Come and visit Orange River rafting Lodge next time you tour the Richtersveld.
Comfortable, fully equipped self-catering wooden chalets and private campsites are perfectly located in the breathtaking natural landscape of the Orange River banks.
Chalet
Chalets are fully equipped with en-suite bathroom with shower, private braai area, air-conditioned, accommodate up to four persons and bedding is included. The kitchen area is equipped with a refrigerator with freezer, microwave oven, electronic kettle, cutlery and crockery and tea and coffee are supplied with our compliments.
If you want to be close to nature and feel that holiday spirit in full force, this is where you want to lay down your head.
Campsite
Caravan and camping sites are private and on grass with a power point, light and a Braai area. Each campsite has an undercover camp kitchen with a table and benches and a sink with running water on a private lawn. Neat and comfortable ablutions blocks with hot water showers are close to all campsites.
Welcome to Orange River Fishing & Birding Safaris – Vioolsdrif
Our base camp is situated on the banks of the mighty Orange River more commonly known these days as the Gariep. The Orange being the longest of our rivers covering a distance of somewhat 2300km poses as great fishing waters. The river is home to a large number of different fish species like Largemouth Yellowfish, Smallmouth Yellows, Carp and Monster Catfish. At the end of the day its all about what you as the fisherman is after or targeting on your trip.
Large and Smallmouth Yellowfish:
Once you are hooked on catching these most sought after species in South Africa there is no turning back! Both species are caught in fast flowing water witch adds to the aggressive strike and superb fight, better than any other fish of its size.
Smallmouth Yellowfish:
These fish feed up and down the rapids foraging for insect larva amongst the boulders. A number of different methods can be used to hook one of these aggressive little fighters. Fly fisherman use a method could Czech nymphing, witch in my opinion is the most simple and effective way of getting hooked into a good size Smallmouth on fly.
If your not a Fly fisherman, then you can enjoy catching these fish on a light wait rig. The guides will collect an assortment of natural baits witch is then just floated down the rapid or placed in an eddy. Once again these are aggressive little feeders and with the right assistants from your guides you will be hooked into a Yellow in no time!
Largemouth Yellowfish:
Largemouth’s are truly beautiful fish to catch, I often refer to them as the Kabiljou of the freshwater. Unfortunately they are less common than the Smallmouth, but when you hook into a good sized Largemouth Yellow for the first time you and your tackle are in for a new experience.
This is the largest full scale freshwater fish found in South Africa, the record being over 20kg. CAN U IMAGINE HOOKING INTO A 20KG FISH ON LIGHT TACKLE!!!
Just as with the Smallmouths there are many ways to catch this fish all depending on what the angler requires. Silvers are not as common on the Fly but can be taken on Deceiver patterns, crab imitations or any bulky predator type fly. Bait fishing is also a good option. I personally enjoy targeting these fish on natural baits especially the big old steam trains!
Catfish
Okay well not all fisherman enjoy catching these slimy fish but the Richtersveld Nature Reserve section of the Orange River is definitely home to some of the biggest catfish. The SA record is over 40kg and being able to pose for a photo holding a fish that size is a good feeling for any fisherman.
Catfish readily take flies of almost any kind especially of the dark bulky flies, fish or deceiver patterns, etc. The guide is always at hand to give advice on what to use and when. If you fly fishing for Catfish and your are out to target the big boy’s then strong tackle will be needed, 9wt rod, good backing and strong tippets will be required to subdue these monsters. Bait fishing for Catfish is no rocket science but again good strong tackle is necessary
Birding Safaris
If fishing is not your thing then come along to enjoy the simplicity of just floating down the river. The river is teaming with birdlife and boasts with almost 200 different species. There is something majestic about waking up on the banks of the mighty Orange to the call of the Goliath Heron or the sharp thrill of the Pied Kingfisher.
The guides will point out the different bird species to you and share the interesting stories of where names came from and local folk’s law tails.
Remember while paddling and fishing with the Orange River fishing team there will always be a guide close by to give professional advice or assistants at anytime!
Join us on a memorable excursion passing through the awesomely beautiful Richtersveld Nature Reserve. We offer multi-day river rafting packages on the lower Orange starting at base camp in Vioolsdrif, 680km from Cape Town. Our dedicated and qualified river guides assure every client of a safe, relaxed and fun filled experience whilst sharing their passion and knowledge of the local environment.
A rafting trip on the Great Orange River between Vioolsdrif and Fish River Canyon offer a truly magical adventure of breathtaking and unique scenery and exciting rapids. We invite you to experience this exciting yet peaceful adventure with us. The perfect getaway to unwind and relax with family and friends as well as for corporate groups.
Orange River Rafting Lodge is located on the banks of the Orange River. Consisting of charming rustic cabins, with the lodge still being in development, there are 7 chalets to choose from plus camping facilities. The resort is situated in lovely surroundings, 10km from the cross border to Namibia on the N7, on a small Lucerne farm in Vioolsdrift. A haven to numerous bird species.
We offer self-catering chalets, campsites and river rafting at affordable rates in a peaceful atmosphere filled with beautiful river views, sunsets over the mountain ranges of the Richtersveld and silent, starry nights.
You are assured of friendly service and great facilities with every effort made to ensure that our visitors have a pleasant and memorable experience. Activities like fishing, swimming and rafting makes it the ideal family getaway, also a convenient stopover on your way to or from Namibia, situated halfway between Cape Town and Windhoek.
Rooms
• Air-conditioned
• All rooms en-suite
• Braai Area
• Swimming Pool
Johan or Mercia Swarts
027 761 8777
Visit the Orange river
- Froll
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Re: Visit the Orange river
Hello Johan, where is your camp site. I also live in Vioolsdrift. I work at Klipwerf, which is on the right hand side of the N7. Would like to come and see your setup sometime.
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- LR 4WD Rear Locker
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Re: Visit the Orange river
Im also interested.. The place sounds great! How about a picture.. ?? Or 10..
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Re: Visit the Orange river
Ek sal fotos op sit. later het daar gekamp. Dis die bestekamp plek wat ek nog was
- X-Dors
- LR 4WD Rear Locker
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Re: Visit the Orange river
Hier is hulle.
- X-Dors
- LR 4WD Rear Locker
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Re: Visit the Orange river
O ja en die gasvreiheid van almal daar is uitstekend ons het moerse lekker gekuier by die Pub .
- Froll
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Re: Visit the Orange river
Ja dit is Harrick se camp, ek het al n paar keer daar gekamp an baie in daai bar gekuier. Ek het gehoor dat iemand shares of iets in die plek gekoop het. Het julle planne om uit te brei of iets?
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Re: Visit the Orange river
Ek het ook so jaar terug daar vir twee nagte gekamp. Het dit baie geniet. Dit was Desember en ons het deeglik kennis gemaak met daardie omgewing se somer teperature. As jy eers lief geword het vir daardie wêreld dan bly jy maar swaar daar weg. Ek gaan maak elke jaar daar 'n draai. Verlede Desember het ons vir vyf dae bo 50 grade gehad.