Orange River Kit List

REMEMBER: VALID PASSPORTS ARE ESSENTIAL!
Every person crossing into Namibia requires a valid passport. It ought to have at least two blank pages and be good for six months after the leave date.

Very Important:
All children under the age of 18 need an Unabridged Birth Certificate to cross the border. For more information regarding the unabridged birth certificates, please click here

VISAS:
South African citizens do not require a visa currently when crossing the border. If you are from a country where obtaining a visa is necessary, obtain one. Please always verify with the Namibia High Commission at +27 (012) 481 9100 or visit https://visitnamibia.com.na/visa-information/ as the list of countries is subject to change at any time. Online applications are available at https://eservices.mhaiss.gov.na.

Please use the below as a packing guideline:

Clothing – do not pack too much:

Swimming gear: towel, sarong, and swimwear
Outerwear: Anorak or windbreaker for summer; tracksuit for cooler winter nights
Headwear: Cap or wide brimmed hat for sun protection; woollen hat or beanie for winter nights
Sun Protection: Long-sleeved shirt with a collar
Footwear: Closed shoes or booties for the river (aqua shoes or Crocs works well); dry shoes for evenings (flip-flops or sandals are sufficient, so you only need one pair)
Gloves: For sun protection

Camping gear for nights on the river:

Tent: Lightweight and essential (to protect from wind and insects). Tent pegs are not needed on sandy spots; use rocks to secure the corners.
Cutlery & Crockery: Plate, bowl, mug, knife, fork, spoon, teaspoon, and dishcloth
Sleeping Surface: Yoga mat, inflatable mattress (hand pump required as no power available), and
ground sheet
Sleeping Gear: Sleeping bag and pillow
Folding Chairs: Optional

Beverages & Snacks:

Special Dietary Needs: Replacement food if you have specific dietary requirements
Water: There is no drinkable water at base camp or on the river. Pack at least 2 litres of bottled water or non-alcoholic beverages per day. Freezing some of your water is recommended to keep it cold throughout your trip.
Snacks: Consider packing dried fruit, peanuts, chocolate bars, Super C, and jelly babies. (TIP: Use a plastic jar to keep them dry)
Meat and Milk products: No meat or milk products are permitted across the border.
Alcohol products: There are strict limits on the amount of alcohol products permitted across the border. Items exceeding these limits may be confiscated by customs officials. Guests are strongly advised to review these specific restrictions before travel.
Contact the border to check regulations before traveling.

Vioolsdrift Border:
Namibia side:
Tel: +264-63-297 122
South African Side:
Tel: +27(0)27 761 8760

Nakop Border:
Namibian Side:
Tel: +264-63-280 057
South African Side:
Tel: +27(0)54 571 0008

Accessories and Optional Extras:

Recreational Items: Fishing rod, games, playing cards, frisbee, bats, balls, or cricket bat
Beach Umbrella: With tie-downs
Camera
Binoculars
Lighting: Torch with batteries or a headlamp (preferred)
Sun Protection: Sunscreen and lip balm (zinc-based is most effective)
Sunglasses: Must have a strap
Personal medication: Please consult border regulations for specific requirements.
Insect Repellent: Essential during peak mosquito season; Peaceful Sleep spray is recommended
Toiletries: Biodegradable soap and toilet paper
Storage: Garbage bags and dry bags for waterproofing (optional)
Power bank: For cellphone charging (Please be advised there is no cell reception while on the river)

For a downloadable version of the kit list, please click here

PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THE FOLLOWING:

There is no drinkable water at base camp or on the river. Pack at least 2 litres of bottled water or non-alcoholic beverages per day. It is recommended that you freeze some of your water, so that it will be defrosted but still cold towards the end of your trip.
If you decide to bring alcoholic drinks with you then it must be in cans, plastic, or box containers, as glass is not allowed on the river. Please check with the border regarding the allowed duty-exempt quantities.
Some meats are prohibited entry into Namibia at times – please check with the border regarding current regulation.

How does it work?

On arrival, you will be allocated a dry barrel (approximately 60 liters) for your dry items as well as a cooler box (capacity of 52 cans) per two people sharing.

How to pack your barrel:

First, you line the barrel with a garbage bag for waterproofing. Then you add both your sleeping bags (loose) into the bottom and above this your dry clothes. Normally, you wear the same clothes every night and only change your underwear. You will mostly wear your swimwear during the day to raft and swim with. Your wet clothes will almost dry overnight and be ready to wear the next day. DO NOT BRING TOO MANY CLOTHES! You can leave clean clothes to drive home with at the base camp. Any other items you wish to keep dry can be placed into the barrel if space allows for it. Be sure to close your barrel correctly to keep it waterproof.

There is no drinkable water at base camp or on the river. Please ensure that you have a minimum of two litres of water per day. You can keep a 5-litre can of water outside your cooler box. Then you have a 1-litre bottle inside your cooler to be refilled however often you choose. Please note that if you decide to bring alcoholic drinks with you then it must be in cans, plastic, or box containers, as glass is not allowed on the river. Please check with the border regarding the allowed duty-exempt quantities.

Please note that ice is a commodity on the river. The colder your drinks are on arrival, the longer your drinks will stay cold. This is often difficult for people coming from far. We suggest that you freeze some of your drinks before
you arrive at camp. Then place your frozen drinks in the cooler box.

Your camping gear, such as a tent and chairs, can be tightly fastened to your croc. Please keep in mind that the bigger the tent and chair the heavier the load on your croc. We recommend a small 2/3-man tent be brought along and only a chair, if necessary.

Cross Namibian border vehicle requirements:

Vehicle pay for motor cars, bakkies and minibuses are R371.00 (subject to change). Please click here to view the most recent Government Gazette General Notice as of 28 April 2023 containing prices. Please retain the receipt of the road tax as you have to show it when you leave Namibia. ZA sticker on vehicle (Purchased at AA Offices – nationwide).

A third-party insurance premium is built into the price of fuel in Namibia and no additional charges are payable.

Visitors are required to produce their vehicle registration documents if so requested, or alternatively a letter of authority to use the vehicle — from the owner — with a copy of the registration documents.

Orange River - Things to take note of

Important Numbers

The River Rafters Office (SA): +27 (0) 21 975 9727
The River Rafters 24 hour (SA): +27 71 684 2072

PASSPORTS (travelling from outside Namibia)

Every person crossing into Namibia requires a valid passport.
It ought to have at least two blank pages and be good for six months after the leave date.
All children under 18 must present an Unabridged Birth Certificate.
If you are from a country where obtaining a visa is necessary, obtain one. South African citizens do not require a visa currently. Please always verify with the Namibia High Commission at +27 (012) 481 9100 or visit https://visitnamibia.com.na/visa-information/ as the list of countries is subject to change at any time. Online applications are available at https://eservices.mhaiss.gov.na.
For more details, refer to the FAQ document or contact the border

WEATHER
To monitor the weather for your trip, check forecasts for Noordoewer or Aussenkehr in Namibia with your preferred weather service.

Border Regulations

It is your responsibility to obtain and comply with the most updated border regulations and requirements for your trip. Please be sure to contact the border to get the most updated and current regulations. Herewith the contact details:

Vioolsdrift Border:
Namibia side:
Tel: +264 63 297122
Fax: +264 63 297021
Port Health: +27 27 761 8770
South African Side:
Tel: +27 27 761 8760
Fax: +27 27 761 8931
Port Health: +27 27 761 8770

Nakop Border:
Namibian Side:
Tel: +264 63 280 057
Fax: +264 63 280 058
Port Health: +27 54 571 0005
South African Side:
Tel: +27 54 571 0008
Fax: +27 54 571 0009
Port Health: +27 54 571 0005

Orange River Kit List

Please use the below as a packing guideline:

How does it work?

How to pack your barrel:

Cross Namibian border vehicle requirements:

Orange River - Things to take note of

Important Numbers

Border Regulations

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Orange River Kit List

Please use the below as a packing guideline:

How does it work?

How to pack your barrel:

Cross Namibian border vehicle requirements:

Orange River - Things to take note of

Important Numbers

Border Regulations

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