Plans, getaways, outings... We’re always chasing a trip to New York or London, a night in some ultra-cool spot that looks like a library because they serve gin with a side of pretentiousness... What’s happening to us? We’ve got incredible things right here, things that are unique in the world, right at our fingertips.
I’m talking about having an experience, about feeling something new, about a place that embraces you and has a kind of healing power for your soul. A place that welcomes you and changes you as you feel its grandeur.
For me, that’s the river. More specifically, it’s SUP (stand-up paddleboarding). And don’t think I’m some agile amphibian—more like a dizzy duck. But on that board, it feels like you’ve got the world at your feet. A river you might’ve kayaked before suddenly feels entirely different. You get a full view (as long as you stay upright), and every tiny movement has its own ripple effect.
That’s why I want to share this with you: an expedition along the Cabriel River, run by Kalahari Adventures—2 days and a night through a 30 km gorge. This is wilder than the usual activity spots, and you won’t cross paths with another soul. You can do it on a paddleboard, a raft, or a kayak.
The river has a therapeutic power. The moment you step into it, you’ll feel its strength, its intensity, and above all, a huge shift from what you’re used to: the river levels us all. We become dolls in wetsuits and helmets, at the mercy of its current. Every one of us.
A proper kick to your comfort zone! It doesn’t matter what you do for a living, what you own,
That’s why an expedition becomes an experience (and experiences, unlike our usual weekend routines, leave a mark). A couple of days of intense living strengthens bonds, because on the river, everyone helps, everyone watches out for each other, everyone shares. On the river, you find friends for life.
I like myself better when I’m on the river.
Fancy an exotic trip without leaving the country? Want to experience true isolation? What are you really searching for when you Google "adventure activities"? If the answer looks something like this: mates or family, laughs, something authentic you’ll talk about for ages, more laughs, a clean break from routine, even more laughs, full-throttle adrenaline, pure nature (you’ll spot wildlife as you carve through crystal-clear waters), and falling asleep under a blanket of stars—then try this epic plan with Kalahari, led by the guide in the photo, "Zapa", and tell me how it goes afterwards. Ask them your questions and find out when you can do it.
There are other companies, but this one’s definitely up there. I’d recommend it to anyone—especially those who’ve no idea what I’m on about and think this all sounds like gibberish.
If, on the other hand, you’d prefer an activity where you’re busy stressing over saving €10 or €20 (which you’ll probably blow on overpriced drinks in some dive bar or whatever), or you don’t mind queueing to enter a river we’ve all ruined by turning it into something closer to Dragon Khan... well, there are other options.
Your call! Me? I’m crystal clear—I’m going with Kalahari Adventures.
