Kit List

Orange River Kit List

REMEMBER: VALID PASSPORTS ARE ESSENTIAL!

Very Important: All children under the age of 18 need an Unabridged Birth Certificate to cross the border. For more information regarding the unabridged birth certificates, please click here

PASSPORTS:

SA citizens do not need a visa currently when crossing the border and no one will be allowed across without a valid passport. The passport ought to have at least two blank pages and be good for six months after the leave date.
If from other countries than RSA, please always verify with the Namibia High Commission if you require a visa to enter Namibia as the list of countries is subject to change at any time.
Namibia High Commission contact: +27 (012) 481 9100 or visit https://visitnamibia.com.na/visa-information/ . Online applications are available at https://eservices.mhaiss.gov.na.

Packing for a Rafting Trip

Whenever you’re going on a trip or tour, it is important for you to fully prepare. That’s why we have put together this kit list. It’s a nice checklist that will help you know what you will need to pack. It is not necessary for you to pack items you will not use, only pack what you will need. Come for a rafting adventure trip fully geared up for an adventurous Orange River experience!

How it works

On arrival at our Bundi base camp, you will be allocated a dry barrel (approximately 60 litres) for your dry items as well as a cooler box (capacity of 52 cans) per two people sharing.

How to pack your barrel:
First, you line the barrel with a garbage bag for waterproofing. Then you add both your sleeping bags (loose) into the bottom and above this your dry clothes. Normally, you wear the same clothes every night and only change your underwear. You will mostly wear your swimwear during the day to raft and swim with. Your wet clothes will almost dry overnight and be ready to wear the next day. DO NOT BRING TOO MANY CLOTHES! You can leave clean clothes to drive home with at the base camp. Any other items you wish to keep dry can be placed into the barrel if space allows for it. Be sure to close your barrel correctly to keep it waterproof.

Note:

Please ensure that you have a minimum of 2 litres of water per day. You can keep a 5-litre can of water outside your cooler box. Then you have a 1-litre bottle inside your cooler to be refilled however often you choose. Please note that if you decide to bring alcoholic drinks with you then it must be in cans, plastic, or box containers, as glass is not allowed on the river. Please check with the border regarding the allowed duty-exempt quantities.

Please note that ice is a commodity on the river. The colder your drinks are on arrival, the longer your drinks will stay cold. This is often very difficult for people coming from far. We suggest that you freeze some of your drinks before you arrive at camp. Then place your frozen drinks in the cooler box.

Your camping gear, such as a tent and chairs, can be tightly fastened to your croc. Please keep in mind that the bigger the tent and chair the heavier the load on your croc. We recommend a small 2/3-man tent be brought along and only a chair, if necessary.

Please use the below as a packing guideline

Clothing – do not pack too much:
- Swimming gear: towel, sarong, and swimwear
- Outerwear: Anorak or windbreaker for summer; tracksuit for cooler winter nights
- Headwear: Cap or wide brimmed hat for sun protection; woollen hat or beanie for winter nights
- Sun Protection: Long-sleeved shirt with a collar
- Footwear: Closed shoes or booties for the river (aqua shoes or Crocs works well); dry shoes for evenings (flip-flops or sandals are sufficient, so you only need one pair)
- Gloves: For sun protection

Camping gear for nights on the river:

- Tent: Lightweight and essential (to protect from wind and insects). Tent pegs are not needed on sandy spots; use rocks to secure the corners.
- Cutlery & Crockery: Plate, bowl, mug, knife, fork, spoon, teaspoon, and dishcloth
- Sleeping Surface: Yoga mat, inflatable mattress (hand pump required as no power available), and ground sheet
- Sleeping Gear: Sleeping bag and pillow
- Folding Chairs: Optional

Securing your gear:

- Ropes/Straps: For attaching cooler, barrel and additional items to the boat

Beverages & Snacks:

- Special Dietary Needs: Replacement food if you have specific dietary requirements
- Water: There is no drinkable water at base camp or on the river. Pack at least 2 litters of bottled water or nonalcoholic beverages per day. Freezing some of your water is recommended to keep it cold throughout your trip.
- Snacks: Consider packing dried fruit, biltong, dry sausage, peanuts, chocolate bars, Super C, and jelly babies. Be aware that some meats may be restricted for entry into Namibia, so check border regulations before traveling.

Accessories and Optional Extras:
- Recreational Items: Fishing rod, games, playing cards, frisbee, bats, balls, or cricket bat
- Beach Umbrella: With tie-downs
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Lighting: Torch with batteries or a headlamp (preferred)
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen and lip balm (zinc-based is most effective)
- Sunglasses: Must have a strap
- Personal medication: Please consult border regulations for specific requirements.
- Insect Repellent: Essential during peak mosquito season; Peaceful Sleep spray is recommended
- Toiletries: Biodegradable soap and toilet paper
- Storage: Garbage bags and dry bags for waterproofing (optional)

Orange River – Things to take note

IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Bundi Office (SA): +27 (0) 21 975 9727
Bundi 24 hour (SA): +27 71 684 2072

PASSPORTS (travelling from outside Namibia)
Every person crossing into Namibia requires a valid passport. It ought to have at least two blank pages and be good for six months after the leave date. South African citizens do not require a visa currently when crossing the border. 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.

VERY IMPORTANT:
All children under the age of 18 must present an Unabridged Birth Certificate to cross the border.

WEATHER
To monitor the weather for your trip, check forecasts for Noordoewer or Aussenkehr in Namibia with your preferred weather service.

For more details, refer to the FAQ document or contact the border.

BORDER REGULATIONS
It is your responsibility to obtain and comply with the most updated border regulations and requirements for your trip. Please be sure to contact the border to get the most updated and current regulations. Herewith the contact details:

Vioolsdrift Border:
Namibia side:
Tel: +264 63 297122
Fax: +264 63 297021
Port Health: +27 27 761 8770
South African Side:
Tel: +27 27 761 8760
Fax: +27 27 761 8931
Port Health: +27 27 761 8770

Nakop Border:
Namibian Side:
Tel: +264 63 280 057
Fax: +264 63 280 058
Port Health: +27 54 571 0005
South African Side:
Tel: +27 54 571 0008
Fax: +27 54 571 0009
Port Health: +27 54 571 0005