Cape Town - The Orange River flows horizontally across South Africa from its origin in the high icy Drankensberg in Lesotho to its mouth in Alexandria in the neighbouring country of Namibia. As it meanders cross-country, it gives life wherever it goes. And no more than in the dry flat Karoo planes of the Northern Cape is the Orange River’s life giving qualities more visible and appreciated.
In Spring, many people rush to the Northern Cape to see the blooming flowers of the Namaqualand. There are, however, many more things to do on the shores of the Orange River in the Northern Cape than just looking at the flowers.
So here you go, try this line-up of 5 fun family activities on your next visit to the Northern Cape.
Augrabies Falls
The Falls are situated within the Augrabies Falls National Park. The Khoisan people, the eldest South African tribe, originally called the 60m high falls “Ankoerebis" – "place of big noises", and rightfully so! When you drive there, you hear the rumbling waters long before you can see them.
White Water River Rafting
The best way to experience the Orange River is to be on it. And although there are many, many options available – from calm canoeing to dangerous joyrides on rubber tubes – rafting the river is definitely the most exciting and insightful way to go. When you have a professional and well-read guide, you’ll learn so much about the environment, the ancient landscape and the wildlife.
Wine Tasting
Who would have guessed that the barren Northern Cape could produce wine as good as the wet, rainy Winelands? The Orange River creates a fertile patch of soil where some of the country’s best wine is produced; the Orange River Cellar was recently awarded the prize for being the top-value wine producer in the country. Go for a tasting overlooking the river.
'Tjoepry' in Kakamas
A different, fun take on water sport on the Orange River and surrounding fresh water lakes. 'Tjoepry' is a sport were a buoyant device is attached to a speed boat and dragged across the water at great speeds! Sounds like fun? YES! The tjoep-'rider' holds on for dear life, but the best part is being flung off the 'tjoep' into the water. Extreme...
Bird watching on Sakkie se Arkie
Many different species of birds choose to make their nest right on the banks of the Orange River. Just before sunset, a exciting symphony of winged creatures fly about creating a festive aerodynamic display whilst chirping away. All bird lovers should experience this carnival from the River. Take your camera, because the opportunity to snap amazing pics are endless.
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