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Orange River Frequently Asked Questions

F.A.Q
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F.A.Q

General Queries

What documents do I require to enter Namibia?
  • A valid passport. It ought to have at least two blank pages and be good for six months after the leave date.
  • If you are from a country where obtaining a visa is necessary, obtain one. Please always verify with the Namibia High Commission at +27 (012) 481 9100 or visit https://visitnamibia.com.na/visainformation/ as the list of countries is subject to change at any time. Online applications are available at https://eservices.mhaiss.gov.na.
  • When traveling with both parents, all minors must have passports and unabridged birth certificates.
    They will also need an affidavit from the absent parent or legal guardian if they are going with just one parent or guardian. A commissioner must sign and stamp the affidavit.
  • Cross-border road tolls are paid at the border as a means of funding road upkeep.
  • Vehicle documentation and the vehicle’s country sticker
  • Certificate of yellow fever vaccination in case of travel from an affected area.
  • Arrival AND Departure border forms. downloadable from the following URL (https://bundi.co.za/orange-river-cross-border-information/ ) or obtained at the border.
  • Please inquire about any unique health needs or rules from the border. It is the customers’ obligation to stay informed about this kind of need.

Vioolsdrift Border:
Namibia side
Tel: 00264-63-297122
Fax: 00264-63-297021
South Africa side
Tel: +27(0)27 761 8760
Fax: +27(0)27 761 8931

Nakop Border:
Namibia side
Tel: +264(0)63 280 057
Fax: +264(0)63 280 058
South Africa side
Tel: +27(0)54 571 0008
Fax: +27(0)54 571 0009

You won’t be allowed to cross the border if your car documentation isn’t in order. The following documents need to be on hand:

  • The driver’s valid passport and driver’s license
  • A certified copy of the vehicle registration documents; the police will verify the license data, engine, chassis, and trailer numbers.
  • Documentation from the owner or rental company proving ownership of the car
  • Should the car be rented; you’ll need to bring the contract documentation from the rental company.
  • If the car is still being financed, bring the vehicle paperwork and a letter of approval from the bank that specifies the dates of travel.
  • A letter from insurance attesting to their awareness of the border crossing.
  • A country sticker for the car.
  • Visitors from nations outside of the SACU are required to apply for a Temporary Import Permit.
    Please click this link to the page at https://bundi.co.za/orange-river-cross-border-information/ for further details. Not relevant to citizens of RSA.
Namibia’s currency is the Namibian Dollar (NAD). Although it was previously linked to the South African Rand at a 1:1 exchange rate, from April 1, 2024, ZAR will no longer be accepted for payments in Namibia.
  • If you want hot weather perfect for swimming, consider November, December, January, and March. Temperatures can reach a high of over 40°C. A good hat, sarong and sunblock are imperative, as well as plenty of drinking water.
  • For warm weather that’s still great for swimming but not as hot, try September, October, April, and May. Be sure to still be prepared for the sun.
  • If you prefer cooler weather that’s still pleasant but less ideal for swimming, look at June, July, and August.
    Note that nights can be chilly during these months, so bring something warm with for the evenings.
Though rare, rain does fall on occasion. Rainfall is most likely to occur during the summer months November through to March with January to March being the wettest.
The river is regulated by dams and flows year-round. However, because it depends on summer rainfall from the RSA regions for its water, it typically reaches its peak flow in March and April.
The river is classified as grade 1 and 2, meaning it offers gentle rapids that are not too challenging. It’s suitable for families of all ages.
We paddle two-man Mohawk-style fiberglass canoes.
We do not recommend canoeing for children under 6 years old. There is no upper age limit, but participants should be in good health and reasonably fit for the trip.
Our guides are responsible for managing a lot of equipment and cannot accommodate an extra person on their boats. If you feel you need an additional paddler, please let us know when you book so we can arrange for it.
No prior paddling experience is required. Your guides will provide a comprehensive briefing on paddling techniques.
We typically assign one guide for every ten guests.
The camp is located around 10 km from the Namibia border at Noordoewer, on the Namibian side.
The Noordoewer border is open 24 hours a day. For inquiries, you can contact the border at +264 63 297 122.
A yellow fever vaccination is required if coming from an area with yellow fever.
There is a small private airstrip where chartered planes can land. Immigration procedures must be completed at Alexander Bay.
Flights to Springbok are available occasionally, mainly for chartered planes. However, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive from there to our camp, and vehicle rentals are not easily available in Springbok.
Yes, flights to Upington are available, but it is still about a 5-hour drive to our camp from there.
Approximately 7 hours by self-drive.
Approximately 12 hours by self-drive.
Our camp has all the necessary details of arriving clients. Simply arrive, check in with the camp managers, and enjoy your stay.
You can lock your passport and other valuables in your vehicle. Vehicle keys can be handed over to the camp managers for safekeeping during your trip. Remember to carry a certified copy of your passport with you on the river.
Yes. Please note that there is no pay phone available at the camp.
The camp is staffed 24 hours a day, but parking is at your own risk. The camp gates are closed at night. While there is some shade available, it may not be sufficient for all vehicles.
Yes, some campsites have power points. Please check with the camp managers for specifics.
Although the river water is clean, we recommend against drinking it. Please bring at least two Liters of water per person per day.
Please indicate any special dietary requirements on your booking form. We cater to basic, Vegetarian, Kosher and Halaal diets. For other dietary needs, bring your own replacement products. We will provide a detailed menu to help you determine what to bring. We offer a R200.00 discount per person for dietary needs we do not cater to.
No, we do not have space in our fridges for keeping drinks cool.
To keep your drinks cold, freeze some before you arrive. Store the frozen drinks in a cooler box. For fizzy drinks, consider freezing small bottles of water to use in your cooler; they will thaw and provide additional cooling.
Yes, we have a bar that offers a range of snacks, drinks, beers, and wine. Please note that the bar only accepts card payments.
Ice is limited on the river. You can purchase non-consumable 5-liter ice blocks at the bar upon arrival (card payments only) to keep your drinks cold. We provide non-consumable ice on the morning of your river trip and during resupplies to keep your cooler cold. Consumable ice is also available at the bar. If you need consumable ice delivered during a resupply, please arrange this with the bar in advance. Note that resupply is not available for half-day, 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day trips.
Our camp bar stocks consumable ice, basic beers, liquor, and cooldrinks. The bar operates on a cashless, credit card-only basis. If a vehicle is heading to Aussenkehr, we can purchase cooldrinks and snacks (but not alcoholic beverages) at Spar for you. You will need to provide the cash for these items, and we’ll return any change along with a receipt from Spar. You can also pre-order drinks and consumable ice from the bar for delivery during resupply.
The best fishing months are those with an “R” in their name, such as September, October and November. Optimal conditions are when the water level is low and stable for an extended period.
F.A.Q

Trip Queries

What happens from arrival until we start our trip?
Upon arrival in the evening, after dinner (served around 7pm), we will provide a briefing on how to pack your personal items and luggage into your two 25-liter barrels. We will also discuss the types of liquid refreshments you can bring on the river (glass containers are not permitted). Following this, there will be time for questions before we conclude for the night. The next morning, after breakfast, we will hold a safety briefing covering paddling techniques, procedures for handling a capsize, and safety tips for navigating the rapids. After the briefing, you’ll begin your adventure on the river.
You will be responsible for carrying all your own gear in your boat. On the evening of your arrival, your guides will provide a briefing on how to pack your items properly.
We will provide you with two 25-liter barrels to share between two people. These barrels are waterproof as long as they are properly sealed. Your guides will give you the barrels upon arrival and show you how to close and secure them onto your boat.
Yes, you will need to bring your own: plate, mug, knife, fork, and spoon.
While many people forgo a tent during the summer, we recommend bringing one to prepare for unexpected weather and insects. A small 2-man tent will fit in your canoe. In winter, a tent is highly recommended due to cooler early mornings. Our motto – better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
We provide a portable toilet on the river. It will be set up each night, and we use a paddle to indicate whether it is in use. This will be explained upon your arrival. For throughout the day you will be explained the Spark-dug-tolly technique at camp.
At the camp, you can pitch your tent on our lawns or opt for an upgraded stay in one of our en-suite chalets for an additional fee—please inquire if interested. While on the river, you will sleep under the open sky on the riverbeds. Please note that there are no permanent facilities at the campsites along the river due to the wilderness setting.
On the first night at the base camp or upon your return, you can use our communal bathroom showers or the private showers in the en-suite chalets (if you have upgraded). While on the river, you may bathe using biodegradable soap in the river.
No, there is no cell phone reception on the river.
All our lead guides are trained in first aid and carry a first aid kit. In the event of an emergency, the guide will need to reach a phone to call for assistance, as is typical with wilderness adventures.
Each boat is equipped with a cooler box that holds approximately 52 cans (48 Liters), providing ample space for your cold drinks and beers. The cooler’s dimensions are 290mm (W) x 520mm (L) x 280mm (H). Be sure to leave room for ice to keep your drinks cold. Additional drinks can be arranged at camp and resupplied during the trip; please inquire at the camp for details.
Paddling duration varies based on the group’s pace, but generally, you will paddle for about 6 hours each day—3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the afternoon. Note that paddling times may vary depending on water levels and other factors.
Lunch is typically served between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM and we typically try to stop for the evening by 4 or 5pm.
But exact times can vary based on the group, water levels, and other factors. Your guide will decide the best times to stop.
Yes, if you are doing a 4- or 5-day trip you will travel into the Richtersveld National Park, where the scenery is spectacular throughout the trip.
You can expect to see various bird species and possibly Vervet monkeys or baboons. While mountain zebra, small buck, and leopards inhabit the area, sightings of these animals are rare.
We will pick you up at the takeout point and transport you back by bus to our base camp.

Canoes and kayaks are commonly confused by a lot of people.

Essentially, a paddler in a canoe uses a single-bladed paddle to push the boat forward while in a kayak, a double-bladed paddle is used to push the blade through the water on alternate sides, read more here

In addition to being a fun sport, it is also a very healthy water sport read about the health benefits of Canoeing here.

If you are satisfied with the service of your guide, you are most welcome to tip them if you want to.

Visit this page and select the Canoeing Package you would like to book. Select the date you would like to book + the number of people and then, pay the prescribed R1000pp deposit using either EFT or Payfast. Please note that there is a 5% surcharge if you pay using Payfast.

Once you complete the booking process and pay the deposit fee, our Operations Consultant will contact you via email to finalise your booking.

We recommend that you book earlier to avoid disappointment

Have more questions?

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Orange River Canoeing

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Canoeing Inquiry

To view current canoeing prices, click here

Minimum booking 6 pax. Availability on pre-scheduled trips for less than 6 pax will be indicated on the website.

These prices are valid for 2025, if you pay a deposit of R1000 per person before the 30th of November 2024.

Canoeing Trip:

Adults:

Students (U/23):

Children (U/18):

Children (U/12):

½ Day | 1 Night 

R 1 600

R 1 350

R 1 050

R 800

1 Day | 2 Nights

R 2 300

R 2 100

R 2 000

R 1 850

2 Day | 3 Nights

R 4 500

R 4 250

R 4 000

R 3 750

3 Day | 4 Nights

R 4 750

R 4 500

R 4 250

R 4 000

4 Day | 5 Nights

R 5 000

R 4 750

R 4 500

R 4 250

5 Day | 6 Nights

R 5 250

R 5 000

R 4 750

R 4 500

Student Special (U/23 only) - 4 Day, 5 Night


Additional day @ R 370 pp

R 4 100

Note: Student Specials not available during Easter & NYB

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