Breede River Rafting - Rafting on the Breede River

Breede River rafting

From its source up in the mountains above Ceres, the fertile valley named after the Greek goddess, the Breede River meanders for 300 km’s before it deposits its water into the mighty Indian Ocean. During its long journey to the coast, it provides life giving water to the various farming communities and the produce sustained out of this beautiful river is bountiful. However, the Breede is not only a life provider, it also boast amazing bird life, ample fishing and its winding gullies’s, channels and fun rapids make this the ideal river rafting destination close to Cape Town.

Equipment & Guides:

We make use of 2-man inflatable rafts (crocodiles) with cooler box, dry bags, personal floatation devices and paddles included. The inflatable rafts are easy to control, safe and loads of fun.

Two or three qualified river guides with the necessary experience and knowledge of the river and the environment will guide you on your day of adventure through the Breede River Valley. No previous experience is needed and only a moderate fitness level is required. We believe in responsible and sustainable tourism development and have the utmost respect for the beautiful African continent and its rivers. Please help us to keep our rivers clean and pristine

After paddling the Breede from source to mouth, we have decided to concentrate our operations in 3 sections:

The upper section, at the foot of Bain’s kloof pass, runs only in winter and late spring, but is truly a lovely paddle. From the put in on Bergsig wine estate it winds through narrow gullies and scenic sections and yes, there are a few rapids too!! The end point is about 2 km’s after the Slanghoek Bridge and accommodation is provided at the endpoint in the form of 2 delightful cottages on the banks of the river. For bigger groups, accommodation can be arranged at the nearby Slanghoek mountain camp.

Suitable for small to medium groups for day and overnight trips

The most popular section close to Cape Town, based outside Worcester and a hour and a half’s drive out the Mother city, starts from Nekkies campsite and the first weir gets everyone into the rafting spirit. Abundant malachite king fishers and a few breeding pairs of fish eagles make for some spectacular bird watching. The trip ends at Bonamanzi camp and lodge and a choice of accommodation options are available. This stretch is suitable for small, medium and large groups and for day, overnight and weekend trips
The Kambati stretch, 20 km’s before Swellendam hosts some great rapids and amazing scenery. Starting either from Kambati campsite or from Drew bridge, this is truly and amazing paddle through some of the more remote areas on the Breede. No other operator paddles there and the scenery will enchant everyone. This stretch is suitable for small, medium and large groups and preferable for overnight and weekend trips.

Breede river packages

Day trips:

We meet at a pre- arranged point and time where we will have a briefing on the day’s activities and a short safety speech. The day is spent paddling for 3 - 4 hours on the beautiful Breede River, lunch is served on a picnic style basis along the river and we have time to enjoy the scenic mountains that guard over this fertile valley. We often stop for swim breaks, admire the beautiful fauna and flora and generally have as much fun as possible. This relaxing inflatable canoe trip is not a race and is paced by you.
Includes: rafting, equipment, guides and lunch.
Price: 550.00/person

Overnight trips:

Day 1:
We meet at a pre- arranged point and time where we will have a briefing on the day’s activities and a short safety speech. Depending on the stretch you chose, we head down river to explore the many facets of this unique river eco-system. We have a picnic style lunch on the banks of the Breede, and allow ample time for swimming, raft building and generally have as much fun as possible. On arrival at camp, we take a well deserved shower and a few cold drinks, before the guides serve us with a delicious meal prepared on an open fire. Overnight in your choice of accommodation

Day 2:

We have breakfast before departing home.

Included: Rafting, equipment, guides, in trip transport, 3 meals and your choice of accommodation.

Price: 1 050.00/person

Weekender Trips (2 Nights/2 days)

Again depending on the stretch you prefer we meet up on the Friday night at either Kambati or Bonamanzi.

Day 1- Friday

Your friendly guides will meet you at either destination from 18h00. we settle in and have some friendly banter before dinner is served at 20h00, but will be kept warm for those who join us later.
Dinner: Pork neck chops, sausage, baked bread, Greek salad, butternut, apple pie & custard, tea and coffee. Overnight in a choice of accommodation

Day 2- Saturday

After a healthy breakfast, we make our way up stream and launch at Drew’s bridge or Nekkies for a day of fun on the Breede. The Breede River winds its way towards the Indian Ocean and this stretch has some fun rapids, beautiful scenery and abundant bird life. Lunch will be served on the one of the many beautiful sandbanks of the river, and we should be back at camp at about 16h00, where we will relax and swim and savour a few sundowners before dinner is served.

Breakfast	Lunch	Dinner
Muesli, Yoghurt, Fruit, Juice, Tea & Coffee	Rolls, Cold Meats, Salads, Fruit, Mussels, Rice Cakes, Mini Chocolates, Juice	Tandori Chicken Pot, Health Rice, Chocolate Cake, Tea & Coffee

Day 3: Sunday

After a hearty fry-up breakfast, we launch out rafts and paddle towards Swellendam. Again we encounter some fun rapids and winding gullies’s where we will look for the beautiful malachite kingfishers abundant in this area.
We will be back at camp for our last lunch and sadly say goodbye, before we head back to our origin at +/- 14h00.

Breakfast	lunch
Bacon, Eggs, Bread, tea and Coffee	Couscous salad with mint sauce and smoked chicken

Price: 1 495.00 inclusive of rafting, guides and equipment, camping, in trip transport, all meals as indicated.

Suggested Kit List:

Day trip:
1 - Camera and film
2 - T-shirt, shorts, sarong and swimsuit, warm top
3 - Sunhat, sun block, lip balm
4 - Own beverages of choice (juice supplied at lunch)

Overnighter & Weekend Trips:
1 - Camera and film
2 - T-shirt, shorts, sarong and swimsuit
3 - Sunhat, sun block, lip balm
4 - Cold drinks, water and alcoholic beverages for evening
5 - Sleeping bag and sleeping mat
6 - Cash for Bush Pub
7 - Something warm to wear for the chilly evenings

Departure dates:
African Rafting Canoe Trails offer departures for the Breede River day- and overnight trips on Wednesday and Saturday of every week. The minimum group size is 6 people. If you have a specific date in mind that does not fall on a Wednesday or Saturday, please feel free to contact us and we will try to accommodate you.

Prices:

Day trip:
4 Hours paddling: 550 per person

Overnighters:
Riverside tented camp: 1 050.00 per person
Dorm style accommodation: 1 050.00 per person

Weekend Trips:
Riverside tented camp: 1 495.00 per person

Transport:
Return to Cape Town: R200, 00 per person

Click here to download the Breede River Rafting Word doc - Details info on our trips together with the booking form.

Our company’s mission is focused on making the boundless beauty of Africa accessible to everyone and garnering a sense of proactive conservation and appreciation for the environment.