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Kayaking or canoeing
Are you looking for a day of fun in one of our kayaks? Enjoy the magnificent views of the valley of the river Meuse together with your company. Each in their own boat or all together? Your choice! You can kayak alone, in pairs or in threes. Our canoes can hold three to four people.
Rafting
Rafting is a relaxing kind of recreation during which you sail down a river with a group, also at high water. Experience a day with lots of fun and team spirit in our rafts, which can seat 6 to 15 people at the same time. Rafting is perfect for team building, but also for groups of friends, youth groups, schools or families. Experience the atmosphere and have an amazing day in our rafts. By the way, rafting together can be done all year round!

The routes

8 km

Enjoy in a (large) group

This beautiful route is only available on request for groups of more than 20 people (team buildings, schools, ...). Sailing the 8 km takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

13 km

Enjoy the untouched nature

Our most beautiful route for the recreational kayaker. Discover nature and relax on the water. Accessible daily, reservation is required. You sail from Smeermaas (Lanaken) to Kotem (Maasmechelen), through a beautiful piece of unspoiled nature, part of the Maasvallei River Park. While paddling you enjoy the sound of rippling water, the game of water birds, and let yourself float on the rapids: that is complete relaxation. Perhaps you will be joined by some "large grazers" the Galloways or Konik horses on the banks who enjoy a varied fauna. Optional bus transport takes you from the end point in Kotem to the departure point in Smeermaas before your departure. The bus runs at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. The route takes 2 to 3 hours depending on the water level.

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Info & FAQ

How do I prepare myself for a day of Kayak Maasland?
  • Reserve your kayak, canoe or raft in time.
  • Think about the weather conditions. Will it be hot? Will it rain?
  • Definitely take the following things with you: sunglasses, headwear, sun lotion, old shoes (no sandals!), reserve clothing, raincoat, plenty of water, some soft drinks and food.
  • A neck cord for your glasses is also a good idea!
  • Don’t take any valuable items with you on the water.
  • Clean your waste, together we keep this beautiful nature reserve clean!
  • Listen carefully to the route information at the start.
  • And last, but not least: enjoy your day.
Attention please! You can only pay in cash. If you are a bigger group, you can pay beforehand by bank transfer. Please contact us about this via email.
Is wearing a life jacket compulsory?
Yes! It is compulsory to put on the life jacket and wear it during the entire sailing trip.
What are possible times and places of departure?
Route for the season: From Smeermaas to Kotem (Maasmechelen):
  • 13 km route
  • by kayak, canoe or raft
  • start anytime between 10am and 2pm
  • Reservation required
  • Bus transport possible from Kotem (Maasmechelen) for the departure. (10am – 11am – 12pm – 1pm)
How long does a trip take and what are the distances?
Sailing down the 13 km route takes 2,5 to 5 hours. A lot depends on the water level, among other things. You can hand in your materials at the end point until 6 pm.
How to pay?
You pay in cash, preferably the exact money. You can’t pay with your card in this nature reserve. We can come to different agreements with companies and schools via email.
Can we picnic on the way?
Absolutely! You can tie up wherever you like. Do remember to take your waste with you!
How does the bus trip back work?
Daily bus transport is available. For the departure from the terminus in Kotem (Maasmechelen) to the departure point in Smeermaas (Lanaken). The buses run at fixed times: +- 9 am – 10 am – 11 am – 12 pm – 1 pm.
  • The extra costs for the bus trip are 8 € per person, children up to 12 years old = 4 € per person.
  • Small shuttle buses run on less busy days. We will notify you by email or when you log in to the endpoint.
  • Bus transportation is an optional service we offer. Those who prefer not to wait do not have to use our shuttle service and can also park their own cars at the start and end point.
On less busy days, we reserve the right to drive small vans and change the departure times.
Is the Meuse a safe river?
The Meuse is a rain-fed river. That means that the water level can rise or fall very fast.
  1. On the water, there are always risks. You can minimise those by always wearing your life jacket.
  2. Listen carefully to the safety instructions at the start of the route.
  3. Don’t take unnecessary risks on the water. For example: don’t use alcohol, don’t just jump into the water.
Sail safely! Water recreation with small boats moved by muscle power like canoeing, kayaking, rafting… on the Meuse between Lanaken/Borgharen and Kinrooi/Stevensweert is not always easy. The Meuse is a rain-fed river and its water level can change very strongly and fast. The intensity of the current also varies in different places and depends on the (varying) weather conditions. Therefore, each canoeist should take into account the changeable character of the Meuse. Don’t let it surprise you. Sail safely and anticipate unexpected situations.
What to do in case of an emergency, where do I stop, who do I call?
  • Stop at the Belgian bank (left bank) in case of an emergency. Here, we can easily reach you.
  • Call us: +32 89 71 73 90.

Location starting and end points

img Starting point Smeermaas (click here) End point Kotem (click here) img

We recommend coming to the end point, where you can easily park, and use our shuttle bus to the departure point. Simple as that !

photo
Kevin Bollen
9 km / group activity

Top organisation, beautiful route with many rapids. Best kayak letters in Belgium. #definitelyrecommended

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Frank Damen
21 km / group activity

Have kayaked here many times and will kayak here many more times. Every time, I enjoy a relaxing and carefree day on the beautiful Meuse.

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Henny Stans
9 km / group activity

Have been on many fun kayaking trips through the beautiful Maasland. We received a very clear briefing, there were life jackets in all sizes… Highly recommended for a day of water fun.

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Yolanda Muermans
9 km / group activity

Superfijne dag gehad! Proficiat voor de jongens aan de start en aankomst. Super behulpzaam, dankjewel. Dit doen we zeker nog eens over. Bij de aankomst in Stokkem smaken de frietjes als nergens anders. Dit was een fijne afsluiter!

Pricing

Kayaking or canoeing

from 25 pp
  • Kayak 1 person: € 27 pp
  • Kayak 2 people: € 25 pp
  • Child (0 to 12 years old): € 16 pp
  • Canoe 3 people: € 25 pp
  • Child (0 to 12 years old): € 16 pp
  • With 2 people in a three-person canoe: € 27,5 pp
  • Kano 4 personen: € 25 pp
  • Kind (0 t.e.m 12 j): € 16 pp
  • Met 3 in een vierpersoonskano: € 27,5 pp

Rafting

from 25 pp
  • Rafting with 4-5 people: € 130 per raft
  • Rafting with 6+ people: € 25 pp
  • Special rates for children and youths
Always included: life jackets (adults and children from 3 years old), and very light kayak paddles.
Drybags (waterproof bags can be purchased at the route departure point): Medium (5L) = €12 / large (10L) = €15. (Photo) IT IS ALLOWED TO BRING YOUR OWN BARREL, BAG, BUCKET, DRYBAG WITH YOU!

Some photos

The weather forecast

The weather in LANAKEN