Of all the trails we run, the Orange Gorge (or !Gariep Falls route) is the most awesome in terms of its scenery and the sheer power of the river. The route follows the river as it twists from its east-west orientation to run north-south through a short but spectacular gorge.
Orange Gorge True Adrenaline
Onseepkans & Gariep Falls Ultimate Orange River Experience
Duration: 4days/4nights Or 3days/3nights (Depending On Water Levels) (Highly Recommended) (No Passports Needed)
Of all the trails we run, the Orange Gorge (or !Gariep Falls route) is the most awesome in terms of its scenery and the sheer power of the river. The route follows the river as it twists from its east-west orientation to run north-south through a short but spectacular gorge. Halfway down are the !Gariep or Ritchie Falls, un-runnable by boat, which have to be portaged past. The picture below shows us having paddled back up the gorge to see the foot of the falls. In the lower gorge is one of South Africa's famous rapids - "Big Bunny", so named because a German visitor on one of our trips could not pronounce the word "rapid" and kept calling it the "big rabbit". Although the distance is fairly short we take 31/2 days because the surroundings are too good to miss - they just cry out to be explored. The trail begins at the border village of Onseepkans about 1hr30minutes drive from our main base at Kakamas. Drivers take the cars to the end point of the trail where there is safe parking. We return to the top and head downriver.
Information
Day One takes us to Flat Rocks campsite where a wonderful play rapid awaits and there are great hikes to the mountaintops. Days 2 & 3 are spent approaching and then portaging into the gorge. Most of the third day is spent paddling and walking up the gorge, and running rapids for fun, while we camp two nights at one spot. The river divides around a series of islands and forms two major channels, the Chicken Run (or "Little George" on the Namibian (west) side, and the main run (or "Big George") on the east, or South African side. We do not run the main gorge which is filled with dangerous potholes and suck-backs. But we do paddle and hike up to see its enormous rocks and thundering channels. The Chicken Run, as the name implies, is far friendlier though it too contains memorable rapids like Scorpion, Screwdriver and Little Falls. The granite landscape comprises some of the oldest rocks on earth and - believe it or not - there is a theory that once upon a time a huge mountain range perhaps the height of Everest stood here, but has been eroded over many eons. On day 4 we carry one down the gorge, running Big Bunny, Dolly Parton and Last Gasp before, paddling to the end point.
Itinerary Example
Example of a 4 day/4 night trip:
- » Day of arrival: Arrive no later than 17h00 at base camp (own meals on first night)
- » Day 1: Experience the Orange River (Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided)
- » Day 2: Experience the Orange River (Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided)
- » Day 3: Experience the Orange River (Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided)
- » Day 4: Experience the Orange River (Breakfast and lunch provided)
Depart at 15h00 to base camp. Trip ends on arrival at base camp
Tailor Made Packages & Trips:
We can tailor-made any trail for a group of 6 or more people on request. Liquid360 Adventures are flexible with group bookings and will be able to offer groups individual departure dates/times and unique itineraries on request.
Catering Information:
All meals are prepared on open fires and will consist of quality and healthy food and we do cater for all special diets, i.e. vegetarians, vegans etc. Our delicious bush cooking on open fires creates and campfire ambiance on the banks of the Orange River.
- Dinners: We offer 3 course meals for dinners with salad, main course and desert.
- Lunch: Normally consists of salads, health bread, pastas, ‘boerewors’ rolls and fruits.
- Breakfasts: from fried breakfast to continental with cereals and fruits. 4 Jul: Day 4 Orange River - Depart at 11h00 to base camp (B, L)
Trip ends on arrival at base camp
Best Times To Visit
Early or late summer (25 – 45C)
Winter (15 -25C).
Autumn and winter are peak seasons for travel in the Kalahari. Frost is rare, cloudy days are occasional, but overall the weather is glorious. You’ll love it!
Please note: Tents will be required in autumn and winter (see ‘RECOMMENDED PERSONAL GEAR’ for details).
Personal Snacks And Drinks
Catering for our white-water rafting safaris is specialised, so we will take care of the food. Please supply your own snacks like ‘biltong’, sweets, crisps, etc.. Plenty of soft drinks and/or GAME energy shakes are recommended for hot days, while alcoholic beverages for a relaxing end to the days are more than welcome!
We Provide:
We provide all boating and safety gear. When you book we send a personal kit list of clothing - "dry gear" for nights, and "wet gear" to wear during the day. We have tents for hire. Bring your own if you like so long as it is lightweight and compact. . Supply your own blow-up lilo mattress.
Recommended Personal Gear:
Dry gear’ for nights; ‘wet gear’ for during the day. We will send you a personal kit list for all clothing required when you book your trip.
A lightweight and compact tent. We could provide you with one at an additional cost per day if you do not have your own.
A blow-up or a small roll-up mattress.
Good To Know
How To Get To The Start Point At The Orange River Base:
You can drive up in your own vehicle or we can arrange vehicle hire if required. The road is a good tar road all the way up from Cape Town and takes around 8 hours. The road is also good tar coming in from the Gauteng direction. The last section of +/- 50 kms to the camp is usually a good dirt road. This road does, however, become difficult after heavy rain (not common in this area). We recommend that you contact the Pofadder Police Station (tel: 054 933 0022), Onseepkans Police Station (tel: 054 951 0002) or our offices (cel: 0743501670) to check the condition of the road and choose the alternative route if required. Full directions will be supplied on confirmation of booking. We can also make accommodation arrangements for you if you’d like to do the drive over two days. We can supply a bus and driver and fly in tours can also be arranged.
DO I NEED A PASSPORT? No, you don’t. The trip starts and ends on the South African side so no border crossing is required.
