Orange River Pride Safari
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS :
• What boats do we use?
We use 2 man fiberglass Indian mowhawks.
• Must I bring my own Crockery & Cutlery ?
No we supply all your crockery and cutlery for the trip.
• How do mowhawks differ from crocs?
The mowhawks are faster and more maneuverable. In a headwind they are much easier. They are also more comfortable and can carry more equipment.
• What grade is the river?
The river is grade 1 and 2. This means nothing too big and scary. Suitable for the entire family.
• Will there be a guide to paddle me?
The guides allocated to your trip will have a lot of equipment to carry so we cannot guarantee they can fit an extra person in their boat. Should you feel you definitely need someone to paddle you down please inform us when you book, and there may be an extra charge for this service. Please note this service is not available in season. (Easter, September School Holidays, December)
• Where do we sleep?
Your sleep in a tent on the banks of the Great Orange River, under the stars
• Where do I go to the toilet?
Each trip takes a portaloo on river with them. This will be set up each night, and we use a paddle to indicate whether it is engaged or not. This will be explained to you upon arrival.
• Can I have a shower?
You can have a shower on the first night at our base camp, and when you return to the camp on the last day. Whilst on river, you are able to bathe (using bio-degradable soap) every evening.
• What is the weather like?
From November to the end of March it can be very hot. (over 40 degrees c) A good hat and sunblock is imperative, as well as plenty drinking water. April, May, Sept, and Oct should be a little cooler. But still be prepared for the sun. June, July and August, temperatures are usually in the 20’s during the day, with cooler evenings and nights. You also need to take precautions from the sun, but also need warm clothes for the evenings. It can be colder during the day, so take a light windcheater and a polypropolene.
• Does it ever rain?
It is not common, but it does sometimes rain. Especially in the winter months,
• 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.
• Are the guides qualified?
All our lead guides are qualified through the African Paddling Association. (APA)
• How many guides will be on my trip?
Each trip will be led by a qualified and experienced guide. He will be assisted by a number of junior guides, with varying levels of experience and qualifications.
We generally allocate 1 guide to every 10 guests.
• Can I get cell phone reception on river?
No
• What happens in the case of an accident?
All our lead guides are qualified in first aid, and carry a first aid kit with them.
In the case of an emergency, as with any wilderness adventure, the guide will have to make his way to a phone and call for assistance from there.
• Can I drink the river water?
Although the river water is clean and you cannot catch any diseases from it, we do not recommend you drink it. We do recommend that you bring at least 3 litres of liquid per person per day.
• How do I carry that amount of cool drink? What about my beers?
Each boat has a cool box, with which you can carry enough cold drink and your beers for the duration of the trip.
• How many hours a day will we paddle?
This really depends on the group. Some people paddle a lot faster than others.
However in general you will paddle for about 6 hours a day. 3 hours in the morning and 3 in the afternoon. This is however dependent on river level and flow.
• What time will we have lunch/stop in the evening?
Again, this depends very much on the group. Your guide will decide when to stop. Generally lunch will be between 12 midday and 2pm. There are so many variants, such as the time everyone gets up in the morning, if the group wants to float or paddle hard, etc. This once again is dependent on river level and flow.
• How long is the drive to the river?
Actual driving time is about 6.5 hours. Then you have ½ an hour at the border, plus the time stopping on the way up. Generally 8 hours.
• Will we travel into the Richtersveld National Park?
Yes you do. But the scenery is so fantastic throughout the trip, it is not really a significant moment when we get into the Park.
• Will I see any wildlife?
You will see plenty of wonderful birdlife and perhaps a vervet monkey, or baboon. There are mountain zebra, small buck and leopard in the mountains, but you are highly unlikely to see them.
• What time of year will the river be at its highest?
The river is dam controlled so flows throughout the year. However, as it relies on the summer rainfall areas of the country for its water, it should be at its highest in March/April.
• I used to be able to get into Namibia with an id book.
This is no longer possible, you require a passport.
• What facilities are at base camp?
The base camp now has a 160 seater restaurant serving 3 meals per day, comprehensively stocked shop for any last minute items you may have forgotten. There is also a 24 hour internet cafe and vouchers can be purchased at the shop & bar, the bar is fully licensed and overlooks the pool and deck area. We also have a laundry facility for last minute washing.
• Cabana Accommodation available?
There are 17 Standard Cabana’s sleeping 2 each and two Family Cabanas sleeping 4 each along with the all new Luxury Honeymoon Suite. All this is available on a bed only basis and can be combined with all river trips based on availability to extend your stay or add that creature comfort whilst on adventure. All Cabanas have en-suite bathrooms, aircon and mini coffee bar stations with fridges.
