The Richtersveld section of the Orange River is the most popular multi-day paddling trip in southern Africa – and for good reason. Trips leave from near Noordoewer or Vioolsdrif, which are, respectively the Namibian and South African border posts on the N7, the major road between Cape Town and Namibia. As it is popular, you are quite likely to see other paddlers on the river, but only in passing. You can choose between a four-day and a six-day trip and, after a few days, the peace of the river just soaks in through your pores – you could be on another planet.
The Richtersveld is a spectacular desert mountain range. A short walk from the river, to the closest summit reveals an endless vista of mountains stretching away into the distance, or a close-up view of the fascinating half-mens (Pachypodium namaquanum), a spiny succulent that, according to legend, is half person, half plant, hence the common name. It’s not hard to see how this legend arose. The plant, usually about two metres high, but reaching three, stands alone on hillsides with it’s long, thorny trunk leaning towards the north, always at an inclination of about 20° or 30°. Its leaves are large and hairy, and clustered at the top of the single stem, looking very much like the head of a human. They produce attractive red and green flowers between September and December. There are optional walks to visit interesting old diggings – a diamond mine and a fluorite mine.
There are some fun and mildly challenging grade two rapids, separated by long stretches where you can just float, raft up and chat, swim or fish. A couple of grade three rapids liven up the proceedings, but you can walk around them if you’re nervous.