Vaal River Rafting

Outrageous Adventures organises exciting Vaal River Rafting near the town of Parys, located 120km south of Johannesburg in South Africa.

This is an ideal one-day river raft outing for friends, families and teambuilding! Only one hour's drive from Jo'burg. Easy grade I and II rapids (on a rising scale of difficulty from I to VI). Suitable for the whole family, even kids from 6 years will find the whitewater rafting a thrilling experience. Enjoy a relaxing whitewater raft trip with abundant birdlife and exciting rapids like "Gatsien" and "Big Daddy".

On the Vaal River (just outside Parys) we use the 2-man "crocs". Two people per croc and you paddle yourself down the river, accompanied by an experienced guide. Grade I and II rapids make for a relaxing day on the river, during which you will cover a distance of approximately 11km.

We meet at +/- 09H00 at the local caravan park (don't worry, maps and directions will be provided) or in town at the put-in point, depending on when and how you travel to Parys. If you stayed over at the caravan park itself, you're there already and can sleep in a bit!

After something to snack on and a cup of coffee to settle the travelling-dust, it's time to fit lifejackets and helmets and if you haven't been nervous before, you might just get a few butterflies now. But rest assured, after the safety-briefing you will be ready for any action the river can throw your way, and in any case, the stretch we paddle is only class 1 and 2 white-water; within the capabilities of any novice river-rat. And your safety is of the utmost importance to the very experienced, highly qualified river-guides.

Now for the big moment. We begin our trip in town and after 1 or 2 little rapids just to get our turning left and right sorted out, we get to "Big Daddy", the first and depending on water-level, the biggest rapid of the day. We can have a look at it first (and remember, on any river you always have the option of walking around any rapid you don't feel like shooting), but usually it is best to just follow instructions and enjoy the ride!

After "Big Daddy" there is a long flat stretch where we just float along and enjoy nature. But not if the wind blows from the front! Oh no, then "Suicide Mile" can be hard work. But nothing so serious that it can't be cured by a delicious lunch on the banks of the river.

After lunch there is action all the way with rapids like "Little Niagra", "Look Sharp", "Theatre" etc. We might even catch a good surf in the wave at "Paradise". And yes, there is "Gatsien"-rapid as well, right at the end just before "Knuckle Crusher".

After a solid 12 km on the river and the best part of 5 hours or even a bit more, we arrive back at the caravan park. There a warm shower might be what aching muscles need. And of course a cold one!

After enjoying the sunset it is either pack up and head back to Jo'burg or make sure the tent is pitched properly, just in case it decides to rain during the night.

Vaal River, Free State, South Africa

Qualified instructors, rafts, paddles, safety equipment (i.e. life jackets and helmets), snacks, drinks and a delicious lunch on the river.

You will need a costume, loose t-shirt, strops or takkies - in other words, clothes you can get wet in! Very important: glasses and sunglasses are easily lost. TIE THEM DOWN! You will also need a change of dry clothes, towel, personal effects, sunscreen, camera and your adventurous spirit!

No special skills or rafting experience required. You don't even have to know how to swim.

Rates are subject to change. Trips require a minimum of 8 people.