- What type of boat do we use?We use 2-man inflatable “croc” rafts. In the past we used 2-man fibreglass Mohawk-style canoes, however we found that there are more advantages to using croc inflatable rafts.
- What are the benefits from using crocs vs. canoes?
- Safer because they do not capsize or break as easily as canoes when hitting a rock.
- No need to bail water out after each rapid as the crocs have a self-bailer built in through which the water flows out.
- More comfortable than the canoes to relax on.
- Plastic and more child-friendly – no more wounds from sharp fiberglass pieces.
- One can load more onto the crocs and also tie camping equipment on the sides with safety ropes.
- Easier to steer, therefore safer in faster flowing water to avoid rocks.
- One can get in and out of crocs more easily than canoes - an important factor for swimming during the hot summer months!
- What is the weather like?From November to the end of March it can be very hot. (Over 40°C). A good hat, sarong and sunblock are imperative, as well as plenty of drinking water. April, May, Sept and Oct should be a little cooler, however still be prepared for the sun. June, July and August, temperatures are usually in the 20’s during the day, with cooler temperatures from dawn to dusk. You will need to take precautions from the sun; however you will need warm clothes for the evenings. It can be colder during the day, so take a light windbreaker.
- Does it ever rain?It is not common, but it does sometimes rain. Most likely period for rain would be in the summer months (January to March).
- What time of year will the river be at its highest?The river is dam-controlled, so it flows throughout the year. However, as it relies on the RSA summer rainfall areas for its water, it should be at its highest in March/April.
- What grade is the river?The river is grade 1 and 2. This means nothing too big and scary. It is suitable for the entire family.
- Will there be a guide to paddle with me or my child?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 definitely need someone to paddle you down please inform us when you book so we can make the necessary arrangements.
- Do I need to have paddling experience?No you don’t need any paddling experience. Your guides will give you a full briefing on how to paddle.
- How many guides will be on my trip?
We generally allocate 1 guide to every 10 guests.
- What is the minimum and maximum age limits for rafting?We do not advise taking children younger than 5 years of age. There is no maximum age limit, though obviously you have to be relatively fit to do this trip.
- Can I fly to Noordoewer?There is a small private air strip, where a chartered plane can land. Immigration has to be done at Alexander bay.
- Can I fly to Springbok?
There are flights to Springbok at times; however it is mostly for chartered planes. It is still a 1.5 hours’ drive to our camp. Vehicle hire in not easily accessible in Springbok.
- Can I fly to Upington?
Yes, however it is still a good 5 hours’ drive to our camp.
- What is the driving time from Cape Town?+/- 7 hours self-drive. For more information view our Driving Directions.
- What is the driving time from Johannesburg?+/- 12 hours self-drive. For more information view our Driving Directions.
- Where is the Bundi Base Camp?Our base camp is approximately 10km from the Namibia border at Noordoewer – on the Namibian side.
- When does the Noordoewer border close?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
- What documents do I require to enter Namibia?
- Valid Passport. It has to be valid for 6 months from the exit date with at least 1 blank page.
- Visa if you are from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, China, Slovakia or Slovenia. This list can be updated at any time – please always check with the Namibia High Commission +27 (012) 481 9100 or visit https://www.visahq.co.uk/namibia/ and select your country of origin.
- Vehicle documents and Country sticker for vehicle
- All minors to have Unabridged birth certificates as well as Passports when travelling with both parents. If traveling with only one parent or guardian, they will also require an Affidavit from the absent parent/legal guardian. The affidavit is to be signed and stamped by a commissioner of Oaths. For more info please go to: https://bit.ly/2RdIKL7
- Please check with the border for any special health requirements or regulations. It is the customers own responsibility to be updated on these types of requirements.
- 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
- What documents are required for my vehicle to cross the border?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.
- What vaccinations are compulsory?Yellow fever (if coming from an affected area)
- How do I enter the campsite, do I need specific documents?Our camp has all the details of clients arriving. So you can just arrive, book in with the camp managers and enjoy the surroundings.
- Where do I leave my passport & car keys?You can lock your passport in your vehicle; all valuables are to be stored in your vehicle. Your vehicle keys can be handed in with the camp managers for safe keeping during your trip. Note that you will have to carry a certified copy of your passport with you on the river.
- Does a SA cell phone work on the border to phone home?You will still have Vodacom reception at the border and in our base-camp. For the other networks there is no signal at base camp and very little at the border. Note that there is no pay phone available at the camp.
- Will my car be safe? And is there shade?There are people at the camp 24 hours, however parking is at own risk. We do have shade, but not necessarily for everyone’s car.
- Are there power points at the Bundi base camp camp-sites?Yes, we have power points at most of the camp-sites. Please check with the camp managers.
- Can I drink the river water?Although the river water is clean, we do not recommend drinking it. We do recommend that you bring at least 2 liters of water per person per day.
- Is there ice available?We supply you with ice (non-consumable) to keep the contents of your cooler cold. At the resupply we will supply more non-consumable ice. We do have consumable ice available at the camp. If you wish to have consumable ice delivered at the resupply point, please buy it at the bar and arrange for it with the camp manager. All bar sales are cash-based only. Resupply not available for half-day, 1 day, 2 day, 3 day and Family and Student special trips.
- When is the best time to fish on the Orange River?Basically any month that contains an R. Best months would be September and October and also when the water is on a lower stable level for a long time.
- Do you cater for dietary needs?Any special dietary requirements you may have should be specified clearly on your booking form when booking your rafting trip. We only cater for basic and vegetarian diets. For any other dietary need you are encouraged to bring your own preferred replacement products with. We will supply you with our detailed menu in order for you to gage what replacement products you will need to bring. We offer a discount of R200.00 per person with a dietary need we do not cater for.
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