We all have these photos … throwback photos!
It’s described as ‘nostalgia-inducing pictures … from a different era of your life”.
Every Thursday we will throw a photo of ‘way back when’ on our blog. Why on a Thursday? Because it’s just a day away from the weekend … and we love weekends!
You are welcome to join in or just enjoy the photos (#TB Thursday).
The Orange River forms the border between South Africa and the south of Namibia
In 2017 we took a quick trip for a long weekend close to Vioolsdrift which is situated on the border of South Africa and Namibia. And, may I add, this ‘quick’ trip meant we had to travel from Cape Town to Vioolsdrift and back to Cape Town in just 4 days – a total distance of 1360km (845 miles) – which we have done by car (not plane)!
We booked in at a lovely eco-camp on the banks of the Orange River, namely The Growcery. One morning we hiked to a high spot to have a look at the Orange River. This is the longest river in South Africa with a total length of 2400km (1491 miles). From this point, it’s only about 100km (62 miles) downriver before it flows into the Atlantic Ocean at Alexander Bay.
Wet and Dusty Roads 
It looks very beautiful! Worth the drive, I hope?
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Definitely worth the drive! The Growcery, where we stayed, is such an oasis along the banks of the Orange River … we just have to stay longer next time 😉.
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Wow, that’s quite a lot of ground to cover, Corna! I bet this place offers unique outdoor experiences to those who seek tranquillity and adventure. Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Yes, that was quite a long journey, but absolutely worth it! And you’re right, the outdoor activities are so much fun at the Orange River – like river rafting, swimming and kayaking. Thanks for reading Aiva, have a great day 🌸.
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Ah, yes, the Orange River. I’ll never forget canoeing along it… 😅
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Oh, you have canoeing on the Orange River … lucky fish! Because we grew up next to the Orange River, we have spent a lot of time on the river (but more with makeshift canoes than real ones 😁).
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You might like to read my experience : http://traveltalk.me.uk/2013/12/05/oranges-in-the-fishfish-in-the-orange-snippets-from-an-african-diary/
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Thanks for the link Jude – I enjoyed reading it! Berto was also with an IT company when the clock jumped to the year 2000 … and then it was just a day like any other day! Wow, so you must have rowed basically in the same place we took the photo (sounded like you had quite a workout) 😉. We definitely won’t be visiting Vioolsdrift over a December … waaaay too hot – even for me who loves summer!
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Haha… Yes, it was extremely hot! But a wonderful adventure despite the occasional mishaps.
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That’s a lot of mileage in just four days, wow! It seems like it would have been not to stop at every turn, if it’s all as stunning as your photo!
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It was incredibly far to drive for just a few days (but it’s such a beautiful area, it was definitely worth it). It’s always the ride back that’s not fun …
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Beautiful view! So if this river forms the boundary between South Africa and Namibia, and flows into the Atlantic, does that mean we are looking here at South Africa on the left of the photo and Namibia on the right?
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Thank you Sarah. It’s actually the other way around … South Africa on the right and Namibia on the left … because this photo was taken up river 😉.
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Ah, of course – I wonder why I just assumed you were facing downriver?!
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Maybe because I mentioned in the post that it’s only 100km downriver to the Atlantic Ocean 😉.
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I think so!
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That’s quite a trek in four days! Beautiful scenery!
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Yes, maybe a bit too far to travel in 4 days … but it was a great long weekend! It’s amazing how green it is close to the river and then just a few kilometers further, it’s like desert! But beautiful in its own way!
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Dis darem maar pragtig daar!
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Dit is Aletta. So groen langs die rivier en dan woestyn net ‘n paar kilometer binneland toe!
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Ongelooflik ne!
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Wonderlik om te sien hoe die rivier lewe onderhou in daardie droee wereld!
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Ja, dis ongelooflik ne! Net ‘n paar kilometer verder is dit amper woestyn (wel, in Namibie is die Namib woestyn net ‘n paar tree verder), maar rondom die rivier is dit groen en welig!
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That is a stunning photo. It looks like the river is flowing from beneath the rocks.
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Thanks John. You’re right, it almost looks like that – that would have been incredible! But I suppose it looks like that because we were standing so high.
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What an amazing river with an incredible location right on the South African-Namibian border. Love the idea of a nostalgic throwback series 😉
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I love the Orange River – probably because I grew up in Alexander Bay where this river flows into the Atlantic Ocean 🙂. And you’re right, it was amazing to stand on those high rocks and have an eagle’s view over two countries. I love the throwback series as well … and you will know all about this!
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What a gorgeous view. And wow that’s a lot of driving for four days!!
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Thanks Linda, that is indeed a lovely view (and to think it’s over two countries). I think we were a bit crazy driving so far for just a few days … but sometimes we do things without thinking too much about it (and then it’s always the journeys we enjoy the most 😄).
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Boulders and a river. What could be better?
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Exactly 😀. And the bonus … to have a view of two countries at the same time!
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Even better!
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Loving all your pictures for throwback Thursday!
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I’m glad you’re enjoying our throwback photos Diane – it’s great to look back on special memories isn’t it?
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