After a day of rafting, Mark Samuel realises the fast-flowing waters of the Breede River have a cleansing effect on both body and soul
I’ve experienced it before: that pulse of adrenalin before hitting the water with our rafts. It usually kicks in around the time the guide is briefing the group about paying attention to their instructions while on the river – instructions generally conveyed by means of paddle signals, but not infrequently by a vociferous yell if all else has failed.
I’m a pretty confident swimmer, so the sudden rush isn’t panic-related. (Although, cascading white water over and around large, immovable objects such as boulders and tree trunks does add an element that would make any unplanned swim a tad tricky. So I’m keen on staying in our boat.) Rather, my adrenalin is linked to my raised excitement levels.
This rafting day trip along a section of the Breede River is with well-known adventure outfit Felix Unite. Our group is bunked down at Aloe Ridge, a collection of beautiful thatched self-catering cottages – which, I’m sad to say, make my own home look rather ordinary – overlooking the river.
Rafting is our Saturday activity, and it seems the weather gods have conspired to dish up a pearler of a day. The cooler months out here in the farming district of Swellendam can deliver four seasons in one day. But we’ve been blessed with a single gorgeous one.
There are various types of craft used on the different river adventures offered around Southern Africa. You may picture the traditional, sleek-profiled canoe, but this trip uses two-person Croc inflatables – a popular choice, even on multi-day camping expeditions down the Orange River. If the number of participants isn’t even, more proficient paddlers can have a boat to themselves, but it’s much more fun – and certainly easier – to be two-up, especially in the flat sections of the river when the water’s moving slowly and it takes some grunt work to get you to the next set of rapids.
That, of course, is when you’re not lounging about, chatting, spotting bird life and soaking up the scenery – or plunging off your raft and swimming if you’re baking under a hot sun.
The first rapid, appropriately named ‘Good Morning’, creeps up on us almost unannounced – the perfect wake-up call to the day’s proceedings. If it weren’t for our guide Paul’s directions, we would, in all likelihood, have taken the wrong channel and ended up rather soggy.
The water level is quite high right now, which means fast-moving but less turbulent water; Paul tells us that when the water’s just a metre lower, things can get really interesting. Sure, the rapids aren’t as ferocious as those I experienced on the Zambezi below Vic Falls last year, but the rush is still exhilarating. And it’s happening right here in my backyard, an easy two-and-a-half hours’ drive from home.
The nose of our Croc dips into a deep trough, barrels on through and breaks out the other side. These boats are unsinkable – admittedly, as long as there’s air in the ponts. We’re doused with water, but we keep paddling hard, choosing our direction and going for it – hesitation is a recipe for trouble. In addition to the spray, relief and, at the same time, a yearning for more wash over us as we pop out of the swirling section. And then, suddenly, the water around the boat is mirror-smooth again.
A rafting trip isn’t only about the thrill of the rapids: it’s all those bits in-between, when you forget about life’s stresses, that make it extra special. Not to mention the physical exertion is highly rewarding, along with a sense of accomplishment when the day draws to a close.
Lunch is another highlight: a snoek braai on the riverbank, with pasta salad, sweet potatoes, homemade farm bread and fresh greens – all in the name of satiating a hunger that’s been building throughout the morning with every paddle stroke. And it’s all appropriately presented on the underside of one of our upturned boats.
Three-quarters through the day, I’m champing at the bit to get wet. The river hasn’t triumphed by tipping us over, so, with the grace of a beached whale, I throw myself off the stern into the ice-cream-headache water. Almost instantly, I’m counting my blessings for having worn my surfing wetsuit for the day’s adventure.
Aah, this is the life… Now, quick, where’s my towel?
It’s hard to beat this view of the Breede River, seen from the stoep at Round the Bend Lodge
What to pack
Swimming costume
Wetsuit, if the water’s cold
Hat
Sunblock
Sunglasses, with a head strap
Strap-on sandals / tackies that can get wet
Waterproof camera
Hit the rapids
Active Escapes
Where Tugela, Mkomazi rivers
www.active-escapes.co.za
The African Rafting Company
Where Breede, Orange, plus numerous other rivers
www.africanrafting.co.za
Aquatrails
Where Breede, Doring, Orange rivers
www.aquatrails.co.za
Bundi
Where Breede, Doring, Orange rivers
www.bundi.co.za
Earth Adventures
Where Ash, Olifants, Orange, Vaal rivers
www.earthadventures.co.za
Four Rivers Rafting & Adventures
Where Tugela River
www.fourriversadventures.co.za
Gravity Adventures
Where Breede, Orange, Palmiet, White Nile, Zambezi rivers
www.gravity.co.za
Induna Adventures
Where Blyde, Sabie rivers
www.indunaadventures.com
Outrageous Adventures
Where Ash, Mkomazi, Orange rivers
www.outrageousadventures.co.za
Wild Horizons
Where Zambezi River
www.wildhorizons.co.za
Wildthing Adventures
Where Breede, Doring, Orange rivers
www.wildthing.co.za
Hot wheels
The VW Amarok is one of those vehicles that makes travel and adventure in Southern Africa so much easier to achieve. A tough, 4Motion (VW’s term for its dynamic 4×4 system) bi-turbo model was our mode of transport to the Breede River.
The 2.0l diesel is powerful, delivering a surprising amount of torque, yet pleasantly economical on fuel. A six-speed automatic has recently been released, bolstering the already comprehensive range.
RRP from R429 800 (4Motion six-speed manual model)
Photography Gallo/Gettyimages, Werner Lehmann, Quickpic, Carlo Jorge, www.mediavisioninteractive.com, courtesy images
(This article was first published in the winter 2013 issue of AA traveller magazine)
