Join us on this epic open water adventure, where we create unforgettable memories and leave nothing but footprints.
Duration: 2 Days:
Day 1 – 5km swim
Day 2 – 3km cool down swim, unassisted
Accommodation: Forever Resorts – Cape Nature. Accommodation is shared across 5 chalets of different configurations. Most have a main bedroom with a double bed, 2nd and 3rd bedrooms with bunk beds. There are limited double bed options available so please specify at registration if you require a double or twin bed configuration. First come first serve. All chalets are self-catering.
What you need to bring:
A wetsuit or swim suit
A swimming adventure like no other…
In the heart of the garden route, on the outskirts of Plettenberg Bay lies the ochre-golden-amber coloured Keurbooms river, that runs through the nature reserve of same name, a world heritage site and natural forest. The river begins its journey south of Uniondale in the Langkloof valley, and enters the sea through the Keurbooms estuary, carrying it’s Outeniqua forest tannin-infused water into the Indian Ocean.
The deep Afro-temperate forest protects the valleys and kloofs while a grassy fynbos covers the plateau tops. The reserve is a sanctuary for indigenous trees, including giant stinkwoods, Outeniqua yellowwoods and Cape beech. As you swim the ochre coloured water, fish eagles soar overhead, kingfishers dive in delight, and Knysna turacos (aka Loerie) cluck and flash their crimson wings against the vibrant green backdrop. A little bit of paradise.
Many of South Africa’s rivers and estuaries are damaged or polluted by upstream industry, farming, uncontrolled development…and sewerage. Not the Keurbooms. The river is pristine waters, which is why we love swimming it. And the further upstream you swim, the more you fall under the Keurboom’s spell. The river gorge starts narrowing, vegetation becomes thicker and the mystery of this region grabs your heart and soul. The deep silence of the gorge is broken only by the sound of your bubbles, your breath keeping rhythm as you head deeper upstream.
The river is tidal up to the first rapids, which lie just below the Whiskey Creek Cabin, and close to the swim end and picnic spot. Seals are often spotted along the way, some may even join the swim! And as an additional bonus, the river’s tannins will leave your hair silky soft while it massages its magic through your body and mind.
Interested in booking your place for this year’s Aweh-Let’s Swim Keurbooms?
Book Your Spot for Aweh-Let's Swim Keurbooms 2024: R900 Deposit
Payment terms: A non-refundable 31% deposit (R 900) is required to secure your spot by 30 July 2024. The 69% balance (R 2 000) will be due 60 days prior to departure, on 25 August 2024. Please use your name as reference when paying deposit.
Make EFT Payment to:
Awehness Travel
FNB
Acc Number: 62781851425
Branch 211417
Aweh-Let's Swim Keurbooms
Day One:
Friday 25 Oct 2024
While the 2024 Aweh- Lets swim Keurbooms takes place on the Saturday, swimmers and guests can book into the river-front chalets at the Forever Resort as from 15:00 on Friday, 25 October.
We host a welcome dinner, starting 19:00, at the resort on the Friday evening, allowing swimmers to compare notes and share war stories before the swim.
Day Two:
Saturday 26 Oct 2024
On Saturday evening at 18:00, we will host our epic crazy-hat veggie-potjie gathering. We encourage, strongly suggest, gently plead with swimmers and non-swimmers to bring their unique Keurbooms inspired party hats along for the veggie-potjie (with braai facilities for the boerie-dependent)! And then we let the tales flow.
Day Three:
Sunday 27 Oct 2024