There’s something special about drifting the Kraai. Long glides slipping between sandstone cliffs, fishing to yellowfish from a moving raft, and covering water that very few anglers ever get to see properly. These drifts have slowly become one of our favourite ways to experience the Eastern Cape Highlands — not rushed, not technical for the sake of it, just incredibly good fishing in one of the most beautiful river valleys in the country.
The Kraai is different to the small streams most people associate with the Highlands. Here, the river opens up and winds through wide valleys, deep runs, pocket water, and long riffles that seem to go on forever. Drifting it allows us to fish water that would otherwise take days to access on foot.
This is proper exploration-style fly fishing. Long days on the water, remote scenery, wild fish, and the kind of experience that stays with you long after the trip ends.
Set in the Eastern Cape Highlands near Lady Grey and Barkly East, the Kraai River flows through one of the most untouched and visually spectacular parts of the country. The river cuts through rolling farmland, sandstone gorges, and remote valleys that feel completely removed from modern life.
Our drifts cover carefully selected sections of the river that are ideally suited to raft-based fly fishing. Accessing these stretches by raft allows us to move quietly through miles of productive water while fishing continuously throughout the day.
Accommodation is tent-based.
The focus of these drifts is targeting wild Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth and Largemouth Yellowfish on fly in water that sees very little pressure throughout the season.
Most fish are caught on dry-dropper setups, although streamers and nymphs can become important depending on conditions and water levels. The beauty of drifting the Kraai is the variety — one moment you’re casting tight against grassy undercuts, the next you’re fishing deep canyon runs or technical riffles.
The fishing itself is incredibly visual and dynamic. From the raft, anglers are able to cover enormous amounts of water while still fishing carefully and methodically. It’s not uncommon to spend an entire day surrounded by nothing but river, mountains, and fish.
Fish averages generally sit comfortably in the 25–40cm range.
But these trips are about more than just the fishing. The pace of drifting changes everything. You settle into the rhythm of the river, disconnected from phones, schedules, and noise. It becomes less about rushing between spots and more about fully experiencing the place.
The Kraai fishes best from summer into autumn.
These are limited trips and availability is intentionally kept small to maintain the quality of the experience.
The following dates are available:
These trips are ideal for:
A reasonable level of mobility is recommended. The rafts allow us to comfortably access water that would otherwise be impossible to reach.
