Kayaks

Kayaking on the Semois river

Rent one of our kayaks or canoes to discover the beautiful green surroundings from the water. A kayak or canoe trip on the Semois not only offers fun and adventure, but also introduces you to the rich fauna and flora that the Semois Valley National Park has to offer. You will sail through breathtaking scenery and past lush green banks, rock formations and large areas of forest.

Did you know that the Semois is home to more than thirty species of fish: carp, barbel, pike, perch, chub, trout… You name it! And there is no shortage of birds either. Look out for stately herons fishing along the banks and enjoy the colourful spectacle of kingfishers gliding elegantly over the water while ducks float alongside you. On the rocks, you can see dippers and white or large yellow wagtails hopping from rock to rock.

The European beaver can also be found in the Semois. It is not easily spotted, but the signs of its presence are unmistakable: trees, half or completely gnawed (with that typical pencil shape), wood shavings, etc. And now you know why we protect all the trees on our campsite with chicken wire!

Reservations

We combine kayak rental with our campsite.That is why we require reservations for our kayak rental service Send an email to info@campinglesochay.be stating:

your name and telephone number,
the number of people,
the desired boats,
the date of departure
and desired route

or call us on 0032 476 83 36 92.

Routes

Herbeumont – Camping Les Ochay (10.5 km / ± 2.5 hours)
Camping Les Ochay – Maka (10.5 km / ± 2.5 hours)
Camping Les Ochay – Maka – Dohan (15.3 km / ± 3.5 hours)

Departure and arrival

Departure from Camping Les Ochay to Maka or Dohan: between 10 a.m. and 12 noon.
Departure from Herbeumont to Camping Les Ochay: departure time to be agreed upon (= before 9.30 a.m. or around 12 noon).
Arrival before 4 p.m.

Rates

Free use of waterproof barrel, life jacket (compulsory for children under 12, but available for everyone) and transport to departure or arrival point.

Single kayak: 25.00 euros
Double kayak: 45.00 euros
Two-person canoe: 45.00 euros
Three-person canoe: 55.00 euros
An extra child (max. 1 metre) in a two-person kayak: 10.00 euros.
The child sits on a child seat between the legs of the person in the back.

What is the difference between a kayak and a canoe?

Canadian canoe

A Canadian canoe is completely open at the topside. This means there is plenty of room in the boat for your backpack or a larger barrel. If you want to take a big dog with you, a canoe is also the better choice. You steer a Canadian canoe with a single-bladed paddle. Compared to kayaking, canoeing requires more coordination and technique to paddle in a straight line. You also sit higher above the water surface, which means the boat rocks back and forth more quickly. A maximum of three people are allowed in a canoe.

Single kayak

The difference with a canoe is that the topside of a kayak is closed. However, it is very easy to get in and out, as our kayaks are not equipped with a splash cover. You sit on a seat with a backrest and your legs stretched out. You steer a kayak with a double paddle. Compared to a canoe, a kayak is more manoeuvrable and therefore requires less technical skill. A single kayak has only one seat. Children and dogs therefore cannot be taken along in a single kayak.

Double kayak

The double kayak is also steered with double-sided paddles and is much easier to manoeuvre than a canoe. There are two seats with backrests and at the rear there is a child seat for a smaller child (max. 1 metre) or a small to medium-sized dog (max. 20 kg) between the legs of the person in the back seat. This means that a maximum of two persons and one small child can travel in this kayak.

General conditions & recommendations for canoeing and kayaking in Wallonia.