Explore South Africa by Sea Kayak

From the moment we first set foot on South African soil, we have been enchanted by the nature and the people.
 
If you too want to experience the adventure, then join us on the very first DesignKayaks tour, and explore the nature of South Africa up close, together with David Tetzschner and Søren Telling. The kayak tours are divided into two categories: “Sea Kayak in the Surf” and “Paddling in Nature”.

Itinerary

7 days of unique experiences

Day 1: Arrival, Hike in the National Park, and Accommodation
Day 2: Kayak Setup, Paddle Tour, and Pool Time
Day 3: Full Day Kayaking Adventure
Day 4: DesignKayaks Factory Visit and Safari
Day 5: Full Day…

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Overview

Tour Details

Where: Wilderness, South Africa
When: 2.-8. March 2024
Guides: David Tetzschner, Søren Telling & Christian Johnsen
Accommodation: Shared Twin room
Max groups size: 12-14 participants
Guaranteed to Depart: 6 participants 
Price: EUR 2.250  /  USD 2.450 

When

2.-8. March 2024

The foundation for this journey was laid when David Tetzschner and Søren Telling visited South Africa in 2021 to test the prototype of our kayak model ‘Awesome.’ Since then, we’ve explored various paddling opportunities, discovered other attractions, and secured access to the most exquisite lodge in the area. Now, we’re ready to welcome you to join us on this adventure!”

Price

What is included?

What is included in the price?

  • 7 days/6 nights
  • Shared double room accommodation
  • Meals breakfast, lunch and dinner*
  • Airport transfers
  • Rental of sea kayaks
  • Guided kayak tours
  • Full-day safari trip
  • Wine tasting
  • Factory visit

What is not included in the price?

  • Flight ticket
  • Drinks & snacks
  • Dinner at safari
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips
The tour will be conducted with a minimum of 6 participants. Single room accommodations can be added for 500 Euros. *Restaurant visits during the safari are not included.

Level

Can everyone join in?

YES! There will be two levels on the tour. If you have regular kayaking experience, you can participate in “Paddling in Nature”. If you want to participate in “Sea Kayak in the Surf” it requires a 4-star level or equivalent of you (BCU/ACA/IPP). 
 
Padling in Nature: Trips on calm waters inland and along the coast. Anyone with basic experience of sea kayaking can join. These tours will be guided by Søren Telling & Christian Johnsen. The daily paddling distances ranging from 10 to 20 km.
 
Sea Kayak in the Surf: Only for experienced paddlers. The Indian Ocean provides constant waves and surfing opportunities, requiring a high level of skill from everyone in the group. David Tetzschner will be the guide for this group, which can have a maximum of 6 participants.
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Practicalities

Need to know

Visa: Individuals with a European passport and citizenship do not need to apply for a visa. However we do advise you check rules for entry at the nearest South African embassy.
 
Insurance: You must have travel insurance that covers you in South Africa.
 
Flight: You are responsible for booking your own travel to and from the city of George in South Africa. There are good connections from international airports in Europe to Johannesburg and Cape Town with airlines such as KLM, Swiss, and Lufthansa. There are several daily flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to George.
 
Organizer: DesignKayaks South Africa is the organizer of the trip and takes care of all the practicalities in South Africa. 
 
Language: English
 
Currency and Payment Cards: Payments are made in the local currency, ZAR. International payment cards are accepted in most places. 
 
Payment: The trip must be paid for within 10 days after registration to DesignKayaks South Africa via bank transfer in Euro or Dollars. After your registration, you will receive further information about payment, a packing list, and inspiration for choosing your flight route via email. Your participation is only confirmed once your payment is received. We have limited spots available on the trips. We do advise you not to book international flights until the tour is confirmed.

Registrer and sign up for this adventure

Sign up

By signing up here we will send your details and request to DesignKayaks South Africa. You will be contacted shortly with more information about the trip and details for the trip. Please note your trip is not confirmed until we have received your payment and at least 6 people have signed up for the trip.

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WHERE

Western Cape South Africa

We are located in the beautiful Wilderness area, situated in the heart of the famous Garden Route between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. Here, you’ll also find the DesignKayaks factory, which we naturally must visit during the trip to see how the kayaks are manufactured.
 
The magnificent scenery includes forested mountains teeming with wildlife, vast beaches that attract surf tourists from around the world, and plenty of sights and attractions. We highly recommend extending your journey and perhaps visiting the wine regions outside Cape Town. We’d be happy to assist in connecting you with a local travel organizer with whom we collaborate.
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Kayaks and Equipment

Your Kayak is a DesignKayaks

Naturally, we paddle in DesignKayaks during the trip, and you have the opportunity to choose the model that suits you best. We also provide spray decks, PFD, and paddles for the ‘Paddling in Nature’ level. If you are participating at the ‘Sea Kayak in the Surf’ level, you will need to bring your own equipment for the ocean.
 
The length and duration of the tours are planned in collaboration with the guides and will be adjusted according to the weather conditions. Especially the sea can be challenging at times, so we may need to travel between different spots depending on the conditions. Paddling on rivers and lakes is always possible, and it should be mentioned for clarification that there are no crocodiles in the area.

Itinirary

Day 1 (Saturday)

Pick up at George Airport. We provide transfer from the airport to Wilderness, tailored to flight arrivals between 10:00 - 13:00. If you arrive in George outside of this timeframe, you must make your way to "The Green Shed" café in Wilderness, where the tour officially begins at 14:00.
 
After a welcome and a brief introduction of the participants, we'll enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings with a group hike in the national park before heading to the accommodation to check-in.
 

Day 2 (Sunday)

After breakfast, we'll drive to the kayak factory, where you can choose the kayak model that suits you best. You also have the option to borrow a life vest, spraydeck, and paddle. We'll bring packed lunches and then embark on our first kayaking experience. In the afternoon, we'll return to the accommodation, where we'll have time to enjoy each other's company and perhaps take a dip in the pool.
 

Day 3 (Monday)

With the kayaks on the trailer, we'll embark on a full-day kayaking adventure. We'll bring packed lunches, snacks, and beverages for the day and spend the entire day out on the water.
 
When we return to the accommodation, the grill will be fired up, and a range of South African specialties will await us.
 

Day 4 (Tuesday)

We'll start the day with a guided tour of the DesignKayaks factory, where you'll have the opportunity to see the kayak production process, including molding, assembly, and preparation, and ask questions about production and materials.
 
We'll have lunch at the factory before heading off to the safari experience of the tour. At the impressive Game Lodge, a private guided tour awaits us, allowing us to get up close to wild animals from the open safari vehicle. If we're lucky, we'll see lions, giraffes, rhinos, and elephants.
 
We'll conclude the visit with dinner at the lodge's restaurant as darkness falls and the bonfire is lit.
 
* Dinner during the Safari trip is not included in the tour price.
 

Day 5 (Wednesday)

After breakfast, we'll prepare for another full day of kayaking, heading to the day's paddling destination with packed lunches and equipment. We'll plan the trip based on weather, wind, and the group's preferences, aiming to return to the pool by late afternoon.
 

Day 6 (Thursday)

Another day of kayaking adventures awaits but concludes a bit earlier so that we can visit the area's most famous winery. Here, a private wine tasting and a visit to the aging cellar await. You'll have the opportunity to purchase wine to take home. Back at the accommodation, a delicious farewell dinner awaits, hopefully under a starry sky over the mountains.
 

Day 7 (Friday)

After breakfast, there's an option to paddle for a couple of hours before we return to the kayak factory to return the equipment. Alternatively, the morning can be spent in the town of Wilderness, enjoying a café or a walk along the beach. We'll conclude the tour with a late lunch at the accommodation before checking out of the cabins and heading to the airport.

South Africa

South Africa is a fantastic travel destination, and as an EU citizen, you do not need a visa to visit the country as a tourist. There are no less than 11 official languages spoken, but you will be able to get by with English everywhere.

You can pay with a VISA card at restaurants, cafes, and most stores, with very few exceptions. Additionally, there is good mobile network coverage throughout the country, and it is inexpensive to purchase a local SIM card with data so you can stay in touch back home via Messenger or WhatsApp.

It is well-known that South Africa has a high crime rate, but despite this, it is rarely something tourists experience. Crime is most prevalent in specific areas associated with larger cities. However, it is important to take some precautions.

Wilderness, where we live and travel, is one of the popular tourist areas in South Africa, where many South Africans spend their holidays. The area is generally very safe, and there are only a few precautions to follow when traveling independently during daylight hours:

  1. Do not go alone to unfamiliar areas.
  2. Do not carry large amounts of cash.
  3. Keep bags and valuables under supervision.

In case you need urgent assistance during your trip in South Africa, the following numbers apply:

  • Police: 112 or 911
  • Ambulance: 10177
  • Fire: 044 801 6311

If an unfortunate event occurs, and you need medical assistance, your travel insurance will likely refer you to George Mediclinic, which is a modern private hospital with an emergency room. Additionally, DesignKayaks South Africa has a partnership with ProPhysio for the treatment of sports injuries.

Choose a tour based on your level

Level: Paddling in Nature

The tours at this level are designed so that anyone with basic kayaking experience can participate. Your level is 2 start (BCU, ACA, IPP) or equivalent, so you are already comfortable with kayaking on calm waters and small waves. We paddle between 10 and 20 km per day, focusing on enjoying nature, camaraderie, and placing a high value on the social aspect.
 
We primarily paddle on lakes and rivers, and only venture out to the sea when conditions are calm.
 
You have the option to borrow a spray deck, PFD, and paddle along with the kayak, but you are welcome to bring your own. We recommend bringing running tights and a long-sleeved shirt for potentially overcast days or to protect yourself from the sun. It is also advisable to bring water shoes or crocs for use in the kayak.
 
The water temperature in the area varies between 15-22 degrees Celsius during the periods we paddle in South Africa."

Level: Sea Kayak in the Surf

To participate at this level, you must be a 4 start kayaker (BCU/ACA/IPP) or have equivalent experience. The conditions in the Indian Ocean on South Africa's coast demand a high level of skill, but they also offer world-class kayaking experiences.
 
There is a limit of 6 participants in this group. To join, you must bring the following equipment:
 
- Kayaking attire and boots
- Neoprene spray deck (Size: Big Deck or 1.4/1.7)
- Paddle
- PFD
- Helmet
 
The sea temperature can vary, but it typically ranges from 14-18 degrees Celsius in November. In March, the typical temperature is 18-22 degrees."