Contents
- 1 Why the Orange River is an Incredible Family Adventure
- 1.1 The Magic of the Orange River
- 1.2 A Thrill Like No Other
- 1.3 Discover Hidden Gems
- 1.4 An Unforgettable Bonding Experience
- 1.5 Nature at its Finest
- 1.6 A Trip of a Lifetime
- 1.6.1 Here are five valuable tips that can make your family trip absolutely perfect:
- 1.6.2 Everything you need to know about a family trip to the Orange River
- 1.6.2.1 Is it safe for families?
- 1.6.2.2 Which company should you choose?
- 1.6.2.3 Canoes or inflatables?
- 1.6.2.4 Are there many other people on the river?
- 1.6.2.5 Is the river full of litter?
- 1.6.2.6 Which campsites should we visit?
- 1.6.2.7 What about the food?
- 1.6.2.8 When is the best time to book an Orange River trip?
- 1.6.2.9 Now, let’s talk about money.
Why the Orange River is an Incredible Family Adventure
Hey there! Let’s talk about one epic family adventure – the Orange River. This extraordinary journey has it all: breathtaking beauty, adrenaline-pumping rapids, and unforgettable memories waiting to be made. Strap on your life jackets, grab your paddles, and get ready for an experience that will leave you in awe.
The Magic of the Orange River
Picture this: you and your family floating down a majestic river, surrounded by towering cliffs and rugged landscapes. The water sparkles under the sun as you navigate the twists and turns. The air is filled with the sounds of splashing water and lighthearted laughter. It’s pure magic.
A Thrill Like No Other
Feeling adventurous? The Orange River has got you covered. Brace yourself for exhilarating rapids that will get your heart racing. The rush of adrenaline as you conquer each rapid is simply indescribable. It’s like dancing with the water, surrendering to its power while feeling the thrill of conquering every obstacle.
Discover Hidden Gems
The Orange River isn’t just about the rapids – it’s also about the hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Along the way, you’ll encounter serene pools where you can take a refreshing dip, secluded beaches perfect for picnics, and breathtaking viewpoints that will leave you speechless.
An Unforgettable Bonding Experience
Embarking on this family adventure is more than just a fun trip – it’s a chance to bond like never before. Disconnect from the busy world, leave your worries behind, and connect with your loved ones on a deeper level. The shared experiences, laughter, and even the occasional challenge will strengthen the bonds that hold your family together.
Nature at its Finest
The Orange River takes you through some of nature’s most magnificent landscapes. As you drift downstream, you’ll witness the raw beauty of untouched wilderness. Keep an eye out for the diverse bird species, spot wildlife along the riverbanks, and take in the breathtaking views that will make you appreciate the wonders of the natural world.
A Trip of a Lifetime
So, are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? The Orange River is calling your name. Step out of your comfort zone, embrace the unknown, and embark on a journey that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Get ready to experience the magic, the thrill, and the indescribable beauty of one of the best family trips in the world.
When I was 18, me and my friend James had an awesome job. We were the kings of the river, guiding groups of people down the Orange River. It was such a thrilling experience. Fast forward to today, almost 50 years later, and James and I are taking our families back to that same river for an incredible adventure.
The Orange River trip is like no other. It’s jam-packed with excitement and perfect for families. We’ve done a lot of traveling, but this is truly one of the best family vacations in the whole world.
Let me tell you a bit more about it. James and I serve as guides on this trip, leading our families and other groups on an unforgettable journey down the river. We get to share our love for the Orange River and everything it offers.
There’s something magical about being out on the water. It’s a completely different world, away from all the stress and busyness of daily life. As we paddle along, the worries and cares of the outside world fade away.
But it’s not just the peace and tranquility that make this trip amazing. Oh no, it’s the thrill of adventure that really sets it apart. We navigate through rapids, splash through the waves, and conquer every challenge that comes our way.
One of the best parts is sharing this experience with our families. Our kids are just as excited as we are, and it’s incredible to see them embrace the adventure. They’re learning so much, developing important skills, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
And let me tell you, the Orange River is a spectacular place. The landscapes are stunning, with towering cliffs and breathtaking views. There’s so much to see and explore, it feels like an endless journey of discovery.
So if you’re looking for the ultimate family vacation, look no further. The Orange River trip has it all – adventure, beauty, and quality time with your loved ones. It’s a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of modern life and reconnect with nature and each other.
Come join us on this incredible journey down the Orange River. You won’t regret it. It’s a vacation that will leave you with memories to cherish forever.
Me and my daughter Amy, we were out fishing in the Orange River one evening. It’s a river that many South African families love.
Out of nowhere, I hear my son Little James calling out to me, “Dad-dad-dad!” He had only been paddling for about 20 minutes on the first day of our Orange River trip. He was so excited, exclaiming, “This is the BEST thing I’ve EVER done!” His eyes sparkled like buttons as he paddled with all his might. He was having so much fun that he could hardly stay seated. Sitting in front of him was Sophia, his 14-year-old paddling partner, and she had an enormous smile on her face that matched the vastness of the Richtersveld sky…
What a fantastic way to start our highly anticipated trip! It was bound to happen eventually, as the wind started to pick up. I paddled over to them a little later, unable to resist. And guess what I heard? “Dad! Dad! Dad!” The voice was full of desperation. “I’m so tired. Is it going to be like this for the entire FIVE days?” Just like that, in just 2 hours of being on the river, we experienced a whirlwind of emotions – from pure excitement to crushing defeat. This was only the beginning of the many lessons we would learn throughout the journey, and not all of them would be taught to the kids.
Hey folks, let me share a little story with you. Picture this: Little James, just a kid, innocently walking around when his mischievous mom, Katherine, decides to play a prank on him. She grabs a hat, fills it to the brim with water, and plonks it right on top of his head. Classic mom move, am I right?
Now, let’s switch gears a bit and fast forward to today. I find myself facing a familiar challenge: leading my own family and a couple of other families down the Orange River. It’s been a long twenty years since I’ve been down these rapids, and I can’t help but wonder if I still have what it takes. Back in the day, I used to guide groups of sixty people effortlessly, not a drop of sweat in sight. But now, I’m thirty kilograms heavier and a little out of practice.
As I prepare for this adventure, doubts start creeping in. Can I keep my loved ones safe? What if things go wrong? I can already see the headline: “Experienced river guide causes chaos on family trip.” It’s funny how being an adult brings its own set of worries. We become so focused on protecting ourselves and our families that we shy away from taking risks. We start questioning our own abilities, our own strengths.
Luckily, I have a friend, Big James, who can help me out of this pit of self-doubt. James and I first crossed paths as fresh-faced graduates navigating treacherous rivers. He was always cheerful, earning the nickname Smiler because of his friendly disposition.
Even though James has been away for 20 years, his optimism hasn’t dimmed. However, we both seem to have forgotten significant portions of the river. Simple things like which way to go after lunch on Day 1 and what awaits us on Day 2. All we remember is that we have to find a spot to rest before approaching the terrifying Sjambok Rapid, which has transformed in our minds into a beast capable of swallowing children whole.
Let me tell you about my experience at this place. Big James, a friend of mine, shared with me his memories of leading a school trip here. It was quite an adventure! Many of the kids had never swum before, so we had to be patient and guide them through. We even had to deal with tired and disoriented corporate folks who had indulged in too much sugar and caffeine before breakfast. Can you imagine? But that didn’t stop us from taking six-year-olds along, without a worry in the world.
And now, here we are, with our 13-person group, Little James being the youngest at just 12 years old. It’s amazing how time flies. It’s been a journey of growth and learning, and I’m grateful to have experienced it all.
Picture this: I’m paddling along in my trusty boat, the weight of clothes in a bucket strapped to the front and sleeping bags in a dry bag tied to the cool box. It’s a typical load that I’m used to, something I’ve done countless times before. But today, there’s an unexpected challenge – the headwind.
Now, knowing that this is a common occurrence and not something to be overly worried about is somewhat comforting, but it doesn’t change the fact that Little James and Sophia are being blown up-stream by the relentless gusts. As the wind pushes against us, I find myself encouraging and cajoling my young companions, hoping to keep their spirits up.
Being a guide, I’ve developed a unique relationship with the wind. It’s a constant presence in my life, a force that can either make or break a journey. I’ve spent so much time on the water that I can actually sense how strong the wind will become. It’s almost like I can talk to it, understand its intentions, and persuade it to calm down.
But today, I feel a sense of defeat. I’ve lost my touch, and no matter how hard I try to communicate with the wind, it doesn’t listen. So instead, I paddle alongside Little James and Sophia, offering them sweets to distract them from the challenging conditions.
By the time we arrive at camp late in the afternoon, we’re exhausted. The persistent wind adds to our weariness, and to our disappointment, Camp Hammerkop is not as beautiful and sheltered as we had imagined. It turns out that the camp was swept away during the flood back in 2011. However, we’re too tired to keep going, so we decide to set up camp on a dune and have a barbecue despite the sand swirling around us. As we finally crawl into our sleeping bags beneath the starry sky, we realize that we have sand in our teeth and stuck to our heads.
Look at my daughter, Julia, braiding and grooming Tess while Ben watches. The great thing about using inflatable canoes or crocs is that you can sleep on them upside down (like this one) every night.
On Day 2, we wake up to a still, crystal-clear orange world. We feel tiny as we lie there in our sleeping bags laid out like cocoons next to the peaceful river flowing by. Surrounding us are enormous mountains in shades of brown, red, yellow, maroon, and black, their peaks gently kissed by the morning sun. Slowly, we crawl out of our sleeping bags and some of us form a lazy line along the river, stretching our tired arms, shoulders, backs, and bellies. We have breakfast in silence, in reverence of these rugged, resounding peaks.
‘Got anything else for Ben’s boat?’ shouts Big James as we finish packing the remaining boats before we set off. Ben, the athletic senior who plays water polo, is in charge of our cargo boat. By the time we’re finished, it’s so heavy that it sways in the water like a tipsy hippo. Big James and I exchange smiles, knowing that Ben will work hard today. But when we look at Ben, we can’t help but feel a pang of envy. He’s a perfect specimen, a reminder of what we used to be.
As the morning progresses, Big James and I start to feel a sense of familiarity with the river. It’s like déjà vu – simultaneously old and new. Here, the river has narrow channels of swiftly moving water. By 11 am, the kids are already in the water: wearing life jackets and holding onto their boats, their sun-kissed faces beaming with excitement as the cool liquid carries them downstream in a flash.
I’m all alone, surrounded by nothing but vastness. It’s a strange and otherworldly feeling, being in a place where there’s no one else around. Without the usual stresses of work or the worries of school or the constant noise of technology, we start to relax and let ourselves unwind.
As I ride the last big wave on Sjambok rapid in a cargo boat, my exhilaration hits a new level. The water rushes around us, and the shouts of excitement and confusion fill the air. No one seems to be listening to each other’s instructions, so I decide to take a step back and observe.
The sight of my fellow adventurers leaves me awe-struck. Amy, the 12-year-old, wears a mischievous smile that hints at the thrill she finds in this chaotic moment. Ben, the 18-year-old, is in a cantankerous mood, barking orders but refusing to fully participate. Sophia, 14, bursts into uncontrollable laughter, her joy infectious. Julia, 19, shakes her head in serene amusement. Tess, 14, is caught between giggles and tears, her anticipation palpable. And then there is little James, only 12 years old, lying on his back, his legs kicking wildly in the air as he laughs with unbridled excitement.
Here I am, trudging through this messy and run-down place, paddling through the calm river and finally finding a spot on the lush grassy bank to have some lunch. Honestly, I don’t have the energy to make lunch right now. I’m exhausted, and so is Big James. This whole endeavor is much harder than we anticipated, so we decide to enlist our kids’ help in preparing the food. Being a father means that your kids, especially when they’re in a playful mood, don’t always show you the respect you deserve. So, when we ask for their assistance, they respond with a barrage of teasing remarks: “Oh, you guys can’t even remember where you kept the lunch?” or “Dad, are you too old to lift something heavy?” They even throw in a little dig, saying, “Poor Daddy, he needs his afternoon nap.”
That day, our lunch ends up being a little later than planned. After we eat, Big James and I decide to take a nap. We definitely need a break.
I find myself in the middle of a water fight, surrounded by Julia, Amy, and Aunt Veronica. It’s a moment of pure joy and freedom, the kind that only comes with the abandon of childhood.
As the afternoon draws to a close, we gather our belongings and prepare to sleep on an island in the middle of the river. The island is untamed, untouched by human presence. It feels as if we are the first explorers to set foot on this piece of land. And as the night falls, we notice a change in our children. They become wilder, more untamed – embracing the untamed spirit of this uninhabited place.
I’m always intrigued by the stories I hear about the mysterious characters who inhabit the deserted islands. There’s one particular tale that always piques my curiosity – the legend of Gerrie. It’s said that years ago, Gerrie was a fugitive, hiding from the authorities. He lived a solitary life on one of these islands, with only his typewriter, canoe, and a head full of conspiracy theories for company. It’s hard to fathom what drove him to this isolated existence, but his story is just as captivating as the barren landscape itself.
If you take an extra day on this trip, you’ll have plenty of time to relax. Here, I float below the zig-zag folds of Witches Hat Mountain with my fly rods.
To calm the rowdy kids, we tell them to get in their boats and paddle from our island republic to Namibia. Then we march them sternly into the desert. We hike up and out of the valley to an old fluorspar mine. When you stand up there, you feel like you’re on top of the world. You gaze out over a vast stretch of the river and onto one of the oldest exposed areas on Earth. This place has been around for 2000 million years, nearly half the age of our planet! From here, you can view the bands of solid black basalt rock that were thrust upwards when the Earth’s crust cracked and the super-continent Gondwanaland broke apart. These bands now form a backbone that stretches more than 100 kilometers from north to south across the Richtersveld.
At night, I toss fluorspar, the mineral mined from the earth, onto our fire. As it lands on the blazing coals, a vibrant green glow emanates, and the pieces burst with a light show. The crackling flames provide a mesmerizing soundtrack as we drift off to sleep. I can hear Katharine, with her impeccable singing voice, serenading us with sweet melodies. Resting on our cozy island of soft, grassy terrain, slumber envelops us, and we slumber as peacefully as infants.
On Day 3, me and Big James woke up under the biggest Rhus tree we could find. We decided to sleep outside every night.
The next morning, we got up early to get ready for Sjambok. Me and Big James carefully tied up each boat.
‘That’s some serious tying,’ Dad Andrew said quietly. ‘Should I be concerned?’ He’s a shrink, so he can pick up on tense situations from far away.
Sjambok, like Gerrie, has tons of stories. But me and Big James have both seen the power of these currents that swirl beneath your boat. To someone who doesn’t know any better, it looks like a fun rapid with a big wave at the end. But when the water is high, it turns into a boiling cauldron as the whole river gets funneled into a narrow six-meter-wide channel.
‘We don’t have to be worried,’ Big James said. ‘But it’s different when you’re 23 and taking clients down compared to taking your own kids. I feel protective.’
‘So, is this river harder than other white water you’ve paddled?’ Andrew asks me.
‘Nah, we just don’t want anyone falling in,’ I reply. And that’s the rule: no swimmers allowed. So, we assign one strong paddler to each boat, give them a serious talk about staying on the right path, and off we go.
Down at the bottom of the rapid, I stand with a rescue bag, my heart pounding as I watch each boat come through, eyes wide and shouting with excitement. It’s an almost-perfect run, and as the adrenaline rush subsides, we float along with a gentle tailwind. Big James and I feel relieved that it’s over. By 2pm, we’ve made it off the river and spend the afternoon fishing, searching for special stones, reading, and chatting about nonsense.
Ah, triumphant Big James and Amy, proudly displaying their conquered fish. What a sight to behold! Big James can’t help but make a big fuss over the catch, even if it’s as small as his baby finger. But then, he reels in a true trophy—a magnificent 50-centimeter yellowfish.
“Wow, what a beauty!” I exclaim, joining in on the excitement. “Did it put up a good fight?”
“You bet,” he responds with a victorious grin, “it was an epic battle.”
Amy, always the one to keep things real, deadpans, “Well, it only seems like a great fight because you came out on top, Dad.”
We exchange knowing glances and share a chuckle.
It’s remarkable to think that wise little Amy and the rest of our clan weren’t even born the last time we ventured to this place. So much has changed in our lives since then. And yet, so little has changed for the mighty Orange River. Here, amidst the flowing waters and towering rock formations, the river’s timeless presence reminds us of our own insignificance.
When I first laid eyes on Thumbprint, it struck me as a true landmark along the river. It made me realize just how immense and ancient this place truly is.
Here are five valuable tips that can make your family trip absolutely perfect:
- Don’t miss the chance to book an Orange River trip if you haven’t experienced it before. It’s undeniably one of the best family-friendly travel experiences in the world.
- If you can handle the scorching heat, then mid-summer is the perfect time for your trip.
- Gather enough friends to create your own group. During peak season, you’ll need around 20 people. In the off-season, you can easily negotiate with a river company and form a party of about eight.
- Keep in mind that you won’t be consuming as much alcohol as you might expect. Remember to bring plenty of Game isotonic drink. In mid-summer, make sure to rehydrate after lunch every day.
- Each day, assign different paddlers to different boats, but be sure to have at least one strong paddler in each boat.
Everything you need to know about a family trip to the Orange River
Is it safe for families?
Absolutely! Going on a family trip to the Orange River has always been safe. The guides are highly trained to handle any safety concerns and provide first aid if needed.
Which company should you choose?
When it comes to choosing a company for your trip, there are a few options to consider. Amanzi Trails River Adventures is a well-established company, offering a beautiful, leafy camp. They give you the choice between canoes or inflatables to paddle along the river. Alternatively, Bushwacked Outdoor Adventures is a more low-key option with charming, rustic camps. While I haven’t personally been on one of their trips, the owner has over 20 years of experience in the field.
Canoes or inflatables?
When it comes to canoeing, it can be a thrilling adventure, especially in rapids. Canoes offer a challenge that adds to the excitement, and they excel in flat sections where they can glide with speed. For a more relaxed experience, you can opt for inflatable canoes or crocs. These options make navigating rapids easier and provide greater maneuverability and comfort. The only downside is that crocs are slower, so you may want to ask your host company to add an extra night to the trip, unless the river is high and flowing swiftly.
Are there many other people on the river?
Surprisingly, the river is not overrun with other people. Even though there were four other trips starting on the same day as ours, we hardly crossed paths with them.
Is the river full of litter?
This was one of our concerns, but we were relieved to discover that the river is cleaner in all aspects compared to 20 years ago. Additionally, the campsites were impeccably clean. Impressive, isn’t it?
Which campsites should we visit?
When it comes to camping along the Orange River, your experience can vary depending on the number of other trips happening at the same time. Campsites might be hard to come by when the river is busy, so you have to take what you can get. However, each company and guide have their favorite spots, even though you can’t reserve them and only the guides really know their names.
What about the food?
The food arrangements differ between companies. In my case, the menu was simple yet satisfying. We had fruit, cereal, and toast for breakfast. For lunch, we enjoyed elaborate sandwiches and salads. And for supper, a mix of barbecued dishes, fire-baked meals, and spaghetti Bolognese accompanied by delicious salads. It’s always a good idea to have some snacks on hand for the evenings before supper and during the day on the river.
When is the best time to book an Orange River trip?
If you’re wondering when the best time to go on a river trip is, I recommend considering autumn and spring. These seasons offer pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. However, it’s important to note that these times are also the busiest, with eight trips starting on the river each day. Another busy time is over New Year, when there are big parties at the camps. If you prefer a less crowded experience, I suggest avoiding peak season, which falls on Easter weekend and the September school holidays. The river tends to get very full during these times, but if you start your trip a day or two earlier or later, you can avoid the rush. Keep in mind that this may involve taking your kids out of school for a day. To secure a prime spot, it’s advisable to book ahead.
Now, let’s talk about money.
If you’re concerned about the cost, I have some information for you. The price per adult for a four-night trip, which includes everything except snacks, drinks, and transport to and from the base camp, is about R3000. This cost covers your accommodation, meals, and various activities during your stay. It’s worth noting that this information was first featured in the July 2015 issue of Getaway magazine.