There can be few better ways of getting back to nature than either relaxing on a quiet route where the gentle river current helps drift you to your overnight stop, or having the ride of your life on nature’s most breathtaking rollercoaster.
Welcome to rafting trails on South Africa’s Big 5 Rivers; where there is always an adrenaline pumping, white water power-rush or a tranquil paddle.
Blyde River Canyon
See the unspoilt magnificence of the Blyde River Canyon from the inside. Gashing through Limpopo Province and Mpumalanga, it offers river rafters everything from the benign to a physically taxing 8 hour run over 14 sets of rapids ranging in toughness to grade IV.
Overnight in the forest camp, this offers spectacular views from almost anywhere in the facility. Then, in the morning, motorboat across the Blydepoort Dam to the end point (they used to paddle this section, but the crocs and hippos put a stop to that). Or do the two hour fun trip downstream of the canyon through dense indigenous forests with good birdlife. It’s safe, but still exciting.
While here allow time to see Otter’s Den Island, which is said to have more indigenous trees than the Tsitsikamma forest as well as 220 bird species. Also take the opportunity to visit internationally renowned game reserves like Timbavati, Manyeleti or Sabi Sands. And don’t miss the Hoedspruit Breeding Centre for endangered species and the Cheetah Project at Kapama Game Reserve.
Gariep River
Relax as you drift for four days on the Gariep River as it winds through the Richtersveld National Park, which protects South Africa’s only mountain desert. Here there is no limit to the view, with striking displays of canyons, reefs, escarpments, pinnacles, mazes and lakes of stone.
This is ‘Die Verdwaalwereld’ The World of Disappearing, where you can soak up starry nights on the banks of this ancient land. When done here, try the rapids above Augrabies Falls, named by the indigenous Khoisan as the Great Noise.
KwaZulu-Natal
Two of South Africa’s wildest rivers, the Umkomaas and the Tugela, are within a hundred kilometres of each other.
Umkomaas River
Expect an exhilarating trip through the Umkomaas Valley as the river churns around giant boulders on its rush from the Drakensberg to the sea. Here novices and experts alike can enjoy scenic rural KwaZulu-Natal with anything from a 1km tube ride to a 24km adrenalin rush over grade III rapids.
While here stay at Duma Manzi (thundering waters), Cecil John Rhodes’ original residence in South Africa.
Tugela River
Confront this savage creation which starts life as the world’s second highest waterfall. Wrestle and splash your way through the heart of Zululand country as the river thunders down a 30km canyon with rapids from grade I to V.
This region offers other lures for the lovers of the great outdoors. You can head up Sani Pass for spectacular views (passport and 4x4 needed), or fly-fish some of the world’s best trout rivers. Then there is the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg, a World Heritage Site, the crafts of the Midlands Meander or the historic battlefields. 
Breede River
This river in the Western Cape is where you can really slow down the pace. Here you can choose to watch fish eagles, kingfishers and otters in the Hex River Mountains, or savour the produce of the wine lands as the Breede River meanders through the Worcester and Robertson valleys; and where it enters the Indian Ocean at Witsand is one of the best whale watching spots along the southern coast.
Getting Ready to go River Rafting
Rivers are to be treated with the utmost respect. The more ferocious rapids will test your training, skill, fitness and safety equipment, so if you’re a novice use an established operator with experienced guides. They’ll provide all the essentials including watercraft and life jackets (and helmets for the serious stuff). Do ask your operator if they include medical insurance.
Even in winter the South African sun burns. Additionally so when you are on the water, so load up on waterproof factor 30 suncream and re-apply every two hours. And don’t be fooled into thinking cloud cover will protect you as the UV can still be dangerously high.
Now that the basics are sorted, what about Thrombosis Gorge?
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