Aweh-Let’s Swim Keurbooms

Your Adventure Begins Here.

Join us on this epic open water adventure, where we create unforgettable memories and leave nothing but footprints.

Dates: 25 -27 October 2024
Cost: R2900 per person
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Duration: 2 Days:
Day 1 – 5km swim
Day 2 – 3km cool down swim, unassisted

Number of Swimmers: 15-30 people
Mobility: Not wheelchair accessible but we welcome disabled swimmers and will make provision for your needs
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Inclusions: 2 nights’ accommodation, vehicle entry into the resort, a welcome dinner on arrival, swim permits for both days, safety back-up, a barge beach picnic post swim, a nature talk ferry ride back from the swim, a veggie potjie, rice and sides on Saturday night (BYOB), kayak and SUP use for seconds or non-swimmers during the swim. Limited kayak use during the weekend.

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

Swim goggles
Swim buoy (not required but recommended for visibility)
Dry bag; swim towel and a change of clothes for post swim
Party hat for Saturday evening’s social

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

Indemnity

6 + 14 =

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 morning (start time dependent on tidal push), we head to the start of the 5km swim on the banks of the resort. After a short swim briefing we do a stretch session and then hit the waters for the 5km adventure upstream. It’s an at-your-own-pace swim and the barge follows in the swimmers wake, allowing you to jump on and off as you please along the route. Seconds are welcome to paddle along with swimmers and join in the fun. At the top end of the tidal zone, the swim lands at the picnic spot and we celebrate the journey with a beach picnic (provided). Then its back onto the barge for a gentle ride back with a local guide sharing the insights of the area’s fauna and flora.

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

On Sunday morning, we start the day with a coffee and croissant 2-3km cool-down swim before check out. Direction and start point will depend on the tide. Even if you don’t swim – we coffee and croissant you before heading back to the rat race. There will be time to pack and shower after the swim.