When I mentioned that I was going river rafting on the Breede River with Bundi Adventures and OBiKWA wines my friends shook their heads sagely and said “Oh, that is not going to end well.” Everyone had visions of me attempting to row a rubber boat down a raging river with a glass in hand and ending up in the drink – literally. Turns out that I didn’t land up in the drink or have wine in my hand while rowing and the river wasn’t raging either. In fact it was quite a sublime experience and the best part was that it didn’t matter that I am not the fittest or sportiest person. What’s important for these guys is that everyone has fun outdoors in a safe environment and that’s exactly what I did.
Read: six of South Africa’s best river adventures (starring the Breede River!)
My day started at 0600 with a drive from Cape Town to the Bundi Breede River Camp just outside Worcester on the banks of the Breede River. One needs energy for all the rowing you are going to do so first thing on the agenda when I arrived was breakfast. After a muffin and a mug of coffee (there was toast, cereal and yoghurt too) it was time for the safety talk. Paul Rode, owner of Bundi Adventures, demonstrated how to sit on the boat (further back is better even if you feel like you are about to tip over) how to use the paddle correctly (not to be used to beat your partner over the head when they steer you into the riverbank) and how to assist your partner in getting back into the canoe should they fall out (you half drown them, sorry dunk them, in the water before hauling them back into the vessel). Then lifejackets were donned, hats put on heads and sunblock applied to noses before the group headed out for a morning on the water.
The next few hours were spent paddling along winding waterways, ducking under branches and occasionally navigating our way over small rapids. Lest we got too used to our rowing partner switches were made so we all got to know everyone and we all got to see who was good at steering and who had an aversion to insects. We grouped together along the way and chatted and played dodgem-boats in narrow spots. We laughed, we swam and we ate a lot of oranges. It all came to an end too quickly for my liking and before I knew it we were hauling our boats out of the water.
After the crew had finished loading up the canoes and paddles we got transported overland back to base camp for a shower, a braai and a few glasses of OBiKWA’s fun-loving wine. After a day in the sunshine, a large plate of chicken and sausage with salads, glassfuls of wine and Lindt chocolate balls for dessert, it was tempting to stay over in one of their cabins to sleep it off and perhaps not return to Cape Town at all.
While on the river Paul said “When you spend a day out on the river it feels like you’ve had a week away.” He’s right, but don’t take my word for it. Grab your friends, your family, your partner or organise a day out of the office with colleagues. A word of warning though – returning to civilization will be difficult!
What to expect on a Bundi Half Day Outing
With qualified guides to ensure your safety, Bundi’s half day river cruise is ideal for first-time rafters. You don’t need any river rafting experience nor will you have to buy any fancy equipment. Suitable for young and old, you’ll spend a few hours on the river paddling through a maze of channels and into fast-flowing streams under overhanging trees. You’ll also get breakfast upon arrival and lunch, followed by cheese and OBiKWA wines.
The Bundi Breede River Camp is located just over an hour’s drive from Cape Town and offers accommodation either in wooden en-suite cabins, with wide verandas overlooking the Breede River, or in tents or dormitories for those wanting to stay a little longer.
Bundi Half Day Outing booking details
The Bundi Half Day Outing is offered daily and costs R550 per person, including gear, a light breakfast, a braai lunch and cheese and wine.
For more information on Bundi’s river adventures call Simone Jacobs on 021-975-9727, email [email protected] or go to www.bundi.co.za.
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