The Orange River with its 2,160 km is the longest River in South Africa and contents high water. Its source begins at an altitude of more than 3,100 metres in Lesotho, in the east, from where it crosses South Africa and finally forms the border with Namibia, on its last 500 km, before reaching the Atlantic Ocean at Oranjemund.
The river was first discovered by indigenous Nama people. Back then, the river was known as ‘Great River’ and ‘Nu Gariep’. It was later changed to the ‘Orange River’ after Colonel Robert Jacob Gordon, who was commander of the Dutch East India Company garrison at Cape Town, decided to row to the middle of the river´s mouth and drink a toast to the Dutch Prince of Oranje.
The Orange River carries water throughout the year – a very rare feature in Namibia, which shares only four other perennial rivers form the northern border. River rafting is the main attraction on the Orange River, offering a unique outdoor experience to those who seek adventure. 4 – 6 day river rafting trails are available.
Explore the many hidden treasures of this remote and almost forgotten desert reserve, which is surrounded by semi-precious stone, rock formations, and volcanic rock with an abundance of small animals, primates and extraordinary bird life.
The adjoining Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world, before the Grand Canyon in America, and the largest in Africa and is the second most visited tourist attraction in Namibia. Featuring a vast ravine, whichis in total, roughly 160 km long, up to 27 km wide and, in places, almost 550 metres deep.
Situated along the lower reaches of the Fish River, the Fish River Canyon is one of the most impressive natural beauties in the southern part of Namibia. It developed predominantly during the pluvial times – a rainy climatic epoch – millions of years ago.
Guided or non-guided hikes are the main adventure highlight in the canyon. The famous Fish River Hiking Trail follows 85 km of the canyon.
The unguided, camping hike, starts from the main viewpoint near Hobas, and ends at Ai-Ais Hot Springs Spa.
Another highlight in this area, on the South African side, is the Orange River mouth wetland. The mouth is becoming a popular eco-tourism destination thanks to improved road infrastructure, good accommodation and access to previously closed mining towns.
The relative abundance of fresh water in a coastal environment with very low rainfall attracts a variety of remarkable birds of, up to, 270 species.
Vagrant birds recorded in the area include Bar-Tailed Godwit, Red Knot, lesser Sand Plover, Caspian plover and Franklin’s gull.
In recent years several bird species have expanded their ranges to the Orange River mouth, including the Glossy Ibis, Hadeda Ibis and Red-Billed Quelea. Among the highlights for visitors are the “specials”, such as the Black-Necked Grebe, Chestnutbanded Plover, Peregrine Falcon, Damara Tern, Barlow’s lark and the Karoo Eremomela.
