Orange River Rafting Lodge offers self catering accommodation and campsite stands on the banks of the Orange River on a small Lucerne farm in Vioolsdrift. Haven to numerous bird species, the resort is situated in lovely surroundings, 10km from the cross border to Namibia on the N7.

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

Accommodation

Comfortable, fully equipped self-catering wooden chalets and private campsites are perfectly located in the breathtaking natural landscape of the Orange River banks.

Chalets

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.

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.

River Rafting

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.

Fishing Safaris

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’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 wha 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!