Location: The town of Baeza, 3 Hours from Quito in the Andes Mountains

Located just a few hours from the country’s capital, Quito, the Quijos River is famous for hosting the 2005 International Rafting Championships. It flows through some of the highest Andean peaks in Ecuador and eventually drains into the Amazon River. The put-in is located at almost 7,000 feet, giving rafters the experience of paddling a high alpine river. This eleven mile stretch of river is a perfect intermediate rafting option.

Level of Difficulty: Class III-V / Intermediate – Advanced

The Quijos is formed by two other high Andean rivers: the Papallacta and Cosanga. Parts of the river are wide and offer easier whitewater, while other sections are more narrow and technical. The rapids are pretty continuous and challenging.

Scenery: High Altitude Cloudforest

As the river flows through a cloudforest, there are ample opportunities to observe beautiful wildlife, birds, and scenery. The climate on the Quijos is cooler than most rivers in the Amazon region.

Season: November – March

Rafting trips on the Quijos are offered during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer.

Location: 1 hour from Tena

The city of Tena is 5 hours south of the city of Quito by bus, a trip which takes visitors through spectacular green landscapes interspersed with lagoons and cascading waterfalls. It is on the outskirts of several volcanoes including the Cotopai and the Antisana. The Jatun Yacu is also known as the Napo River, which confluences with the Amazon River in Brazil.

Level of Difficulty: Class III-III+ / Beginner

This is excellent river for beginners because it is wide and open, has some large waves and is also easy to enjoy for inexperienced rafters. The fun begins right away, as rafters hit large, quick waves interspersed with calm pools.

Scenery: Paradise – Tropical Canyon with Sandy Beaches and Waterfalls

Big sandy beaches, waterfalls, and lush green vegetation make the Jatun Yacu a tropical paradise. The calm sections allow the opportunity to kick back and soak in the Selva Verde rainforest scenery. Since there are no inhabitants in the upper regions of the Jatun Yacu, the river is exceptionally clean.

Culture: Indigenous Quechua Tribes

“Jatun Yacu” translates to “Big River” or “Rio Grande” in the native Quechua language. The indigenous Amazonian tribes have been boating and fishing on the Jatun Yacu for centuries and they continue to use the river today for food, recreation, and adventure.

Season: Year-round

The Jatun Yacu runs throughout the year, depending on rainfall. The daytime temperatures are generally warm and perfect for river trips.

Ecuador is an amazing country to raft in for all levels of whitewater enthusiasts. Rafting trips in Ecuador range from challenging high altitude mountain runs to beginner whitewater sections with warm water and plenty of wildlife viewing. Trips last from 1/2 day to week-long adventures.  

Jatun Yacu River Rafting Trips (Class III):
A great introductory rafting trip with beautiful scenery, wildlife, and a glimpse into Ecuadorian culture.

Quijos River Rafting Trips (Class IV-IV+):
An higher altitude, eleven mile intermediate run that is a cooler alternative to the hot and humid rivers in the Amazon region.

Toachi River Rafting Trips (Class III ):
Plenty of wildlife, great beginner whitewater, and a short drive from Quito make this one of Ecuador’s most popular rafting runs.

Upano River Rafting Trips (Class II-IV):
A quintessential, multi-day, jungle rafting experience, this is a must-do adventure in Ecuador.

Location: South Africa, Near Graskop along the Panorama Route

The Blyde River cuts a deep canyon into the heart of the Drakensberg Mountains, forming the north-eastern part of the Great Escarpment. Rafting trips on the Blyde River take boaters through the third-deepest canyon in the world, located between Graskop and Hoedspruit.

Level of Difficulty: Class IV / Intermediate

Not to be out-matched by the immensity of their surroundings, the rapids on the Blyde River rage with an enticing level of intensity. The canyon is narrow for the amount of water pushing through it, causing a series of rapids that drop quickly and steeply, with plenty of holes and whitewater to navigate through. The run starts out slowly, gradually building to bigger and bigger rapids before the river empties out into Blyde Dam.

Scenery: Unspoiled wilderness in a Deep Canyon

The canyon walls tower overhead and every once in a while hippos emerge from the waters.

Season: Year-round

One day and overnight trips are available all year on the Blyde River.

Location: 95 km from Durban, South Africa

The Umkomaas River originates in Giant’s Castle of the Drankensberg mountain range and follows a winding course down to the Indian Ocean. Whitewater rafting trips are available on the Mkomazi River (another spelling) in a valley that lies just 95 kilometers from Durban and 65 kilometers from Peitermaritzburg, in rural KwaZulu-Natal. Rafting operators often meet their guests in Richmond.

Level of Difficulty: Class III / Beginner

The Umkomaas River is a big-volume river, and has even been dubbed the most high-volume whitewater available south of the mighty Zambezi. The Class III rapids are a rollercoaster ride over huge waves, with very few rocks to slow the momentum. This river is not very technically challenging, but it is also not a mellow float. For beginners, the Mkomazi is an exhilarating introduction.

Scenery: Plateaus, Exotic Game Animals, Wooded Hillsides, Bushveld

The scenery on this 24 kilometer stretch of the Umkomaas River varies between the plateaus and hillsides of the bush country, and tropical-esque wooded hillsides. For 13 kilometers, the river winds through the Duma Manzi Reserve, home to an incredible array of game species. Wildlife sightings here may include zebra, Blue Wildebeests, impalas, the White-Tailed Mongoose, and the clawless otter. White Rhino, buffalo, giraffe, and waterbuck were also introduced in 2006.

Season: November – April

Dependent upon water levels, you can either take a two-person inflatable raft with other guests, led down by a guide, or paddle a six-person raft with guide ruddering in the back.

Location: 70 km from Cape Town, South Africa

The Molenaars River runs alongside the N1 highway, just an hour’s drive from Cape Town in South Africa’s Western Cape. The put in for whitewater rafting trips on the Molenaars is close to the Du Toit’s Kloof Tunnel on N1, on the upcountry side of the Huguenot Tunnel.

Level of Difficulty: Class IV / Intermediate

The Molenaars is the Western Cape’s most challenging winter river. A much narrower channel than other Cape Rivers, the Molenaars provides a very technical, steep challenge for the whitewater enthusiast. No experience is required, but only the more adventurous and fit beginners should try it. Experienced rafters will appreciate the Molenaars for its continuous, fast-moving rapids.

Canyon & Scenery: Steep Walls, Lush Green Fynbos, Waterfalls

Because the Molenaars can only be run after winter rains, rafting trips provide a unique look at its steep-walled gorge. Numerous waterfalls plunge from the mountainsides down towards the river’s edge, and all the surrounding fynbos are a deep, lush green. High mountain peaks guard the canyon from either side. The whitewater itself is part of the scenery, as the river winds and drops over and around huge boulders through narrow ravines.

Season: June – September

The Molenaars is even more dependent upon winter rains than the Cape’s other winter runs. It can only be run in the few days directly following a storm. If you plan on running this river, you will need to be in close and continuous contact with an outfitter in the weeks leading up to your trip. Rumor has it that this one is worth the dedication.

Location: South Africa, 100 km from Cape Town

One of the closest rivers in proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, the Palmiet River runs through the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, between the towns of Betty’s Bay and Kleinmond. Rafting trips generally meet in Kleinmond.

Level of Difficulty: Class III / Beginner

Another one of South Africa’s winter runs, the Palmiet River’s level of difficulty depends partially on the amount of runoff that is coming off the mountains after winter rains. When the river is at its higher stages, it can get to the point where it has a few Class IV rapids. But even then, the level never gets above Class IV, making the river an easy intermediate run. To sum up, then, the Palmiet is a good rafting run for beginners, regardless of flows. It will just be a bit more exciting at high flows!

Scenery: Bright Fynbos Fauna, Views of the Tsitsikamma and Langkloof Mountains

The Kogelberg Nature Reserve, through which the Palmiet River runs, is renowned for its incredibly abundant and rich flora. With over 1600 different plant species to be found in the reserve, there is no shortage of vibrant color and lush greenery as you make your way downstream. Wildlife sightings could include leopards, antelope, numerous birds, and the freshwater crab. While the eye-level scenery is beautiful in and of itself, one can also look up to see the majestic mountain tops of Peak Formosa and Thumb Peak.

Season: June – September

River trips are actually run on the Palmiet all year, but whitewater rafting trips are only available in the winter months when the river gets more exciting.

Location: 3 Hours from Cape Town, South Africa

The Doring River carves a path between the Cedarberg and Swarruggens mountain ranges, in South Africa’s Western Cape. Rafting trips start approximately 280 km outside of Cape Town, off of N7 near the smaller town of Clanwilliam.

Level of Difficulty: Class III / Beginner

The Doring River is a winter rafting run, dependent upon Cape winter rains. The wet weather transforms the Doring from a small stream to an energetic river. Although the waves are big, the amount of advanced navigation needed is relatively small. Many rafting operators therefore use small 2-person rafts on their trips, giving guests the chance to take charge of their own craft. Guides are interspersed amongst the boats to help show the way. No prior experience is necessary… a great adventure for first timers and families.

Canyon: Rugged Sandstone Cliffs, Mountain Peaks, Ancient San Paintings

Whitewater rafting trips on the Doring River last between 2 and 4 days in length. During your 65-kilometer journey down the Doring, you’ll tackle fun rapids with names like The Plunge, House, and Tooth, and float past towering koppies and sandstone mountain escarpments. Because the Cederberg region was once and inland sea, the surrounding cliffs are lined with the remnants of ancient tidal lines that create a fantastic colorful contrast to the blues of river and sky. Boats also float under overhanging caves with almost perfectly preserved galleries of ancient bushman/ San and Khoi artwork.

Season: June – September

The Doring River is dependent on winter rains. Whitewater rafting trips are therefore only available during the South African winter, from mid-June to mid-September. Most companies offer wetsuit rentals to help prepare you for the colder weather.

Location: South Africa, 120 km from Johannesburg

Whitewater rafting trips on the Vaal River take place in the Parys district, in the Gauteng province of South Africa’s Northern Cape. A tributary to the Orange River, the Vaal originates in the Drakensberg Mountains in Mpumalanga, 30 km north of Clarens.

Level of Difficulty: Class III / Beginner

The Vaal River is a great introduction to whitewater rafting, with rapids that are exciting but not very serious. Most of the rapids are Class II, with a few Class IIIs interspersed for the occasional wake up call.

Canyon and Scenery: Pink Granite “Koppies”, Exotic Trees, Myriad Bird Species

The Vaal’s grey-blue waters flow swift and wide through South Africa’s Highveld, forming the border between the Vredefort Dome Conservancy and the Free State. The Vredefort Dome is the site of one of the world’s largest meteorite craters, and is home to a very unique collection of fauna and wildlife. The topography itself creates a strikingly different landscape, with steep and fractured overturned quartzite domes competing with vredefort outcrops for attention. The river itself is wide and large enough that it often travels around large, forested mid-stream islands. The rapids are exciting but not very difficult, making it easy to still take in the scenery between splashes and paddling.

Season: Year-round

The Vaal River offers rafting trips throughout the year.

Location: 680 km from Cape Town, South Africa

The Orange River winds through Richtersveld National Park, from the Lesotho highlands in the Drankenburg Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean. In the stretch where whitewater rafting trips are available, the Orange River forms the border between South Africa and Namibia, in South Africa’s Northern Cape.

Level of Difficulty: Class II / Beginner

A rafting trip on the Orange River is mostly an exploration of an amazing mountain desert landscape, rather than a whitewater adventure. It’s Class II rapids are made slightly more exciting by the fact that guests are allowed to take their own 2 person rafts down behind a guide, but are still easy enough that there are no age minimums or maximums.

Scenery: Orange Mountain Desert, Ancient Exposed Rocks, Lush Riverbanks, and Endemic Wildlife

The Orange River is one of South Africa’s most stunningly scenic waterways. Its fast-flowing currents are surrounded by rugged mountain peaks, towering rock formations of volcanic lava, granite, and limestone, cliffs of swirling metamorphic rock and sedimentary mud, and finally a lush strip of riverside vegetation composed of reeds, grasses, tamarisk, raisin trees, and other desert riparian plants. At times, the river also flows past fruit farms and vineyards. Altogether the landscape is a vibrant mix of orange, greens, and blues, starkly contrasted against one another. Common wildlife sightings include baboons, Goliath Herons, the Great White Egret, bright green Malachite Kingfishers, and Water Monitor Lizards. River trips on the Orange last anywhere from 3 to 5 days.

Season: All Year

Be prepared for extremely hot weather in November and February!