- What type of boat do we use?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.
- What are the advantages of using crocs compared to canoes?
- 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!
- What is the weather like?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.
- Does it ever rain?
While it's not common, it can rain occasionally, with the summer months (January to March) being the most likely period for rainfall.
- What time of year will the river be at its highest?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.
- 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 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 typically assign one guide for every ten guests.
- What is the minimum and maximum age limits for rafting?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.
- Can I fly to Noordoewer?There is a small private airstrip where a chartered plane can land. Immigration must be processed at Alexander Bay.
- Can I fly to Springbok?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.
- Can I fly to Upington?Yes, but it’s still a substantial 5-hour drive to our camp.
- What is the driving time from Cape Town?Approximately 7 hours of self-driving. For more information view our Driving Directions.
- What is the driving time from Johannesburg?Approximately 12 hours of self-driving. 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?
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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
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- 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 traveling from an affected area)
- How do I enter the campsite, do I need specific documents?Our camp has all the details of arriving clients, so you can simply check in with the camp managers and enjoy the surroundings.
- Where do I leave my passport & car keys?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.
- Does a SA cell phone work on the border to phone home?Yes. Please note that there are no payphones available at the camp.
- Will my car be safe? And is there shade?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.
- Are there power points at the Bundi base camp campsites?Yes, we have power points at most of the campsites. Please confirm with the camp managers.
- Can I drink the river water?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.
- When is the best time to fish on the Orange River?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.
- Is there ice available?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.
- Do you cater for dietary needs?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.
- Do you have space in your fridges at the camp for my drinks?Unfortunately, we don't have space in our fridges to store your drinks.
- How do I keep my drinks cold?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.
- Where can I buy alcoholic drinks, cooldrinks and ice?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.
- Can I pay for goods with ZAR (South African Rand) in Namibia?
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.
- Do you have a bar at the camp?
Yes, we do. We offer a variety of snacks, drinks, beers, and wine. Please note that only card payments are accepted at the bar.