Whitewater rafting on the Vaal river near Johannesburg

Ready to take on the raging whitewater rapids of the mighty Vaal? Head down to the banks of Parys for an all or nothing trip down one of South Africa's fastest flowing rivers.

Head into the heart of one of the world's most amazing UNESCO World Heritage sites and tackle the 3 billion-year-old waterways of the Vaal river - the only major river on the planet to flow across an asteroid impact crater... Considered ground zero for life on earth, the Vaal river and the Vredefort Dome are where the world began - navigate the source of one of the most exciting metrological landscapes on half-day and full-day whitewater rafting excursions on the 'golden river'.

Location
Situated on the banks of Parys - only one hour from Johannesburg, the Vaal river winds across the Vredefort Dome UNESCO World Heritage site - the largest verified impact crater on Earth, more than 300 km (186 mi). Considered the world's oldest river, the Vaal runs for 1,120 km and its rapids are so strong that the Vaal Dam accounts for 80% of Johannesburg's energy usage. River rafting is the most popular activity and includes "Big Daddy" and the world-renowned "Gatsien" rapid. There are also hiking trails to the Bushman rock paintings and Iron age remains inside the Vredefort Dome region.

Activity
Offering both half-day and full-day whitewater rafting excursions from Parys, after a short safety briefing and warm-up exercises, groups will set off in two-man rafts on a 6km or 12km guided tour - try grade 2/3 rapids like Big Daddy, Jaws & Claws, and Gat Sein - plus plays lots of team-building games on the flat water in between. Suited for beginners and non-swimmers alike, each excursion includes transport from the base to and from the river sites at Rocky Ridge, Kabuki, and the Vredefort Heritage Site.

Conditions
Grade 1 - Moving water with a few rocks and small waves.
Grade 2 - Easy Rapids with small stoppers and small drops
Grade 3 - High irregular waves with numerous obstructions.
Grade 4 - Rapids are long and difficult, and required difficult maneuvering.
Grade 5 - The rapids are extremely difficult, long, and very violent, with large drops, narrow passages, and complex boulder fields.