Orange River rafting! and other Province of Northern Cape, South Africa Things to Do Tips

Go river rafting down the Orange river. This river is the border between Namibia and South Africa.

When I had my own business in Cape Town, I made promotional gifting for Felixe Unite. I didnt know it back then, but they are a superb organiser of holidays, especially outdoor activites ones!

The best place to river raft is Noordoewer, in the Richtersveld area, which is 680km north of Cape Town itself.

I wouldnt raft on my own personally, as if anything goes wrong, one would need the correct help and supervision. The leaders are first aid trained and know all the 'danger spots' too.

It's a lovely river, and plays a big part in South African history. And if you are going to see it, you just have to raft down it :)

Leave a Comment

Phone: +27 21 404 1830
Directions: Unit 304a, Building 20, Waverley Business Park, Wyecroft St, Mowbray, 7700, Cape Town South Africa.
Website: http://www.felixunite.com/rivers_info/orange_info.asp
Other Contact: info@felixunite.com

Between August and November view the spring flowers (like Namaqualand Daisies) that spring up all over the desert floor.

A glorious array of flowers and colour!!!

These are flowers and plants that have grown and survived in rather hostile conditions, with little water, resistant soil and hot, hot sun.

The Richtersveld and Namaqualand areas have huge amounts of seed in their soil and it is from this oasis of seed that flowers grow, when the conditions are right.

Some of the more well known flowers are:

The Halfmens (Pachypdium namaquanam): a tall plant that leans into the sun, branching out to the sun.

Sporrie (Heliophila coronopifolia): a light and dainty blue/violet and white flower.

Dikboud (Euphorbia dregina): A thick cactus-like plant, succulent and hard wearing.

In the website given below there are some gorgeous photos of a vareity of the flowers found here.

If you are staying in Cape Town, it is a good idea to drive here, and stay overnight, camping in Richtersveld or at a B&B in Springbok perhaps... and come and view this glorious array of nature at work :)

Leave a Comment

Directions: Richtersveld and Namaqualand
Website: http://home.mweb.co.za/zs/zs6phd/Nama_6.htm

Visit Augrabies Falls National Park, where the Orange River flows right through it.

See the lizards sunning themselves on the rocks and the brown muddy water of the Orange River churning along the granite rock face. Like other parts of this province, this is a harsh land, where the fittest survive.. whether an animal or a plant!

5 things to look for here are:

The Falls
Moon Rock
Ararat
Arrow Point
Potholes
Echo Corner

Fabulous names for fabulous places.. rock formations and waterfalls.

The Orange River drops a huge 191 metres at the breathtaking Augrabies Falls. The gorge at the Augrabies Falls is 18 km in length and 240 metres deep.

You can go on lovely night game drives, hiking trails, Dassie nature trails etc. here. It is a place for the outdoors person, and is enjoyable for mum, dad and kids!

Leave a Comment

Website: www.sanparks.org/parks/augrabies/

My cousin's wife comes from Calvinia, a small farm town, not far from Springbok.

She has told us many stories re growing up in this region and what they had to do when their water ran out, when the electricity went etc. occurances which happen often here.

Viewing the quiver trees in Springbok is a must though – oddly shaped and much loved!
And possibly the most well known feature of this area too.

This area is desolate, desert-like and harsh. It is also beautiful, mystical and haunting.

Leave a Comment

Visit the Richtersveld in all it’s wildness and beauty – go camping, biking, gliding and rafting!

This is a large region, encompassing Port Nolloth from the south, to the Orange River in the north, and from Vioolsdrif in the east, to Alexander Bay in the west.

We have been to a few South African Nationa Parks, and they have always had good facilities, security and clean and comfortable accommodation.

The Richtersveld National Park, which is found next to the Orange River, is the least developed of all the SAN Parks and a 4X4 is needed for many areas here, or else it is inaccesible.

Definately worth a visit if you dont mind roughing it a bit and dont need facilities like showers and loos! The experience is amazing and well worth it.

Leave a Comment