Two exciting and pristine 8km stretches can be paddled just above the Augrabies Falls, with ample opportunity during the trips to view the bird and wildlife. These are excellent stretches to do when travelling in the Northern Cape or on the way to a multi-day trip further downstream on the Orange.
- Ideal for: Kayak, croc, raft at high level
- Grade: 2 to 3
- Length: 2 sections of 8km
- Duration: 4 to 5 hours
- Type: Pool-drop
- Dam controlled: Vanderkloof Dam, Bloemhof Dam
- Permits: Arrange with commercial operator for access
- Commercial operator: Kalahari Outventures
The first section of 8km starts on a private farm and ends at the Khamkirri Private Game Reserve river camp. The rapids are mostly class 1 and 2, with a few bordering on class 3, especially when the water is up. There are some really good surfwaves when the water is not too low.
The greater part of the second trip goes through the Augrabies National Park. A long island splits this section of the river in two main channels. At normal water levels, the northern channel is the one to run, with exciting class 2 and 3 rapids. Excellent surfwaves can be found at most water levels. The southern channel is run when the water gets too high, as the take-out, 300m above the falls, then becomes risky from the northern channel.
This river description is taken from my book “Run the Rivers of Southern Africa”.
If you have any pictures or recent information on this section of river to share, please contact me:
blog@cellierskruger.com
I appreciate any contributions to keep this content up-to-date.