IF YOU GO . . .

WHERE IT IS: The Kaaimans River Gorge is located on the Garden Route between George and Wilderness, some 430km from Cape Town.

WHAT IT HAS: The Kaaimans Kaya is a solar-powered backpackers’ and events venue, ideal for large groups.

ACTIVITIES: The river offers ample opportunity for fun: swimming, fishing, diving and paddling. A 15-minute hike along the abandoned seaside train route will take you to Victoria Bay, a surfing hot spot. Most weekends, Eden Adventures, a local company that specialises in outdoor tours, offers riverside activities such as canoeing, abseiling and kloofing. Contact Eden Adventures on 044 877 0179 or email info@eden.co.za.

WHAT TO PACK: Clothes, food and drink, swimming, surfing, diving, fishing gear, walking shoes, 5l of unleaded fuel per night to run the generator when sun is too scarce to rely on solar power.

FOOD: Self-catering. Indoor and outdoor kitchen with gas stoves, fridges, freezers and all the necessary cookware and utensils. All lights and electrical appliances are powered by solar heating.

WHERE TO STAY: The main house, including a loft space, sleeps 12. There is also a self-sufficient double-bed unit separate from the main house, ideal for couples.

RATES: R1 500 per weekend (Friday and Saturday) for the house. R2 500 for a seven-day week. Bookings are weather dependent and may be rescheduled seven days in advance.

CONTACT: Phone Dirk Lilienfeld on 082 579 0208 or 021 554 3634; e-mail dirklilienfeld@hotmail.com or visit

www.kaaimanskaya.co.za.