Itchyfeet SA is all about paddling white water, climbing rock and hiking the Drakensberg. Whether you are looking for river, rock or mountain knowledge, skills development, some adventure on your breakaway or just plain fun, Itchyfeet makes use of a variety of opportunities, teaching styles and methods to fulfil your needs.
We cater for all levels of skill and experience. It does not matter if you are an expert or a complete novice. It is our mission to provide authentic experiences leaving you refreshed, informed, exhilarated and inspired. The white water you will be paddling is proper, testing your nerve and skill. Where else than the Tugela River? Climbing is real, on real rock, with real chalk on your hands, with real rubber on your feet and you are in charge of the belay. If we cannot offer it on these terms we wouldn’t bother in the first place. And how can you top the Drakensberg? The name says it all! Big, beautiful, spectacular, wild and rugged!
River:
White water rafting: Outings vary from the comfortable and classic one day outing to the rough and tough multi-day paddle. Where else than the Tugela River? Nowhere else will you find more action, excitement and bush. Truly one of South Africa’s best white water destinations!
White water kayaking: If you’re a keen kayaker already and looking for some action in our area, the Tugela River is an absolute must. Some of the best kayaking anywhere! Outings can be organised along this river’s whole upper section, from the town of Bergville to Causeway (Weenen area). The Bushmans and Umkomaas River are also top destinations.
Kayak school: Here you will have the opportunity to get into a whitewater kayak and try it out for yourself. On certain levels the Tugela and Klip Rivers provide excellent play boating and river running opportunities on easy to moderate white water. You will learn something about edge control, boat control and balance while surfing a standing wave. Who knows, you might even learn how to Eskimo-roll!
Rock:
The climbing on offer is mostly sport. Our specialities are the Swinburne and Eagle Mountain Crags (near Harrismith) in the Free State, as well as the beautiful White Umfolozi Crag (near Vryheid) in the heart of Zululand. Take note though that we are not restricted to these areas; climbing outings can be conducted nationally. Swinburne and Eagle Mountain (formerly known as Mount Everest) are the two main climbing areas in the Free State Province. Both are situated around the town of Harrismith, barely 20km from each other.
Mountain:
This would be hiking in the one and only: the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg, South Africa’s biggest mountain range. The name says it all! Big, rugged, tough, beautiful and spectacular! Outings can be conducted anywhere, at any time and of any length. This includes the Little and High ‘Berg.
High Berg: This is a place that you have to at least visit once in your lifetime. The average height of this part of the Berg is about 3 000m above sea level. You are literally standing on top of the border between South Africa and Lesotho, with KwaZulu-Natal at your feet. But, you have to work for it! It usually involves ascending one of the Berg’s many mountain passes, which is relatively long and very steep. You are in true mountain country surrounded by giant loose standing peaks. To make this type of outing worth your while you need at least four to five days (or longer). Your reward will leave you breathless and inspired. No question! Let us know if you have a specific route in mind or if you want us to plan a route for you.
Little Berg: The Little Berg is mostly the foot hills of the High Berg. Amongst these hills you can expect more diverse fauna and flora, valleys with indigenous forests, caves, rivers, creeks and waterfalls. These types of walks are a lot more suited for all ages, shapes, sizes and fitness levels. Outings from a few hours to a few days can easily be arranged. Usually spending some time in some of the Little Berg’s many caves is a high priority.
Remember, you are not limited to river or rock or mountain; why not river and rock and mountain? You can decide whether you want to paddle or climb or walk, or paddle and climb and walk. The choice is yours, and nothing stops you from building your own itinerary! You might want to climb at two or three different crags or you might want to paddle two different rivers. You might even want to climb first, and then go for a paddle and then for a Berg hike. You can even throw an abseil session in there! The bonus is, any of these outings or activities you can use in any combination.
