8 Day Orange River Rafting and Cederberg Road trip - 8day Orange River Closed Group Tour from Cape Town Canoe Namibia | Hotspots2c
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Tempo
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Orange River Rafting + Cederberg Trek

wishlist it

Duration of tour
8 days
Private Transfer

Transfer Type

Mini-coach / Van
Departs when minimum requirements met

Overview

Uncover a different side of South Africa and along the border of Namibia on this unique trip designed for the adventurous at heart.  Traverse the trails of the mighty Cederberg Mountains and plunge into the crystalline rock pools along the Brandewynsrivier. Delight your inner history boff as you learn about the extraordinary rock art of the San people, and rock formations that have been standing for generations!

A canoe trip along the impressive bends of the Orange River will leave you in awe of Mother Nature as you spend each night beneath the stars. Knowledgeable guides will share their fun facts about the intricate surroundings as you row along the river on your four-day canoe trip. It’s rustic, charming, beautiful and incredibly soul filling as you take things back to basics and get up close and personal with the great outdoors. The young at heart will enjoy every second of this action-packed trip, so come expectant!

 
 
 
 
Start

Cape Town / Stellenbosch
End

Cape Town / Stellenbosch
 
Distance
±
1500
km
Tempo
Medium pace

Why You'll Love It

  • Trade civilisation for the rugged bare banks of the Orange River on this serene canoe trip.

  • Discover rock art and caves along the mountain trails of the Cederberg.

  • Visit Lambert's Bay's Bird Island to see thousands of roosting birds and sea creatures.

  • Overnight under the twinkling star-filled heavens with a unique stay along the Orange River.

Itinerary guideline

This Edu-tour itinerary guideline is suited for groups of students, volunteers or interns and can run in reverse or a different order.
Day 1-2
West Coast Region > Cederberg

Start with a morning pick-up from your accommodation in Cape Town or Stellenbosch. Set off today as you drive towards the mighty Cederberg mountains. You'll notice the landscape changing as you pass vast farmlands and fields of canola interspersed with small farming towns along the way. As you near the foot of the Cederberg mountains you'll turn toward the coast and the tiny hamlet of Lambert's Bay. One of South Africa’s hidden gems, this removed, rugged, and arid tiny town is far from the average tourist spot. Beaches are pristine and virtually empty; in fact, you’ll rarely see people other than a local fisherman and his trusty canine companion. You’ll take a stroll along the historic breakwater to visit Bird Island, which lies about 100m off the shore. This protected island serves as a vital breeding and roosting site for seabirds, particularly Cape gannets and cormorants. During breeding season you can marvel at the sight (and sound!) of between 4000-6000 pairs of breeding gannets from the camouflaged bird hide. Cape fur seals can also be seen sunning themselves on the island’s rocks. Your afternoon sees you venturing into the heart of the Cederberg Mountains via the astounding Piekenierskloof Pass.

Spend the next two nights near the Cederberg mountain region, surrounded by incredible fynbos and rock formations.


A mere 3 hours drive from Cape Town, but it feels like you set foot on another planet... This extensive barren landscape offers a multitude of hiking trails among a landscape dominated by high jagged sandstone rock formations – a true wilderness experience! Think of it as the Sedona of South Africa.

Adventure awaits the next morning as you have the opportunity to spend the entire day exploring the Cederberg, visiting bushman paintings and water streams. On the morning agenda, The Sevilla Rock Art Trail is a 4km relaxed ramble that visits 9 extraordinary sites of rock art. These spectacular historic paintings were created by the San People who inhabited the area for 1000s of years. 


Spend the afternoon along the Kloof Walking Trail. Meander through the boulders, down the kloof (gorge), and along the banks of the Brandewynsriver. Fortunate bird-watchers might spot the evasive Witkruisarend Raptor nesting high against the cliffs. Take all the time you want to relax by the waterside or plunge into the crystalline rock pool to cool off*. 

Enjoy the tranquillity of being surrounded by nature and take great gulps of that fresh outdoor air to re-energise body and soul.

*Rockpools are not open to day visitors due to permit restrictions and the capacity of guests during public holidays or peak season.

 
 
Stay Package

Accommodation included according to your selected stay package. Subject to availability.

Day3-8
Northern Cape

Get an early start as you travel from the Cederberg area to the border of Namibia to start your week-long Orange River Canoe trip. A back-to-basics adventure of a lifetime!

Experience the Nothern Cape region on a canoe, using the mighty Orange River as your mode of transport. Days are spent paddling through some of the world’s most beautiful desert scenery, the green reed-lined river banks contrasting against barren looming mountain ranges of the Richtersveld.

The Orange River is the longest river in South Africa and starts in the Drakensberg Mountains along the border of South Africa and Lesotho, after about 2000km it eventually opens up and flows into the Atlantic Ocean.

Expect to spend your days enjoying a mix of canoeing and relaxing, all the while taking in the uniquely beautiful surroundings.

Test out the echo of the towering mountains that border the river, float down the river in calmer areas and try your luck fishing along the banks. Spectacular sunsets mark the end of a day on the river and the start of an evening filled with the fun of cooking on and spending time around an open fire. Slip into your sleeping bag and fall asleep each evening beneath a sky that seems to be filled with millions of stars. This truly unique experience brings you as close to nature as you can get! 


After your canoe experience along the river comes to an end, you'll paddle back to the main camp. 
The last day is a half-day row session to return and then overnight at base-camp.

After breakfast, depart back to the Cape Town region along winding roads where untouched plains seem to extend out to the horizon in every direction.

Take in the scenery on a ±7-hour drive as you pass through stops like Springbok, Clanwilliam and the quaint little towns of Kamieskroon and Garies.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Stay Package

Accommodation included according to your selected stay package. Subject to availability.

End with a late evening drop-off at your Cape Town / Stellenbosch accommodation.

Included

Closed Groups

A minimum group size is required to confirm this tour and/or discount rate.

Maximum amount of guests per vehicle or guide are limited to ensure a smaller group tour experience. 

Local Guide

Led by a local English-speaking professional tour guide.

Transport

Transfers to included tour highlights. 

Pick-up + Drop-off

There is no central meeting point for this tour. A transfer service will collect you from your Cape Town or Stellenbosch accommodation.

Accommodation

2 nights Cederberg shared accommodation + 4 nights "under-the-stars" on the banks of the Orange River.

Meals

6x Breakfasts

Included Activities & Entry fees
  • Bird Island Walk at Lambert's Bay
  • Cederberg Caves and Rock Art Hike
  • Orange River Canoeing

Excluded

✕ Bedding during Orange River section

Bedding for the nights at the Orange River is not provided. Either rent or bring your own sleeping bag, pillow and blowup mattress. Tents are not included and also not required.

✕ Some Meals + Drinks

Extra meals and drinks can be booked and paid for on the tour.

✕ Flights

Local and international flights are excluded.

✕ Travel Insurance

You are responsible for your own personal travel insurance. 



Ask us to quote for your group's specific travel dates. Rates vary according to the group size.

Terms & Conditions

Click on the terms for more details.

Payment Policy: Minimum of 15 people per group required. Full payment required to confirm

A minimum of 15 people needs to pay the full amount to confirm this tour departure.  

Cancellation / Refund Policy: No Refunds

This tour has pre-paid expenses linked to it and if cancelled no refund can be offered.

Child Policy: Closed or Private Tour for groups of friends, young learners or university students

An Indemnity form for minors will need to be signed by parents / guardian to allow permission to partake in this Hotspots2c Tour and third party activities scheduled. A chaperone can also join the student group on tour.

FAQ



  Click on question to show answer

How can we help you plan your dream tour package?
Hotspots2c is a tour operator based in the Cape Town region.  We offer tour packages that include guided transport + accommodation + day activities. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or to turn your trip wishlist into the tour package of your dreams.
Tammy-lee
Reservations

My passion for hiking gave me a deep appreciation for being surrounded by nature... With some of my local and international must-visit outdoor spots already ticked off from my travel wishlist, I'll always be dreaming about my next adventure. Being part of the travel industry since 2016, especially my recent position as an airline ticketing and customer care consultant; helping fellow travellers plan their perfect holiday perfectly aligns with my love to share our uniquely diverse cultures and places with the world. - Tammy Mackriel

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country info

 what to expect

 

South Africa

  

11 official Languages Spoken

Afrikaans – English – isiNdebele – Sepedi.– Sesotho – Siswati – Xitsonga – Setswana – Tshivenda – isiXhosa

How to say hello?

Molo – Xhosa

Sawubona - Zulu

Hallo - Afrikaans

Dumela - SeSotho

 

Electricity – Volt & plug

The South African electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ. Most plugs are 15 amp 3-prong or 5 amp 2-prong, with round pins.

Measurements 

Metric System

 

WiFi/Internet Access on tour 

WiFi can be found at most accommodations, restaurants and airports, however, the download speed is often slow and many connections limit your data usage. In short, you’ll be able to stay connected with home, but don't expect to watch HD movies in your spare time.

 

When to go

South Africa is blessed with a mostly mild climate, but different areas will yield different temperatures throughout the year. Summer in South Africa is usually peak season, lasting between November – February, however, Easter time (March) is often still considered peak season too. Temperatures range from 25ºC in coastal areas to high 30ºs in inland areas. Cape Town has ideal weather during this time and Durban sports warm beaches and humid air, Johannesburg experiences hot clear days and often an afternoon thunderstorm.

The shoulder season is April and May, as well as September and October. Surprisingly, the weather in Durban is often at its best during this time, and other areas simmer down from their scorching highs. Prices are lower and crowds are smaller. September and October see eruptions of flowers and blooms all around the country.

Winter is beautiful in most parts of the country. Cape Town experiences winter rain and is often a little cold and miserable, but still crisp and beautiful. Because of the warm Indian Ocean, Durban has spectacular weather in winter, often hovering around 20-25ºC with clear blue skies. Inland areas get quite chilly and the odd snowfall is not uncommon (it only lasts for a day though!). Prices are at an all-time low and it is an ideal time for game viewing, as the animals are more active in the cooler weather. 

The Garden Route enjoys a Mediterranean Oceanic climate, which is intrinsically temperate and mild almost all year round. Summers are warm to hot, and winters are cool. Second only to Hawaii, the Garden Route is acclaimed for having one of the mildest climates in the world.

However, the winter rain season can cause some delays for outdoor activities but the mild sunny days and the appeal of seeing the Southern Right Whale migration makes the Cape Whale Coast & Garden Route an ideal destination during the European summer holidays. You can expect cool mornings and evenings, but usually the climate remain bright and sunny during the day.

 

Best time to go where?

Jun-Jul ( mid winter) = Safari in Kruger region

Jan-Feb ( mid summer) = Cape Town city or beach destinations along the Cape Coast

Year-Round = Moderate weather in the Garden Route region

 

Public Holidays

With the possible exception of Christmas Day and New Year's Day, most tourist services and attractions are open on South African public holidays. In addition most city shopping centres, restaurants and entertainment venues remain open.

1 Jan   New Year's Day
21 Mar   Human Rights Day
30 Mar   Good Friday
2 Apr   Family Day
27 Apr   Freedom Day
1 May   Workers' Day
16 Jun   Youth Day
9 Aug   National Women's Day
24 Sep   Heritage Day
16 Dec   Day of Reconciliation
17 Dec   Day of Reconciliation Holiday
25 Dec   Christmas Day
26 Dec   Day of Goodwill

 

Visa & Travel docs

Travellers from most Commonwealth countries (excluding New Zealand), most Western European nations, Japan and the USA receive a free, 90-day visitor's permit on arrival. These travellers do not need a visa to enter South Africa. A valid passport is essential with at least two empty pages. You generally will need to show return or onward travel arrangements. Children aged under 18 must show an unabridged birth certificate (showing both parents details).

Some countries do, however, need a visa. Visas are not issued upon entry, they must be attained beforehand. It is advised that you clarify this before you leave, the Department of Home Affairs office has a comprehensive list of countries that do not require visas. http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/exempt-countries

 

What to pack

We're generally laid back in South Africa, so no need to haul out your best silks and diamonds when you head to our shores. Here's some clothing advice when in South Africa:

  • For the summers, bring clothes that are cool and comfortable, along with an umbrella or rain jacket, as this is when most of the country gets rain. A light jacket or wrap is a good precaution. Don't forget a swimming costume.
  • The winters are generally mild, comparing favourably with European summers. But we do get some days when temperatures plummet, especially in high-lying areas such as the Drakensberg (some nights go below 0ºC), so be prepared with jerseys and jackets. If you are going to the Cape, rain gear will be needed in this season (your average here will be between 10-20ºC).
  • Always bring a hat - the sun can be strong even in the winter months. Make sunglasses, a hat and sunblock a firm part of your skin care kit.
  • Walking shoes are a good idea all year-round, with warm socks in the winter.
  • For game viewing, a couple of neutral-toned items will be useful, but there's no need to go overboard and kit yourself out like David Livingstone, out to explore Africa for the first time.
  • For the evening, if you are dining at an upmarket restaurant or seeing a show, go the smart-casual route. If you are simply going out to get a bite to eat, a general “no shirt, no shoes - no service” rule applies, so as long as you are fully clad, your attire should not be an issue.
  • When travelling with Hotspots2c we encourage reasonably sized bags for multi-day tours and we are able to accommodate bags that are on average under 20kgs. For one and two day tours, a light backpack is encouraged. 

  

Health & Safety

There are no compulsory vaccinations required to enter South Africa with exception of a yellow fever vaccination if you have been in a yellow fever area within the last 12 months.

The only major health risk you might face in South Africa is malaria, which is confined to small areas in the north-eastern parts of the country. Small pockets of the northern parts of the Kruger National Park fall under this area but the risk here is considered extremely low and it is not always necessary to take anti-malaria tablets. Remember as a precautionary measure to check with your doctor or a local travel clinic on what is recommended for your country to visit South Africa.

 

For more info about the safety regulations on tour - please see https://hotspots2c.co.za/ideas/safetravels

 

South Africa may have high crime statistics, but if you conduct yourself wisely, most tourists enjoy the country without any incident at all. Here are some tips: ensure that you lock away your passports and travel documents in a safe, which is usually provided by your accommodation or keep valuables at a safe place. Don't flash around valuables and keep an eye on your belongings at all time. Majority of South Africa’s crime is opportunistic petty crime, so if you are vigilant about your belongings you should not have any problem.

 

Getting Around 

South Africa has 3 world-class airports that receive international flights every day; Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. Most international airlines will have flights into one or all of these airports daily.

There are numerous budget carriers that offer domestic flights between the major cities for very reasonable rates; this is the fastest and safest way to span large distances, especially between Johannesburg and Cape Town, which is a 2-hour flight.

From the airports there are numerous shuttles and taxis that you can pick up upon arrival, there are also many different car hire options at each airport and in all major cities. Uber is another reliable and affordable option.

 

Money 

Our currency in South Africa is the South African Rand. You can easily convert your currency to rand at a bank or Forex Bureau, the airports and larger towns often have many different Forex options. You can also withdraw from an ATM, banks are available throughout South Africa. Be sure to check what international bank charges you will incur for withdrawals before you arrive. Major credit cards are usually accepted in hotels or restaurants, however, there may be a surcharge. It is advisable to have small amounts of cash for curios and tipping. 

Tipping

  • Tour Guides and Drivers – Tipping on tour is neither expected nor compulsory, however, should you wish to tip the team on the road you are welcome to decide on a value that match the level of service received. A recommendation usually range from R50 to R200 per person per day.
  • Restaurants and Bars - Tipping in restaurants is the norm and is customarily kept at 10% of the total shown on the bill. Many restaurants will add a 10% service charge to a bill if the number of guests exceeds six or ten.
  • Hotels - At hotels you may also leave money to housekeeping at the end of your stay. Porter fees may already be included in your quote, and will be listed under your tour package inclusions.
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