The rapids on the Palmiet River will float your boat.
The Kogelberg Nature reserve, just 90-minutes from Cape Town, is an area of pristine beauty. Fynbos-dotted mountains line the picturesque Palmiet River that offers chilled or adrenaline-pumping experiences depending on the time of year you visit.
During high-water levels, usually in winter, the river offers world-class whitewater rafting. In early summer and late autumn, when water levels are lower, you can get your kicks on a fun tubing trip.
Rafting on the Palmiet River
Winter rains turn the otherwise-serene river into an adventure zone of white-water rapids, where you can go rafting between June and October(water-level dependent) in two-person inflatable vessels (“crocodiles”) or four-person rafts.
Registered guides lead the way, sharing their knowledge of the area, as well as tips on how to negotiate the river. The two-person “crocs” are self-steered and you will receive a full safety briefing before setting off.
Rafting on the Palmiet is graded from 1 to 4 (easy to challenging), with bigger rapids including “Bubble and Squeak”, “Itchy and Scratchy” and “Judgement Day”.
The following is included in the cost:
- boating and safety equipment
- lifejackets
- helmets
- transport to the launch site
What you’ll need
- wetsuit booties or old shoes that can get wet
- 2-3mm wetsuit (available for hire from Gravity Adventures)
- change of clothes
- towel
- packed lunch (or opt for the riverside braai for an additional fee)
To keep tours intimate and the environment peaceful, river excursions are limited to 20 people per group (minimum six people).
Tubing
From September to December, and again from April to June, when the water levels are lower, the Palmiet is best suited to floating downriver in one-person inflatable tubes (“gekos”). You’ll negotiate the river in a more chilled, reclining position – drifting along channels and through pools and over small rapids. Any dangerous rapids will be walked.
You are supplied with a lifejacket and helmet, and a wetsuit is advisable (bring your own or hire one from Gravity Adventures). Wear wetsuit booties or sturdy shoes that can get wet. The excursions are limited to 20 people per group (minimum six people) and take around four hours.
Whichever option you choose for your river-soaked adventure, it’s sure to be a thrill.
Good to know
- Your guides will be waiting at Oudebosch Reception in Kogelberg Nature Reserve.
- Rates don’t include the CapeNature conservation fee (R60 per adult or free with a Wild Card).
- River-rafting is suitable for children 12 years and older, and tubing for ages eight years and older depending on fitness.
- For rafting, the maximum weight per person is 100kg, and reasonable physical fitness is required.
- For tubing, the maximum weight per person is 95kg. You need to be reasonably fit and agile as there’s rock hopping, scrambling and swimming involved.
- Please note All activities are water-level dependent. During in-between seasons the river can be too low for rafting but a bit too high for safe tubing. Ask for alternative activities, such as kayaking on the estuary.
Address CapeNature Office, Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, Western Cape
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