Location: South Africa, 2 Hours from Cape Town

The Breed River winds along the base of the Langeberg Mountains in South Africa’s Western Cape. It originates in the Great Hex River Mountains, flowing down past towering cliffs, farmland, and vineyards to finally complete its journey at the Indian Ocean at Witsand. Whitewater rafting trips on the Breede River begin near the farming towns of Worcester and Ceres.

Level of Difficulty: Class II / Beginner

The Breede River is a quiet, scenic float with very few Class II rapids. Most rafting companies let guests take their own two person rafts, giving them the chance to navigate the river on their own, with a guide to follow in front. The minimum age with most companies is 4, making it a great river for family vacations. One and two-day trips are offered.

Scenery: Farmlands, Vineyards, Willow Trees, Distant Mountains

The Breed River flows through a vast, expansive landscape. The riverbank fluctuates between willow trees, vineyards, delta marshes, vertical cliffs, and farms; the Langeberg Mountains all the while towering in the distance. While paddling down this beautiful clear mountain stream, boaters may also catch a glimpse of a variety of birdlife, including Eagles, Cormorants, Herons and King Fishers. The expanse and grandeur of the surrounding scenery gives way to spectacular sunsets, making multi-day trips on this river all the more worthwhile.

Season: Year-round

Breede River rafting trips are available throughout the year.

South Africa has several outstanding whitewater rafting runs, from mellow one-day stretches to overnight trips. The scenery is interesting and the wildlife plentiful on all South Africa whitewater rafting trips. Several rivers are located within a day’s drive of Johannesburg, Cape Town, and other major South African cities.

Blyde River Rafting Trips (Class IV):

A steep, narrow run through the Drakensberg Mountains, the Blyde River cuts through the third deepest canyon in the world.

Breede River Rafting Trips (Class II):

A quiet float trip through South African farmlands.

Doring River Rafting Trips (Class III):

Running only during South Africa’s winter months, this is an excellent 2-4 day trip for adventurous rafters.

Molenaars River Rafting Trips (Class IV):

This is a rain-dependent river that runs during the winter. Cascading waterfalls line the deep, lush river gorge.

Orange River Rafting Trips (Class II):

Outstanding wildlife and scenery is to be expected on this easy multi-day river trip.

Palmiet River Rafting Trips (Class III):

The perfect trip for botanists, the Palmiet River, which flows through the Kogelberg Nature Reserve, has over 1600 different plant species.

Umkomaas River Rafting Trips (Class III):

The highest-volume river in Africa south of the Zambezi, the Umkomaas River (also known as the Mkomazi) flows through bush country and the Duma Manzi Reserve and boasts frequent sightings of exotic game animals.

Vaal River Rafting Trips (Class III):

Flowing through South Africa’s Highveld, the Vaal is a great introduction to whitewater rafting.

More About Rafting in South Africa

With abundant exotic wildlife and rapids ranging from Class II to Class IV, South Africa whitewater rafting trips offer something for all vacationers and adventurers. The country even boasts a rafting adventure on the Blyde River through the third deepest canyon in the world.

Location: Border of Zambia and Zimbabwe

The Zambezi River is sourced in NW Zambia, flows into Zimbabwe, crashes down Victoria Falls, and grows into a high-volume river on its long journey to the Indian Ocean. The Falls, marking the boarder between the two countries, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is encompassed by two national parks.

Level of Difficulty: Class IV-V / Adventurous Intermediate – Advanced

The Zambezi River is wonderfully massive, pumping huge volumes of water down big drops and technical rapids. Boat-dwarfing class IV and V rapids like Oblivion, Overland Truck Eater, and Commercial Suicide, make Zambezi River rafting trips appropriate for those with a big taste for adventure. Previous rafting experience is not necessary, but not a bad idea for those who are timid about rafting.

Scenery: African savannah, baboons, eagles

If you can take your attention off the incredible whitewater of a Zambezi river trip you’ll be rewarded with beautiful scenery and glimpses of exotic wildlife. The surrounding region is open savannah, but the intense spray from Victoria Falls creates a lush and seemingly out of place rainforest environment. The Bakota gorge impresses with steep black walls and soaring raptors.

Season: June – March

The Zambezi can be rafted most of the year, but the absolute best time to plan a Zambezi River rafting trip is during the low water season, from August to October. Trips range in length from half-day runs to multi-day adventures.

Southern Africa’s mighty Zambezi River is truly one of the world’s most fabulous rafting trips. Crossing the boarder of Zambia and Zimbabwe at Victoria Falls, Zambezi River rafting trips have it all: exotic scenery and wildlife, phenomenal ocean-like wave trains, and class IV and V whitewater.

Zambezi River Rafting Trips (Class V): Gigantic waves, thrilling drops, and churning whitewater make the class IV-V Zambezi the best adventure for people with a taste for adrenaline or anyone looking for a refreshing adventure in Africa.

More About Rafting in Zambia and Zimbabwe

The Zambezi River is enough of a reason to visit this area of Sub-Saharan Africa, but the region is rich with other sights and chances for adventure. One of the largest rivers in all of Africa, the Zambezi literally drops off the face of the earth at Victoria Falls, a waterfall of awesome scale and power. Its waters nourish rich wildlife—elephants and giraffes, crafty lions and baboons, and many species of raptors—along its banks.

Location: Costa Rica

The “Rio Savegre” flows through a beautiful tropical mountain valley on its way to the sea.

Level of Difficulty: Class III-IV / Beginner – Intermediate

One day river trips on the Savegre River have solid Class III whitewater—fun rapids perfect for families with children as young as 8. People looking for more thrills can book two day trips, which begin on the Class III-IV Division River, the Savegre’s main tributary. The trip continues with the boisterous rapids of the main Savegre the next day.

Scenery: Tropical Rainforest, Pristine Whitewater

Beginning in a thickly forested mountain valley, rafting trips on the Savegre River pass through a lush riparian environment. Tumbling waterfalls add to the river’s pristine and clean water and rushing rapids like “Boca Diablo” and “Screaming Child” provide excitement along the way.

Season: Year-round

Regular flows mean whitewater rafting trips can be booked year ‘round on the Savegre.

Location: Near San Jose

Costa Rica’s “Rio Sarapiqui” flows down the country’s Atlantic Slope on its way to the sea and its clear waters are sourced high in the rugged terrain of the Poas volcano. Most outfitters offer transport from San Jose hotels to the river put-in site.

Level of Difficulty: Class III-IV / Intermediate

Sarapiqui rafting trips are divided into two sections, each offering a different whitewater experience. The “La Virgen” section is Class III, with fun rapids interspersed with tranquil pools—perfect for families with kids as young as twelve. The “Sarapiqui-San Miguel” section is more challenging with continuous Class III-IV whitewater. Intermediate rafters and families with teenagers will enjoy the excitement of this run.

Scenery: Tropical bird-watching, monkeys

River otters play in the clear waters of the Sarapiqui and the rainforest along its banks are alive with large black howler monkeys, hummingbirds, and rainbow-colored toucans. Kingfishers, parrots and hawks will delight bird-watchers.

Season: May – March

One day Sarapiqui river rafting trips are available almost all year long, from May to March.

Location: Costa Rica

The Reventazon River flows down Costa Rica’s Atlantic Slope on its way to the Caribbean Sea.

Level of Difficulty: Class III-IV / Intermediate

River rafters have two options for whitewater trips on the “Rio Reventazon.” Beginners and families with kids as young as 12 will enjoy the fun rapids on the Florida section. First time rafters as well as those with previous experience can check out the Class IV rapids of the Pascua section. Rapids like Horrendito and Indigestion provide many challenges on this 12 mile run.

Scenery: Rainforest Canopy, Toucans, Iguanas

River rafting trips on the Reventazon River offer a chance to see Costa Rica’s lush rainforest canopy and its inhabitants up close. Toucans, kingfishers, iguanas and herons are all common along the banks of the Reventazon’s unusually pristine and beautiful waters.

Season: Year-round

Dam-controls regulate the flow of water on the Reventazon, making 1-2 day trips available all year long.

Location: Near San Jose

Flowing down Costa Rica’s Atlantic Slope, Pacuare River rafting trips are convenient for people staying in San Jose. Many commercial outfitters offer pick-up service from San Jose hotels to the river’s put-in.

Level of Difficulty: Class III-IV / Intermediate

The Pacuare River is sourced high in the Talamanca Mountains, site of Costa Rica’s highest peak, and La Amistad International Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the river flows from these mountains, Class III-IV rapids create tumbling whitewater. Rapids like “Cimarron” and “Dos Montanas” will challenge both first-timers looking for adventure, and experienced rafters.

Scenery: Tropical waterfalls, sloths, rainforest birds

“Rio Pacuare” flows through a protected wilderness area off the beaten path and offers spectacular scenery: sheer walls rise from the river, shimmering with cascading waterfalls. Calm pools and natural waterslides give rafters the chance to experience the Pacuare’s beauty first-hand. The banks of the river teem with wildlife: brilliant birds, sleepy sloths, and shy spotted ocelots.

Season: May – March

One to three day trips are available from May to March.

Location: Costa Rica

River trips on the “Rio Naranjo” are convenient to those visiting the Manuel-Antonio Quepos region. The estuary of the Naranjo runs along the boarder of the Manuel-Antonio National Park.

Level of Difficulty: Class III-IV / Intermediate

Whitewater challenges abound on Naranjo River rafting trips: big waves, steep drops, and powerful hydraulics create thrilling rapids. Adventurous first-time rafters and veterans alike will find exciting half-day trips here. The usual minimum age is 14.

Scenery: Steep Jungle Gorge, Palm Plantations

The scenery on “Rio Naranjo” offers a glimpse of Costa Rica’s diverse terrain. Trips begin in a jungle gorge with sheer, dramatic walls, and end floating through cattle ranches and large African Palm plantations.

Season: May – October

Seven-mile half day trips are available on the Naranjo River from May into October.