1. Orange River
Also known as the Gariep, South Africa’s longest river rises in Lesotho and meanders westward. Best experienced by two- to seven-day rafting expeditions, it covers a wide variety of landscapes from its source in the Drakensberg, through the arid southern Kalahari. The three-day Klipspringer Trail follows its course through Augrabies National Park to the falls and you can walk the river from mouth to source, an experience that has been called long but unforgettable.
Contact
www.sanparks.org, www.orangeriverrafting.com, www.gravity.co.za
2. Blyde River
Mpumalunga’s Blyde River Canyon is one of this river’s most impressive features. The lush plant life on the riverbanks makes it one of the biggest green canyons and Kadishi Tufa Waterfall, known as the “˜weeping face of nature’, is the second tallest tufa waterfall on the planet, giving South Africa another natural wonder to boast about. Hiking the canyon is a great way to see it, with various three to five-day packages available. For serious enthusiasts, there are more than 20 days’ worth of hikes to explore.
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3. Sabie River
This is one of the most ecologically diverse rivers in South Africa, running from Mpumalunga to Mozambique. On its route through the Kruger National Park, the Lower Sabie Rest Camp is the perfect setting to watch wild game coming down the banks for a drink, crocs in the water and leopards sleeping in the trees. Sabie River Adventures offers rafting, tubing and bass fishing, as well as land-based activities such as quad biking, horse trails, mountain biking and ziplining.
Contact
www.sabieriveradventures.co.za, www.sanparks.org.
4. Great Kei River
The Swart-Kei and Wit-Kei rivers forge together northeast of Cathcart to create the Great Kei River. There are lots of attractions at the Kei’s mouth: it’s the beginning of the Strandloper’s Trail, there’s a golf course and great fishing can be found if you travel upstream. Here you will find one of only two remaining car-transporting pontoon ferries in South Africa, cleverly named the Pont. After using the Pont, head to Coffee Bay to see the breathtaking Hole in the Wall rock formation.
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5. Breede River
Where the urban herds come to swim and suip, this popular spot is just two-and-a-half hours from Cape Town. Whether you want five-star accommodation overlooking vineyards or a place to pitch your tent, you can find it on the banks of the Breede. Fishing fanatics rate it as one of the best angling spots in South Africa, with commonly caught species including spotted grunter. Waterskiing is offered by several river lodges and leisurely river-rafting trips can be arranged through Bundi.
Contact
www.breederivervalley.co.za, www.bundi.co.za
6. Olifants River
Not to be confused with its Western Cape doppelgänger, this Olifants River runs through the Kruger National Park (Olifants Rest Camp is a good place to rest after hiking its banks). Backpacking along the river through Kruger is highly recommended (you’ll have to take a guide and keep an eye out for crocs, hippos and elephants). The river flows into Mozambique by way of the Olifants Gorge, through the Lebombo Mountains, to end its journey in the Indian Ocean as the Rio dos Elefantes.
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Photography by Evan Haussman
