RI7ER JOURNAL POSTS

  Cape Town, South Africa 

 `The SENQU.ORANGE.GARIEP Expedition´ is an eight-week fact-finding expedition from the 4th December 2009 till the 25th January 2010 crewed by Rob Wilson(ZA) and Ine Skjørten(NOR). They will travel the full length of the Senqu,Orange and Gariep river system in Southern Africa. Documenting by photo, video and pen the accessibility, accommodation facilities, infrastructure, river features, transport routes, distances and logistics. This will contribute to determine viability, useful information, and the rights of future river users by identifying sections of the river suitable to their skill level and preference. The end result, will be a published travelogue, the first in a new series.

"This will be the first in a series of publications documenting our planets´ rivers, a source to sea documentation is essential for overall reference," says Rob Wilson. The Pure Orange Expedition earlier this year saw Rob traversing solo, the distance of the 2000 km + river in 96 days. This personal goal was realised at Alexander Bay on the 17th March 2009. 

 Ine Skjørten, from Norway, believes "the trip is an opportunity to express through words and images the river and the relationship between the river and us as people. We are closely connected", she says. The book will share the beauty and importance of this relationship. 

With the success of the initial expedition, the current plan was conceived. To travel the river by road, and paddle designated sections to complement documentation from the original expedition. Ine and Rob believe the itinerary on the trip has hundreds of options, their goal is to narrow down the essentials for future river users with the resultant publication.

Official sponsors include,

Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles Centurion   www.sandown.co.za . CEO of Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles in Centurion, Mr. Frank van Heerden made a promise a few months back after the initial expedition to provide a reliable vehicle for this new expedition. Jacques Strydom(Brand Center Manager) and Brenden Duthie(Brand Sales Manager) put this delivered promise into action. The result is an out-the-box customised Mercedes-Benz Vito 115CDI. Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles in Centurion will be recognised as the chief sponsor.

Fluid Kayaks     www.fluidkayaks.co.za   Celliers Kruger, owner of Fluid Kayaks in Parys has also joined the team with the contribution of 2 Solo Expedition white-water kayaks. 

Opplev Oppdal AS    www.opplevoppdal.no  An adventure, team-building and river-rafting company based in Oppdal in Oppland, Norway on the Driva River.   

Morgan Bay Hotel   www.southafricanbedandbreakfast.org/accommodation/Eastern-Cape/Morgan-Bay-Hotel-/index.php   Family hotel, north of East London, South Africa. 

International      www.navistar.com/Navistar/    Mr. Bob Jones of Navistar has committed to top up the tank to keep the van on schedule.

Fast ´n Fresh   www.fastfresh.co.za  Mr. Gavin Wilson of Fast ´n Fresh has contributed to the payment of insurance for the vehicle.

Sweet Protection    www.sweetprotection.com  Producer of protective headwear for the kayaking and skiing industry based in Trysil, Norway.

Namibia, Lesotho and South Africa are linked by the path of this river. With the help and co-operation of land-owners, river operators, residents and officials of government and privately controlled national parks and reserves, Rob Wilson and Ine Skjørten will be able to access deep canyons, little known white water gems, fishing paradises and calm stretches for multi-day touring. 

 A journey by road and water. `The SENQU.ORANGE.GARIEP Expedition´ departs for Alexander Bay on Friday, 4th December to begin the documentation of the river system. A collection of data will result in a comprehensive guide/travelogue to the Orange River System for future river users.

The website will be updated regularly with fresh images and new text, to keep interested parties in the know.