Vioolsdrift Accommodation / Aquacade Camp Vioolsdrift Accommodation / Camping, B&B and Self Catering Chalets

“We invite you to enjoy our friendly hospitality while experiencing a relaxing time on the banks of the Orange River.”

Aquacade is located on the banks of the Orange River on a lusern farm, 10km from the busy N7 and cross border to Namibia. It offers a peaceful atmosphere filled with beautiful river views, hundreds of bird species, silent, starry nights, listen to the cry of the African Fish Eagle while watching sunsets over the mountain ranges of the Richtersveld, friendly staff and great facilities.

The resort is an excellent holiday destination for families or stopover on your way to the Richtersveld or Namibia. Vioolsdrift is situated on the South African side of the border between South Africa and Namibia on the N7 in the northern part of Namaqualand which is bounded by the Orange River. Aquacade is on the Kotzeshoop road (which also leads into the Richtersveld area) and accessible with any vehicle. We offer mainly self-catering accommodation, B&B, camping, events venue and river rafting. The resort is relaxing, rustic but comfortable and mostly family orientated.

The Richtersveld: While the river runs west for almost it’s entire course, it curves northwards below Vioolsdrift and encloses in the crook of it’s arm a wide stretch of land known as the Richtersveld. The Richtersveld area with it’s rare plant species and succulents offers excellent 4x4 routes, spectacular scenery and interesting historical attractions. When it’s September the thirstland is in full bloom. Magnificence,enough to make your journey worthwhile.

ACCOMMODATION

Self-catering accommodation & DBB
Seven fully equipped chalets, overlooking the Orange River. Each chalet has a private barbeque area, air-conditioned, fully equipped kitchen, en-suite bathroom with shower and safe parking next to the chalet. Accommodates two to four persons each, bedding and towels included, coffee and tea are supplied with our compliments and our friendly and professional staff will make sure that all your needs are taken care off.

Camping
All campsites have a river view, are private and on grass with:
• a braai with grid,
• camp kitchen with sink, work top, table and benches,
• reed lapa or trees providing shade,
• power point and lights and
• close to a neat and comfortable ablution block with hot water showers

Additional facilities
• Fully licensed bar with DStv
• Pool table
• Fishing (baber, carp and yellowfish)
• Rafting trips
• Swimming pool and playground
• Safe swimming area in the river
• 4x4 routes
• Bird watching
• Kiosk (braai wood, ice, braai packs etc)
• Enjoy delicious meals served on a wooden deck overlooking the river

Rafting Trips

"The Only True Mountain Desert in South Africa"

This unique tours starts from Aquacade at Vioolsdrift on the banks of the Orange River. The 2-man inflatable rafts are easy to control and allows for a safe guiding through a few fast flowing rapids that occur on the expedition. Two qualified river guides, equipped with the necessary experience will guide the trip through the Richtersveld desert Reserve. No previous experience or any level of fitness is required. The rafting trips is not a race - you will relax and have time to admire the beautiful scenery, swim and even do fishing.

We offer half day rafting trips to 4 day rafting trips (contact us for rates). All meals, transport and equipment is included.

HISTORY OF VIOOLSDRIFT

Before Namibia and South Africa were connected by a bridge, it is told that a lone Nama, nicknamed "Jan Viool", who lived on the banks of the Orange River, would guide travelers through the river at the shallowest part called a "drift", hence the name, "Vioolsdrift".

The first of many farmers who came to Vioolsdrift was Hendrik Beets, with only his wife Johanna, their kids and dreams of a better life to keep him company. As farmers came, the face of Vioolsdrift slowly changed. Hard people on hard land, with little to work with and transport problems, because there were no real roads to use and no means of getting water on their land, the farmers finished work on a canal in 1934 with little outside help. Hendrik's wife with her two daughters and three other workers worked on the road. The problem with crossing the river was first solved in 1956 when the bridge, we still use now, was built.

ACCREDITATIONS (as claimed by the establishment)