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People of all ages and from all walks of life are becoming kayaking and canoeing converts for a number of reasons:
- It’s an outdoor adventure that gives you the chance to explore and be close to nature.
2. It improves your health, cardiovascular fitness, and body strength.
3. It is fun and relieves stress.
4. It’s a versatile and adaptable watersport that can be done on rivers, dams and in the ocean.
5. You can do it alone, or in a group with friends and family.
6. It can be done through all the seasons of the year.
7. It is suitable for all ages, doesn’t need a lot of technical skills, and kids can get started at a young age.
The good news for those keen to try their hand at kayaking or canoeing is that there are several hotspots in the Bergrivier region close to Cape Town that offer fantastic opportunities to get out on the water for a paddle.
Velddrif and surrounds
The hugely popular coastal village of Velddrif, which hugs the banks of the Berg River, is perfectly located to offer the ideal setting for a kayaking or canoeing adventure. The Berg River estuary in Velddrif is also one of the most popular bird-watching sites in South Africa (it has been declared a Ramsar Site) and there is no better way to get up close and personal with the many thousands of feathered friends to be found here than by being quietly out on the water.
Paddling on the Berg River is easy – the water is quiet and serene, so the whole family can enjoy a trip down the river, soaking up the beautiful surroundings. A stop-off at the iconic Bokkom Laan, the oldest road in the town (and a heritage site) which snakes up the edge of the Berg River is a must-visit for anyone in the area.
This quaint dirt road is dotted with jetties on the water’s edge and historic fish-drying sheds – many of which have been converted into eclectic coffee shops, restaurants, art galleries and gift shops. Park your canoe or kayak and stroll along to visit the ”Bokkomhuise” and taste Bokkoms, and pop in at Vishoekie art studio to see Saralize Tolken’s art.
Also to be found on Bokkomlaan is Canoe and Kayak World where you can hire a kayak or canoe and also book a guided tour of the river. Bokkomlaan is also the departure point for boat trips up the river on the Crackling Rosie, Knot Xtreme and Step Lightly River Cruises. Kayaks Velddrif is another option for personalised guided kayak tours on the Berg River.
Velddrif is a foodies paradise, so if you have built up an appetite from your canoeing or kayaking adventure you can choose from many options including eclectic, rustic, fine-dining or takeaways. Many glorious locations up and down the Berg River provide accommodation which ranges from rustic to luxury, as well as various camping sites which enjoy exceptional views and offer great launch sites for your kayak or canoe. In the town itself, visitors can choose from self-catering apartments, cottages, and holiday homes, as well as B&Bs, guesthouses, and hotels.
For those keen to widen their watersport option, there are a multitude of offerings in Velddrif and its immediate surroundings to suit all tastes. Why not try your hand at stand-up paddling, or perhaps windsurfing or kiteboarding? Surfing off the beach at nearby Dwarskersbos is always popular, and for a more sedate watersport, you can throw in a line for some relaxed fishing.
Piketberg and surrounds
Moving inland a bit, canoeing and kayaking hotspots can be found near the town of Piketberg, which is nestled at the foot of the Piketberg Mountain range.
Die Ark Camping near Koringberg offers a fabulous farm stay with canoeing on the farm dam. Kruistementvlei in Piket-Bo-Berg, which is situated in the mountains above Piketberg, offers camping as well as cottages and canoeing and kayaking on the dam. Kleine Paradys in Piketberg has campsites, glamping options in fully equipped caravans, as well as cottages, with guests able to enjoy canoeing and kayaking in the river – as well as fishing, a heated pool, kids play area, and farm animals. (Note that these locations do require you to bring your own canoe or kayak with you.)
When it comes to canoeing and kayaking in the Bergrivier area there is a range of options available from DIY which requires your own boats and paddles, to guided and hosted tours that provide all the equipment needed. For more information on the Bergrivier area and where to canoe or kayak, as well as places to stay and other things to see and do, visit https://bergriviertourism.co.za/.