Whitewater rafting on the Vaal river near Johannesburg

This offer is very popular 199 people recently chose this activity

Activity Snapshot

Fitness level: Everybody welcome
Duration: from 1.5 hr to 5 hrs
Spoken languages: Afrikaans, English
Minimum age: From ages 7 or 12 (depending on option)
Cancellation policy: strict More info
Opening seasons:

Activity description

Ready to take on the raging whitewater rapids of the mighty Vaal? Head down to the banks of Parys for an all or nothing trip down one of South Africa's fastest flowing rivers.

Head into the heart of one of the world's most amazing UNESCO World Heritage sites and tackle the 3 billion-year-old waterways of the Vaal river - the only major river on the planet to flow across an asteroid impact crater... Considered ground zero for life on earth, the Vaal river and the Vredefort Dome are where the world began - navigate the source of one of the most exciting metrological landscapes on half-day and full-day whitewater rafting excursions on the 'golden river'.

Location
Situated on the banks of Parys - only one hour from Johannesburg, the Vaal river winds across the Vredefort Dome UNESCO World Heritage site - the largest verified impact crater on Earth, more than 300 km (186 mi). Considered the world's oldest river, the Vaal runs for 1,120 km and its rapids are so strong that the Vaal Dam accounts for 80% of Johannesburg's energy usage. River rafting is the most popular activity and includes "Big Daddy" and the world-renowned "Gatsien" rapid. There are also hiking trails to the Bushman rock paintings and Iron age remains inside the Vredefort Dome region.

Activity
Offering both half-day and full-day whitewater rafting excursions from Parys, after a short safety briefing and warm-up exercises,  groups will set off in two-man rafts on a 6km or 12km guided tour - try grade 2/3 rapids like Big Daddy, Jaws & Claws, and Gat Sein - plus plays lots of team-building games on the flat water in between. Suited for beginners and non-swimmers alike, each excursion includes transport from the base to and from the river sites at Rocky Ridge, Kabuki, and the Vredefort Heritage Site.

Conditions
Grade 1 - Moving water with a few rocks and small waves. 
Grade 2 - Easy Rapids with small stoppers and small drops 
Grade 3 - High irregular waves with numerous obstructions. 
Grade 4 - Rapids are long and difficult, and required difficult maneuvering. 
Grade 5 - The rapids are extremely difficult, long, and very violent, with large drops, narrow passages, and complex boulder fields. 

Offers

1
1.5 Hours Rafting
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Special terms

Please note: Excursions operate on a 2 person minimum per tour

Activity subject to weather restrictions

Do not forget to bring
  • Suitable footwear
  • A spare change of clothes
  • Suncream
Sensation Level:

Adventurous

Fitness level:

Everybody welcome

Duration:

1.5 hr

Minimum age:

From 7 years-old and up

Meeting point:

72 Bree St, Parys, 9585, South Africa

Included:
  • Guided tour
  • All necessary equipment/protection
  • Free session photos
  • Transfers to activity
Excluded:
  • Transfers to Parys
2
Full Day Rafting
Read more
Special terms

Please note: Excursions operate on a 4 person minimum per tour

Activity subject to weather restrictions

Do not forget to bring
  • Suitable footwear
  • A spare change of clothes
  • Suncream
Sensation Level:

Adventurous

Fitness level:

Everybody welcome

Duration:

5 hrs

Minimum age:

From 12 years-old and up

Meeting point:

72 Bree St, Parys, 9585, South Africa

Included:
  • Guided tour
  • All necessary equipment/protection
  • Free session photos
  • Transfers to activity
  • Picnic Lunch
Excluded:
  • Transfers to Parys
100% secure payments
by credit card or Paypal

Meeting point

72 Bree St, Parys, 9585, South Africa Get directions

Cancellation policy

Cancellation 30 days or more prior to the agreed activity date
You will be automatically refunded for the full amount for the activity
30 days
Cancellation between 10 and 30 days prior to the agreed activity date
You are entitled to a 50% refund
10 days
Cancellation 10 days or later prior to the agreed activity date
No refund will be possible
Weather Guarantee
Regardless of the date, if the activity is cancelled due to bad weather conditions, you will be offered a refund or the chance to reschedule

Reviews

Average rating
4.7 / 5
  • (7)
Excellent
Very good
Average
Poor
Terrible
  • 5 / 5

Was so organized,,fun and felt safe

  • 5 / 5

lots of fun

  • 5 / 5

We had a great time

  • 5 / 5

River rafting

  • 5 / 5

Great experience really wish it was shorter

  • 3.8 / 5

More rafting then "white water" as there was only one real rapid. But a few smaller ones and it was good fun from that sense :)

  • 4 / 5

Everyone wanted to go back again!