season and 24 pax in peak season.
  • What is a scheduled Departure?– These are confirmed departures with open groups, and anyone can join. 
  • What must I pack? – You will receive a packing list with every reservation.
  • Will my car be safe while I am on the trip? – We offer safe and secure parking at The Growcery Camp.
  • What about a medical kit? We suggest that you bring your equipment.
  • What about special dietary requirements? We cater for vegetarians and vegans. If you are on a special diet, we suggest that you bring the needed ingredients, and our guides will assist in the preparations.

No passports needed

The Growcery Camp – Base Camp

The Growcery Includes

INCLUDES


  • All meals as indicated
  • Park fees, entrance fees, conservation fees
  • Guides and transfer fees back to starting point
  • 2-man rafts, paddles, flotation devices, cooler boxes
The Growcery Excludes

EXCLUDES


  • Own drinks & drinking water
  • Own sleeping bags and mattresses
  • Valid passports and unabridged birth certificates
  • Own camping gear and head lamps
  • Own utensils and extra snacks
The Growcery Tour Information

Adventure INFORMATION

DURATION: 3 Days
DEPARTS FROM: The Growcery Camp
RATES INFO:

35% non-refundable administration fee required to secure your booking.

The Growcery Product Pricing

3-Day Orange River Rafting Rates

Age 2026 2027
Adult R 5250 R 5460
Children 16-17 yrs R 4450 R 4650
Children 12-15 yrs R 4750 R 4950
Children 6-11 yrs R 3750 R 3950
Family of Two (One adults+1 u/18) R 9150 R 19500
Family of Three (Two adults+1 u/18's) R 12650 R 13150
Family of Four(Two adults+2 u/18's) R 17950 R 18650
Family of Five (Two adults+3, u/18's) R 22080 R 22950
Family of Six (Two adults+4 u/18's) R 27150 R 28250
The Growcery Tour Schedule

Adventure SCHEDULE

Day 1

The Growcery Camp We meet all our river paddlers at The Growcery Camp no later than 5 pm on day 1. Please notify the camp of any late arrivals. This evening will be an introduction to your river crew and a final briefing on the adventure that awaits us. We serve our fresh meals around open fires. Our evening is relaxing under the night skies of the Richtersveld. Meals: Dinner Accommodation: Camping

Day 2

The Growcery Camp – Orange River Our River adventure starts with a scrumptious breakfast this morning. Our guides will brief all our paddlers on how to pack personals for their two-person inflatable rafts. We leave all our vehicles and mobile devices safely at base camp and start our adventure anything from 8:30 – 9:30 this morning. We depart camp with our transfer vehicle and head upstream for 15 – 25km. This will depend on the water levels. The Day is spent at leisure floating, swimming, relaxing, paddling, rock jumping and enjoying a picnic-style lunch. We have the whole day to get back to our base camp, and enjoyment is at the order of the day. This evening we will be sleeping back at base camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Accommodation: Camping

Day 3

The Growcery Camp – Orange River – sleeping in the wild We enjoy early morning rusks, coffee, and tea during an early wake-up call before embarking on a hiking trail. When we return, we will enjoy a hearty brunch and have some leisure time to relax. Early afternoon we pack our rafts and get ready for our camp in the wild experience. This afternoon includes a short paddle to our overnight location and the perfect place to sleep under the stars. The Gateway to the Richtersveld is what we call our camp for the evening.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Accommodation: Wild Camping

Day 4

Orange River – The Growcery Camp After an early morning hike and breakfast, we return with a short paddle back to base camp. Tour ends back at base camp. Meals: Breakfast


DISCLAIMER: We reserve the right to cancel any activity due to weather or unsafe conditions. An alternative activity will be provided wherever possible.

  • Vioolsdrift Accommodation

    Come and stay at The Growcery Camp's Vioolsdrift accommodation next to the Orange River. The Chic Shacks are recycled and upcycled budget accommodation.
  • Vioolsdrift Camping

    Vioolsdrift camping is hosted at The Growcery Camp on the banks of the Orange River and only 22km from Vioolsdrift Border Post.
  • Vioolsdrift Campsites

    Visit our Vioolsdrift Campsites at the Growcery Camp this season. Beautiful grassed campsites with magnificent mountain views.