Frequently Asked
Questions

F.A.Q

  • We use 2-man inflatable “croc” rafts or 2-man fiberglass Mohawk-style canoes. The Mohawk canoes are available on prescheduled canoe trips or can be requested for private trips. However, we have found that there are more advantages to using the inflatable croc rafts.
    • Safer: Crocs are less likely to capsize or break upon hitting rocks compared to canoes.
    • Self-bailing: There's no need to bail water after each rapid, as the crocs have a built-in self-bailer that allows water to flow out.
    • More comfortable: Crocs provide a more relaxing experience than canoes.
    • Child-friendly: Made of plastic, they eliminate the risk of cuts from sharp fiberglass edges.
    • Increased capacity: You can load more gear onto crocs and securely tie camping equipment to the sides with safety ropes.
    • Easier to steer: They offer better manoeuvrability in fast-flowing water, helping to avoid obstacles.
    • Convenient entry and exit: Getting in and out of crocs is easier than canoes, which is a significant advantage for swimming in the hot summer months!
  • From November to the end of March, temperatures can soar above 40°C. It’s essential to bring a good hat, a sarong, and plenty of sunscreen, as well as sufficient drinking water. In April, May, September, and October, the weather should be a bit cooler, but you should still be prepared for sun exposure. During June, July, and August, daytime temperatures usually hover in the 20s, with cooler conditions from dawn to dusk. You'll need sun protection during the day, but don’t forget to pack warm clothes for the evenings. A light windbreaker is also advisable for cooler daytime temperatures.
  • While it's not common, it can rain occasionally, with the summer months (January to March) being the most likely period for rainfall. 

  • The river is dam-controlled, ensuring it flows year-round. However, since it depends on the summer rainfall areas in South Africa for its water supply, it typically reaches its highest levels in March and April.
  • The river is grade 1 and 2. This means nothing too big and scary. It is suitable for the entire family.
  • The guides allocated to your trip will have a lot of equipment to carry so they cannot fit an extra person in their boat. Should you feel you need someone to paddle you down please inform us when you book so we can make the necessary arrangements.
  • No you don’t need any paddling experience. Your guides will give you a full briefing on how to paddle.
  • We typically assign one guide for every ten guests.
  • We do not recommend bringing children younger than 5 years old. There is no maximum age limit, but you should be relatively fit to participate in this trip.
  • There is a small private airstrip where a chartered plane can land. Immigration must be processed at Alexander Bay.
  • There are occasional flights to Springbok, primarily for chartered planes. However, it’s still about a 1.5-hour drive to our camp, and vehicle rentals are not readily available in Springbok.
  • Yes, but it’s still a substantial 5-hour drive to our camp.
  • Approximately 7 hours of self-driving. For more information view our Driving Directions.
  • Approximately 12 hours of self-driving. For more information view our Driving Directions.
  • Our base camp is approximately 10km from the Namibia border at Noordoewer – on the Namibian side.
  • They are open 24hrs a day – vehicle pay for motor cars, bakkies and minibuses are R371.00 (subject to change). Please click here to view the most recent Government Gazette General Notice as of 28 April 2023 containing prices. Contact number for the border: 00264-63-297122

    • 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/visa-information/ 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. (Not RSA)
    • Arrival AND Departure border forms. downloadable from the following URL (https://bundi.co.za/orange-river-crossborder-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: Namibian side: Tel: 00264-63-297122 Fax: 00264-63-297021 South African side: Tel: +27(0)27 761 8760 Fax: +27(0)27 761 8931
    • Nakop Border: Namibian side: Tel: +264(0)63 280 057 Fax: +264(0)63 280 058 South African side: Tel: +27(0)54 571 0008 Fax: +27(0)54 571 0009
  • If your vehicle documents are not in order you will not be able to cross the border. You have to have the following documents available:
    • Valid Passport of driver
    • Valid driver’s licence
    • Certified copy of vehicle registration papers (The Chassis, engine number, trailer number, and license details will be checked by the police.)
    • Proof of ownership of the vehicle by owner or Rental Company
    • If vehicle is hired, you will need to have the Rental company contract documents with you
    • If the vehicle is still being financed, carry a letter of authority from the bank (must include dates of travel) together with the vehicle papers.
    • ZA sticker
    • Motor Insurance Certificate – this you will obtain at the Border. It will be valid for 30 days.
  • Yellow fever (if traveling from an affected area)
  • Our camp has all the details of arriving clients, so you can simply check in with the camp managers and enjoy the surroundings.
  • You can lock your passport and all valuables in your vehicle. You may also hand in your vehicle keys to the camp managers for safekeeping during your trip. Please note that you'll need to carry a certified copy of your passport with you while on the river.
  • Yes. Please note that there are no payphones available at the camp.
  • Our camp is monitored by security cameras, and there are staff present 24 hours a day. However, parking is at your own risk. We do provide some shade, but it may not be available for every vehicle.
  • Yes, we have power points at most of the campsites. Please confirm with the camp managers.
  • While the river water is clean, we do not recommend drinking it. We suggest bringing at least two liters of water per person per day.
  • Essentially, any month with an "R" in it. ☺ The best months are September and October and when the water level is lower and stable for an extended period.
  • Ice is a valuable resource on the river. You can purchase non-consumable 5-liter blocks of ice at our bar upon arrival (credit card payments only) to keep your drinks cold in your cooler. We will also provide non-consumable ice on the morning you head out onto the river and during resupply to keep your cooler chilled. Additionally, consumable ice is available at the camp bar. If you’d like consumable ice delivered to the resupply point, please arrange this with the bar. All ice sales are cashless and accepted by credit card only. Please note that resupply is not available for half-day, 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day trips.
  • Please specify any special dietary requirements clearly on your booking form when reserving your rafting trip. We only cater to basic, vegetarian, Halaal and Kosher diets. For other dietary needs, we encourage you to bring your preferred replacement products. We will provide you with our detailed menu to help you determine what to bring. Additionally, we offer a discount of R200.00 per person for any dietary needs that we do not cater to.
  • Unfortunately, we don't have space in our fridges to store your drinks.
  • The colder your drinks are upon arrival, the longer they will stay cold. We recommend freezing some of your drinks before you arrive at camp and then placing them in a cooler box. If you have mostly fizzy drinks, consider freezing a few small bottles of water to put in the cooler; you can drink the water as it thaws.
  • We have a bar at the camp that offers consumable ice, basic beers, liquor, and soft drinks. Please note that the bar operates on a cashless, credit card-only basis. Alternatively, if one of our vehicles is heading to Aussenkehr, we can purchase cool drinks and snacks (no alcoholic beverages) from Spar for you. You will need to provide cash for these purchases. We will buy whatever the store has available and return your change along with a receipt from Spar. You can also pre-order drinks and consumable ice from the bar for delivery during resupply.
  • Namibia’s national currency is the Namibian Dollar (NAD). It was previously linked to the South African Rand at a one-to-one exchange rate; however, you will no longer be able to use ZAR for purchases in Namibia.

  • Yes, we do. We offer a variety of snacks, drinks, beers, and wine. Please note that only card payments are accepted at the bar.

TRIP QUERIES

  • On the evening of your arrival, after dinner (served around 7 PM), we will hold a packing briefing to explain how to pack your personal items and luggage into your barrel (60-liter capacity), as well as what liquid refreshments you can bring on the river (no glass allowed). There will be time for questions afterward, and then we'll wrap up for the evening. The next morning, after breakfast, we will conduct a safety talk, covering how to paddle, what to do if you capsize, and how to stay safe in the rapids. After that, you'll be ready to begin your adventure on the river!
  • Yes, you will need a plate, mug, knife, fork, and spoon. Visit out  kit list page for more information.
  • During the summer, most people choose not to bring a tent; however, we recommend that you do, as weather conditions and bugs can be unpredictable. There is space for a small 2-man tent in your boat. In winter, bringing a tent is highly advisable, as early mornings can be quite chilly.
  • Each trip includes a portable toilet, which will be set up for use each night. We use a paddle to signal whether the toilet is in use or available, and we'll explain how this works upon your arrival. VIDEO LINK of Portable toilet: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/KSH0efm2HF0
  • At our camp, you're welcome to set up your tent on the lawns. Alternatively, you can upgrade to one of our en-suite chalets for an additional fee—please don't hesitate to ask for more details. While on the river, you'll sleep outdoors on the riverbanks. As the trip takes you into a wilderness setting, there are no permanent structures at any of the campsites along the river.
  • On your first night at base camp or upon your return, you can use our communal bathroom facilities for a shower or opt for an en-suite chalet if you’ve chosen to upgrade. While on the river, you're welcome to bathe in the water using only biodegradable soap.
  • You will carry all your own gear in your boat. On the evening of your arrival, your guides will give you a packing briefing to explain how, what, and where to pack your items.
  • We will provide you with a 60-liter barrel to share between two people. These barrels are waterproof if sealed properly. Your guides will give you the barrels upon arrival and explain how to close them and secure them to your boat.
  • No
  • All our lead guides are trained in first aid and carry a first aid kit with them. In the event of an emergency, the guide will need to reach a phone to call for assistance, as is standard in any wilderness adventure.
  • Each boat is equipped with a cool box that has a capacity of approximately 52 cans (48 liters), giving you plenty of space for cold drinks and beer throughout your trip. The exact dimensions are 290mm (w) x 520mm (l) x 280mm (h). Please ensure you leave room for ice to keep your drinks cool. If needed, additional drinks can be delivered to you at resupply points during your trip. This service is available only for 4- and 5- day rafting trips—please inquire at the camp for more details.
  • The paddling time depends largely on the group, as some people paddle faster than others. However, on average, you can expect to paddle for about 6 hours a day—three hours in the morning and three in the afternoon. Please note that these times may vary depending on water levels and cannot be guaranteed.
  • The timing for lunch depends on the group and water levels. Your guide will determine when to stop, but generally, lunch is served between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Due to various factors, such as group size, the time everyone wakes up, and whether the group prefers to float or paddle hard, it's difficult to provide an exact time.
  • Yes, you do. The scenery is breathtaking throughout the entire trip.
  • You’ll encounter a variety of birdlife and may even spot Vervet monkeys or baboons. While there are mountain zebras, small bucks, and leopards in the mountains, sightings of these animals are very rare.
  • We will pick you up at the takeout point and transport you back by bus to our base camp.
Bundi Cart0
There are no tours in your cart!

Accommodation Enquiry Form

Send Inquiry

2025 Prices: To view our current river rafting or fishing prices, click here

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you agree to our privacy policy.