Seasonal beginner-grade river rafting near Beirut, with operator contact details that need confirming.
Lebanon's river sports are graded by the Lebanese Rafting Federation, and Nahr el-Kalb near its mouth is described as a beginner option close to Beirut. A Lebanon Traveler guide lists Sport Nature as a rafting operator that supplies all the necessary equipment, and an older Discover Lebanon listing gave a day trip with lunch at about USD 50 per person and the phone number +961 3 678398; both are dated, so visitors should confirm price, phone and the river location before relying on them. The best-known rafting rivers in Lebanon, the Assi at Hermel and the Awali in the south, are in areas where governments advise against travel (Baalbek-Hermel and South Governorate) and are not recommended on routine trips. Rafting is seasonal, with snowmelt in spring giving higher water. Operators should provide helmets, life jackets and a trained guide; visitors should not join a trip without those. Participants need to be able to swim. In an emergency dial 112 or 140.
| Duration | Half day |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | easy |
| Season | March-June |
| Address | Nahr el-Kalb valley near Jeita, Keserwan, Lebanon |
Activity facts
- Where
- Nahr el-Kalb valley, Keserwan
Equipment
- Helmet and life jacket (operator-supplied)
- Water shoes
- Change of clothes
Location
Nahr el-Kalb valley near Jeita, Keserwan, Lebanon
33.9547, 35.5992 View on map
Highlights
- Beginner-grade river close to Beirut
- Equipment supplied by the operator, reportedly
- Spring snowmelt season
- Federation-graded rivers
Tips for visiting
- Confirm the operator, price and river before booking.
- Do not raft without a helmet, life jacket and trained guide.
- Avoid Assi (Hermel) and Awali (south) while advice is against travel.
- Bring a change of clothes and water shoes.
- Check the water level in late summer; flows drop.
When to visit
March to June, when snowmelt raises water levels.
Accessibility
Not suitable for wheelchair users; participants need reasonable fitness and swimming ability.
Frequently asked questions
Is rafting possible near Beirut?
Beginner stretches on Nahr el-Kalb are described by Lebanese guides, but confirm with the operator.
Which rivers should be avoided?
The Assi at Hermel and the Awali in the south lie in areas advised against.
How much does a trip cost?
An older listing gave about USD 50 per person with lunch; confirm current price.
Do participants need to swim?
Yes, basic swimming ability is required.