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White-water rafting, all-year round
Rafting in Clarens, Free State
Riding rapids on the Ash River in Clarens
© Ollie Esplin
Did you know?
The Katse Dam is part of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, a partnership between South Africa and Lesotho to supply water and generate hydroelectric power.
White-water rafting in Clarens in the Free State is all about crystal waters, adrenaline-pumping rapids and perhaps the most fun you can have on water in a day.
The adventure starts in Clarens, where you meet your guides, before driving 12km out of town to begin the day's (or half-day's, if you prefer) rafting.
And there's 'rapids and rafting for everyone', says Ollie Esplin, owner of Clarens Xtreme, which has been taking visitors down the river since 2005.
'Even if you have never done white-water rafting before, you can do it, and you don’t need to be fit,' he says. 'It's a young river and therefore it's a narrow river, where the current is pushing you the whole time, making it easy to navigate the 6- to 8-person rafts we use.'
Each raft has a guide on it, all of whom have river guide qualifications and level 3 first aid training. White-water rafting outfits should offer highly experienced guides, and you are encouraged to enquire whether they meet these standards.
Traversing the 18km stretch of the Ash River will take you about a day (or a half-day on the 9km option). The river has Grade 3 and Grade 4 rapids, including Car Wash, Fish Pond and Big Surprise (so named because the river makes a 90-degree bend and suddenly you are confronted with a 4m waterfall).
The various rafting outfits that offer the activity in Clarens can accommodate children on calmer parts of the river. Esplin’s company takes those under 10 years of age out of the raft for the rapids, and they then walk or drive to the next section of the river, where they once again board the craft
In winter (May to August), visitors are given wetsuits as the water is icy. At this time of year, the ride is called the Polar Bear Challenge.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Clarens Xtreme
Tel: +27 (0)58 256 1260
Cell: +27 (0)82 563 6242
Email: ollie@clarensxtreme.co.za
Outrageous Adventures
Cell: +27 (0)83 485 9654
Email: kallie@outrageousadventures.co.za
How to get here
Clarens is about 300km from Johannesburg, or about a 3-and-a-half-hour drive.
Around the area
Apart from hiking, horse riding, golf, tennis, mountain biking and exploring the nearby Golden Gate Highlands National Park, adventurers can do paragliding, zip-lining, abseiling, archery and paintball, as well as take day tours to the 'fertility cave' where sangomas (traditional African healers) practise their healing arts.
Get around
It's best to drive yourself to Clarens. Tours are also available and the rafting companies can let you know what shuttles and packages they offer.
What will it cost
The various rafting companies in Clarens offer different prices, but a full day on the river, including refreshments and lunch, is priced at approx. R650 per person.
Length of stay
Spend at least 3 days in Clarens as there is so much to see and do.
What to pack
Outdoor adventure clothing for rafting, hiking, golfing, horse riding, paragliding, tennis. Pack clothing for warm and cold conditions, and particularly in winter (May to August), make sure you have warm undergarments.
Where to stay
Clarens is a little tourist mecca with plenty of B&Bs, guest houses, guest farms and hotels. Some of the rafting outfits have accommodation on offer, ranging from high-end to camping.
What to eat
You'll be lost for choice in Clarens, which has all sorts of restaurants and eateries. Cafe Xlnt at Clarens Xtreme's base has its own bakery with delicious homemade breads, croissants and muffins. It serves breakfasts, lunches and teas.