THE ROAD TO THE RIVER
LOCATION
Accessed from the R359, the resort is situated on the banks of the southern arm of the Gariep that splits around Kanoneiland, between Upington and Keimoes. Oranjerus is equidistant from Johannesburg and Cape Town, around 810km from both centres.
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
There are six types of accommodation at this lush, riverside resort: camping (either in your own tent or in the bedded tents provided), plus four types of chalets with varying facilities and degrees of comfort — business rooms, budget chalets, river chalets and luxury chalets.
My adventure-biking partner and I stayed in a two-bedroom budget chalet with a view of the river through the trees. It had everything we wanted, particularly airconditioning, comfy beds, a good shower and DStv.
STYLE
The architecture ranges from basic moderncontemporary to more upmarket yet still rustic thatch-covered structures. The interior décor of our chalet was basic, yet comfortable — similar to the old national parks. But the Bedouin-style tent awnings over the aluminium restaurant tables and bar deck, perched atop the river bank, as well as the pleasing décor of the Ibis restaurant, made up for our accommodation’s ordinariness.
FACILITIES
All chalets are equipped for self-catering, have TV, air-conditioning and access to braai facilities. There is a swimming pool in the campsite with two neat and clean ablution blocks nearby. Oranjerus is set in park-like grounds and the resort can host weddings and other functions for up to 120 guests and business conferences for 50 delegates. There is an on-site restaurant (à la carte) and adjacent bar.
SERVICE
The staff were attentive and the service friendly and sincere.
THE FOOD
My riding mate and I both enjoyed tasty dinners, washed down with a voluptuous local shiraz called Lyra. Our full English breakfasts were delicious.
THE ‘DO’ LIST
Augrabies Falls National Park is within striking distance, as are a number of boutique wineries and the well-known Orange River Cellar’s tasting centre. If outdoor adventuring is your thing, then contact Kalahari Outventures, which offers river-rafting and fly-fishing expeditions along a 9km stretch of river, or take a drive to the view site at the 160ha Tierberg Nature Reserve.
BEST TIME TO GO
If you’re into winter-flowering aloes and cooler temperatures, then winter; otherwise all year round.
RATES
From R160 ppspn for camping (kids under six stay free, older children pay R100 per night) in your own tent. Rooms from R275 ppspn (budget chalet) to R350 ppspn (log cabin). Bedded tents with electricity are R510 per night and can sleep two.
BOOKING
Call 082-772-5896 or visit oranjerus.com LS