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[Christo]

Ever wondered where all that water goes? Follow the river and see places you do not normally visit. There is river adventures across South Africa that is the road less travelled but an exciting relaxing holiday – if that makes sense – from extreme to laid-back aqua adventures – wild rivers to the easy “go-with-the-flow” rivers.

The Palmiet River running through the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve in the Western Cape can be paddled from June to September under guidance of the Cape White Water Club (www.cwwc.co.za), as they are the only people commissioned to do so. This is rated as one of the Cape’s greatest outdoor experiences and the day-trips run within the gorgeous fynbos nature of the Kogelberg near Kleinmond.

The Orange River in the Richtersveld National Park situated in the Northern Cape is a quintessential paddling experience in South Africa. Running from Noordoewer, it is a moderate paddle with a maximum of grade 3 rapids but it is extremely hot during summer and the evenings in the winter quite chilly. There is various operators for this adventure but you can contact the African Paddling Association (www.apa.org.za), to find out more about this adventure.

Fun for the whole family is the paddle down the Breede River with lazy-flat water stretches with the occasional grade 3 rapids. Commercial trips are available from Swellendam and Worcester in inflatable boats and no previous experience is necessary. Contact APA at +2721-675 1645 for more info.

An easy to moderate paddle in the Gariep Gorge under the Augrabies Waterfalls near Upington could be your adventure. Inquire at the National Park to do a combined adventure – 3km canoeing, 4km hike and 11km mountain bike ride. www.sanparks.org or +2754-452 9200.

Leisurely paddling down the river, you will have all the time to appreciate your surroundings, do bird watching and aquatic game viewing – no taxi’s and inconsiderate road users – you and nature and the lazy flow .......