I’ll add in here three people holding each other’s shoulders facing each other is a much more sturdy way to cross a river. Sort of walking in a rotation manner
On your own use a pole of sturdy stick for support so you always have two points of contact with every step.
If (BIG IF) you have to cross then loop a rope to the bank and cross with both ends, once you’re safe release one end and pull across. Or in a group one “swim” across with a rope and tie off at the far side.
KWay made a great Red survival blanket that everything fits into and then seals with a cable tie to float gear across. It’s kinda heavy but really useful
I’d rather have my gear inside drybags inside my rucksack with my rucksack getting wet than go for an all in one approach and risk getting everything soaked if the black bag or survival blanket fails.
Personally my sleeping bag always gets it’s own dry bag - if all else fails and gets wet; that I want dry!
There are different strengths of ziploc bags and different locking mechanisms remember to put some desiccant in there to absorb moisture if using it for electronics (a couple of tubes of dry pasta works in a pinch too)
Another tip use your sleeping mattress as a lilo…
Understand “how” to cross a river so you are crossing at an angle walking along the shallowest cross section before or after a bend.
Fast water = shallow
Slow water = deep
Generally the outer bank on a bend will be deep and the inner bend shallow, if you’re walking from inner outwards it’s going to get more difficult. If you’re floating it’s easier to “swim” from inner to outer than the other way around.
Be aware if what’s underfoot and likely to move round rocks crocks logs etc.
Swolen waters can be identified by muddy consistency and these can hide full sized sunken logs always be prepared to loose your footing and fall in rather than be taken out at the knees with your foot jammed.
All a bit overkill for tsitsikama but good to know.
Also good to know….