There is no shortage of thrilling activities in Swaziland, and for adventure lovers there’s no greater rush than an exhilarating white water rafting trip down Swaziland’s Great Usutu River. This excursion is the only one of its kind in the country.Half and full-day packages are available. Trained river guides accompany you the entire time. No prior experience is needed.
White Water Rafting trips are run on the Bulungapoort section of the Usutu River, between Sidvokodvo and Siphofaneni, in the centre of Eswatini. This is a remote and inspiring stretch of river. Its brown waters thunder through clefts and gorges, alternating with calmer stretches of bush and grazing land. You can expect fine views of rural Eswatini, with imposing rock formations, riverbank community life and a fair amount of wildlife. For most of the year this is generally a Grade III (medium difficulty) rafting river. In peak flow, however, it rises to Grade IV, and even has Grade V and VI sections, which the rafting trips avoid. As the trips use two-person inflatable rafts, with no guide on board, there is more to do than when simply floating downstream on a ten-man raft, where you need only hold on. That said, it is perfectly suited to first-timers, especially during the May–October low water season.
You can book a whole-day or a half-day rafting experience. The instructors are well trained and excellent canoers. They paddle alongside you all the way, taking photos, bantering and encouraging you to try your best, and of course to go for the bigger rapids.
Half-day White-Water Rafting:
These trips generally depart only in the morning and run side-by-side with full-day trips. The trip includes approximately 7km of river and some of the most popular rapids (Monica Lewinsky, Station Rapid, The Initiator).
After the riverbank lunch the trip returns to Ezulwini.
This trip format is available throughout the year.
Meeting time at starting point: 08h30
Trip departure 08h45
Transfer to the Great Usutu River 45-60min via Sidvokodvo
Briefing and preparation 30min
On-river 2 – 2.5 hours
Lunch 30min
Return transfer 60min via Sidvokodvo
Arrival back at starting 14h00-14h30
Includes:
transport to and from the Swazi Trails office
equipment: PDF and helmet, 2-man inflatable rafts
River guides, safety equipment & first aid
drinking water
lunch: chicken mayo & cheese & tomato filled rolls, fruit, chocolates, juice
post-trip refreshments: bottled water, cool drinks, beers
photos (when available) via online Flickr site.
