by Lindsay King - Die Burger Newspaper

Cozily nestled between leaf-green flora on the banks of the Breede River about eight kilometers from Swellendam awaits a big surprise for all nature lovers and adventurers. 

The Felix Unite River Adventures "Round the Bend" nature and adventure camp is a definite must for all pleasure-seekers—even the "not-so-dare-devilish" type. Away from civilization on the Breede River banks, where nature even puts up with the sometimes annoying voice of the cellphone, adventurers pitch camps under the cool, shady trees.

The neatly tiled chalets of wood and stone, with thatched roofs and canvas doorflaps, are situated on the riverbank and some of them boast views to die for. In fact, they're so comfy that the first thing that comes to mind is to take a plunge on one of the beds and set off for dreamland. But soon you realize that "Round the Bend" is actually a place where sleeping should be the last thing on the menu. 

Initially the tranquility takes you by the throat, but before you realize it you find yourself wandering curiously over the camp's footpaths and quaint wooden bridges. When you finally find your way to the main building, you realize that this is where the never-ending party of surprises is to begin. 

The lodge, designed in the same style (just much larger) as the chalets, has recreational facilities, including a TV hall, dining area, shop and bar. The adjoining braai (BBQ) area on the large patio by the huge campfire—which seems to burn day and night—is the ideal place to gather. 

Hanging out around a campfire is always great, but overhearing the conversation of the river guides, you begin to realize there are more exciting events to follow. Our first expedition, when it was almost dusk, took us along the river's edge to a 20 meter cliff where the vertigo-free were able to try abseiling—an addictive pastime once you get the hang of it.

Ironically, in our group it was the initially skeptical who went back a second and third time, until darkness fell and they were hauled back to the camp. The real reason for a visit to the Breede River, of course, is the canoe and boat trips, for which one has to rise early. The physical challenges of the meandering Breede with its many, sometimes confusing rapids, primarily depend on the tide.

But whether the tide is high or low, the trips are always fun, even if they are followed by aching muscles the next day. A river trip can take from a few hours to nearly a whole day. If you're an adrenaline-junkie and are worried that a low tide will make for a less challenging trip...relax. Slower rapids will enable you to get a better view of the rich and spectacular plant, animal and birdlife along the river.

After a busy day on the river, a tasty dinner—the sort you'd expect at a good restaurant—launches another sociable evening around the campfire (normally till the early hours of the morning). And honestly, the only motivation to drag oneself away from the campfire and retire to bed is the thought of another early start and an action-packed day on the Breede.

The only time the energetic spirit of campers dimmed was when the time came for the party to start packing up for the return journey to the concrete jungle. And all they could take with them was the wonderful Breede experience—more than enough to mull over till the next great breakaway.

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