Berg River Canooze
146 kilometres in 2 and a half days:
The Berg River Canooze, one of five trails that take place within the Cape West Coast Biosphere, is a relatively easy downstream kayak from Hopefield to Velddrif, with farm stays en route.
The emphasis of this trail is on relaxation. There are no rapids and all of it is downstream, and as such, geared for the whole family. Kayaking on the river is an exciting way to explore the scenic beauty and incredible birdlife of the West Coast, and the Berg River in particular is home to thousands of waterfowl every spring, whilst during the late winter months the veld is full of wild flowers.
The Berg River Canooze trail starts with an overnight farmstay near Hopefield. After breakfast you begin along the Berg River, past reed beds, trees and pastoral landscapes. With your guide find time to laze on grass next to riverbanks, watch tall blue gum trees glide by as you row, listen out for the call of fish eagles, and look for little kingfishers perched on branches close to the water. Late lunch is probably a fish braai.
After a sound sleep and breakfast, you're back in the river kayak and on to a part of the river where it gets a little narrower, in amongst reed beds. Closer to Velddrif things get a little busy. As you enter the town expect some of your most beautiful scenery, and enjoy Bokkomlaan. The river braids around now but if you keep right you can't go wrong. Find time after arriving at your destination to head to the saltpans to see flamingos.
Contact Details:
To Book or enquire about trails:+27 (0)86 187-2457
Cape West Coast Biosphere Central Office:+27 (0)22 492-2750
Where to Stay?
For accommodation before or after your adventure on the Berg River Canooze, see Velddrif Accommodation (with preview images and description) or consider Velddrif Hotels (ranging from 3-5 star). If you prefer to do it the self catering way, you will find our list of Velddrif Self Catering options useful. Also see Cape West Coast Accommodation and Cape West Coast Hotels for overnight options in surrounding towns.
Cape West Coast Trails
Cape West Coast Biosphere Trails
The Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve (CWCBR) is a recognised UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, one of only 6 in South Africa and just over 600 world-wide. It extends from Diep River in Milnerton in the south, to the Berg River of Velddrif in the north, Malmesbury/Moreesberg in the east, and the Atlantic Ocean in the ... more information
Darling Stagger
One of five slackpacking trails in the Cape West Coast Biosphere, the Darling Stagger emphasises food and wine, together with a walk and a cycle that allow one to experience the surrounds of the gorgeous town of Darling. The trail follows a route once walked by both the short-necked giraffe ... more information
Eve's Trail
The theme of this trail, as the name suggests, is walking in the footsteps of Eve, who is regarded as the mother of all human life. The spectacular scenery and lack of human activity gives one an idea of what it must have been like to be governed only by the sun, the stars and the tides. The idea is that ... more information
Five Bay Trail
The trail starts with a late afternoon stroll along the beaches of Paternoster as far as 'Tweede Mosselbank' (named such by local fishermen) and on to dinner at a local restaurant. Day two takes one through the fishing village of Paternoster along the beach to Cape Columbine Nature Reserve and ... more information
Wheels of Time Trail
Aimed more at recreational cyclists than Absa Cape Epic trainees, the mountain bike ride traces the secondary roads of the West Coast, with varying destinations and overnight stops. You can be assured of incredible scenery and fun, but at times challenging, cycling. The trail can be divided up ... more information
Doing the Berg River Canooze?
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