Into the wilderness

HIKING DESTINATIONS
Garden Route	Little Karoo
Boland	Overberg
West Coast	Breede River
Cape Nature Reserves Hiking Map
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GARDEN ROUTE

BOOSMANSBOS WILDERNESS AREA

23km northwest of Heidelberg

Special Interests: Indigenous forest, wilderness area, fynbos, birds Prohibitions and hazards: No pets, fires, flower picking, firearms or fishing Trail Options: 14km, 13km or 12km As a wilderness area, paths are unmarked. Hikers are not compelled to follow these paths. Tariff: Entrance: R20 for adults, R10 for students, scholars & pensioners Hiking per day: R18 Bookings: Tel: (028) 722-2412 Fax: (028) 722-2838 e-mail: gvbosch@telkomsa.net

SWELLENDAM HIKING TRAIL

Marloth Nature Reserve

Special Interests: Small animals, mountain fynbos, patches of afromontane forest, birds Prohibitions and hazards: This trail is fairly demanding and should only be attempted by fit, competent and well-equipped hikers. Fires are only permitted at demarcated sites at Glen stream and Wolfkloof huts due to the high risk of veld fires and the scarcity of trips. Be aware that trips should be well planned in advance as hikers are not permitted to leave the trail at any stage due to private property and the possibility of getting lost. Trail Distance: Shorter routes are also possible Day 1: 15km 4-5 hours Day 2: 10km 4 hours Day 3: 10km 4 hours Day 4: 13km 4-5 hours Day 5: 21km 8-9 hours Day 6: 10m 4 hours Huts: Accommodation is available at each overnight stop. Huts are equipped with mattresses, primitive toilets and drinking water. Tariff: Entrance fee: R14 for adults, R7 for children, students & pensioners Hiking per day: Adults R41; Children/Students R21 Bookings: Tel: (028) 514-1410 Fax: (028) 514-1488 e-mail: marloth@cnc.org.za

TIERKOP TRAIL, GEORGE

Outeniqua

Special Interests: Fynbos, plantations, views of George Prohibitions and hazards: No fires allowed Trail Distance: 30km over 2 days Hut Capacity: 4 rooms, 6 beds each Tariff: R26/day + entrance fee (R14 for adults, R7 for children over 6, pensioners & students) Bookings: Tel: (044) 870-8321 Fax: (044) 870-7138 e-mail: outenr@mweb.co.za

PERDEKOP TRAIL, GEORGE

Outeniqua

Special Interests: 4x4 trail, fynbos, birds Trail Distance: 35km over 2 days 40km over 3 days Tariff: R26/day + entrance fee (R14 for , R7 for children over 6, pensioners & students) Bookings: Tel: (044) 870-8321 Fax: (044) 870-7138 e-mail: outenr@mweb.co.za

For day hikes in the Garden Route, Click here.

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LITTLE KAROO

SWARTBERG HIKING TRAIL

Oudtshoorn - 20km

Special Interests: Fynbos, scenery, snow in winter, birds Prohibitions and hazards: no dogs or fires Trail Distance: Day 1: 12km Day 2: 13km Day 3: 14km Day 4: 13km Day 5: 9km Accommodation: 3 huts, maximum 18 people Tariff: R26/day + entrance fee Bookings: Tel: (044) 279-1739 Fax: (044) 272-8110 e-mail: sberg.cnc.karoo@pixie.co.za

OUKRAAL HIKING TRAIL, GAMKA MOUNTAIN

Oudtshoorn - 33km south-west; Calitzdorp - 32km south-east

Special Interests: Mountain fynbos, arid fynbos, succulent karoo, riverine vegetation, golden mimetes, Cape mountain zebra, leopard, honey badger, buck species, 4x4 routes, views of the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountain ranges Prohibitions and hazards: Use biodegradable cleaning materials and take your refuse with you. Only make fires at demarcated areas. Trail Distance: 23.5km Day 1: 12.5km Day 2: 11km Accommodation: Tents can be pitched at Oukraal, which also has a primitive stone shelter, veld toilet and hearth. Tariff: R26/day + entrance fee Bookings: Tel: (044) 213-3367 Fax: (044) 213-3367 e-mail: gamkanr@mweb.co.za

VERLORENSHOEK TRAIL, TOWERKOP

Ladismith - 50km NE; Zoar - 25km N

Special Interests: Birding, fynbos vegetation, waterfall at turn of trail on day two. Prohibitions and hazards: No pets; very hot during December to February; water only at turning point and at end of hike Trail Distance: 15.6km Day 1: 10.2km Day 2: 5.4km Accommodation: Two huts, each with six beds (no bedding) Tariff: R26/day + entrance fee Bookings: Tel: (028) 551-1077 Fax: (028) 551-2601 e-mail: tkopnr@mweb.co.za

BESEMFONTEIN TRAIL, TOWERKOP

Ladismith - 50km NE; Zoar - 25km N

Special Interests: Gamkapoortdam (20km) with fishing, mountain biking, waterfall at turning point of second day, 4x4 unofficial trail up mountain, birds, fynbos, view of Gamkaskloof (The Hell) Prohibitions and hazards: Day 1 requires medium fitness; no pets; carry water for first day and overnight; second day has water; very hot over December and January Trail Distance: 38.1km The trail is made up of two trails (Verlorenhoek and Klipkraal) which can be done as two seperate day hikes or a two-day hike. Day 1: 15.6km; Day 2: 22.5km Hut Capacity: Two huts, each with six beds (no bedding) Bookings: Tel: (028) 551-1077 Fax: (028) 551-2601 e-mail: tkopnr@mweb.co.za

For day hikes in the Little Karoo, Click here.

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BOLAND

LIMIETBERG HIKING TRAIL, PAARL

Limietberg Nature Reserve

Special Interests: River pools ideal for swimming, including the Junction pool, spectacular views, fynbos Prohibitions and hazards: No pets or fires, hikers may carry small stoves, very hot in summer, carry water in summer, reasonable fitness Trail Distance: 36km Day 1: 19km Day 2: 17km Hut Capacity: 24 people (maximum 12 per group) Tariff: R52 for adults, R26 for children Bookings: Tel: (021) 945-4570 Fax: (021) 945-3456 e-mail: lmberg@cncjnk.wcape.gov.za

HIGHLANDS OVERNIGHT TRAIL, KOGELBERG

Kleinmond - 25km

Special Interests: Diverse fynbos, scenery, Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, coastline, Bot River Vlei, beach, birding, swimming near Kleinmond Prohibitions and hazards: Moderate and long walk. No dogs, fires, firearms or flower picking. Trail Distance: Day 1: 16km (6-7 hours) Day 2: 21km (8 hours) Tariff: R29 for adults, R15 for children, students & pensioners Bookings: Tel: (028) 271-5138 Fax: (028) 272-9425 e-mail: kogelbrg@mweb.co.za

BOLAND HIKING TRAIL, HOTTENTOTS HOLLAND

Grabouw

Special Interests: The Hottentots Holland section of the Boland Hiking Trail traverses the reserve. It has two overnight sites, each with two huts, and various routes of one to three days, covering distances of between 5km and 50km. The terrain is rugged and mountainous, with 1300 mountain fynbos species and 110 bird species. Prohibitions and hazards: Hikers should be fit, experienced and well-equipped for extreme weather. Due to severe weather and flooded rivers all hiking routes are closed from June to July. Fires and braais are forbidden except at demarcated sites. Trail Options: Nuweberg to Landdroskop Hut - 12km (3-4 hours) Nuweberg to Boesmanskloof Hut - 14km (2-3 hours) Nuweberg to Boesmanskloof Hut (longer) - 18.1km (4 hours) Boesmanskloof to Landdroskop Hut - 17.5km (5-6 hours) Hut Capacity: Each overnight stop has two huts. Each hut sleeps 24 people. Huts are provided with bunks, mattresses and water Tariff: R52 for adults for 1 night, R93 for 2 nights Children & students: R26 for 1 night, R47 for two nights Bookings: Tel: (028) 840-4826 Fax: (028) 840-4457 e-mail: shonep@hottentotsholland.co.za

STOKOE'S PASS ROUTE, HOTTENTOTS HOLLAND

Grabouw

Special Interests: The terrain is rugged and mountainous, with 1300 mountain fynbos species and 110 bird species. Prohibitions and hazards: Only adviced for experienced hikers. Hikers should be experienced and well-equipped for extreme weather. Due to severe weather and flooded rivers all hiking routes are closed from July to July. Fires and braais are forbidden except at demarcated sites. Trail Distance: Day 1: Nuweberg to Landdroskop/Shamrock 17km Day 1: To Nuweberg 8km Hut Capacity: The overnight stop has two huts. Each hut sleeps 24 people. Huts are provided with bunks, mattresses and water. Tariff: R52 for adults for 1 night, R93 for 2 nights Children & students: R26 for 1 night, R47 for 2 nights Bookings: Tel: (028) 840-4826 Fax: (028) 840-4457 e-mail: shonep@hottentotsholland.co.za

NUWEBERG ROUTE, HOTTENTOTS HOLLAND

Grabouw

Special Interests: The terrain is rugged and mountainous, with 1300 mountain fynbos species and 110 bird species. Prohibitions and hazards: Hikers should be experienced and well-equipped for extreme weather. Due to severe weather and flooded rivers all hiking routes are closed from July to July. Fires and braais are forbidden except at demarcated sites. Trail Distance: Day 1: Nuweberg to Landdroskop 12km Day 2: Landdroskop to Boesmanskloof 17.6km Day 3: Boesmanskloof to Nuweberg 14km Hut Capacity: The overnight stop has two huts. Each hut sleeps 24 people. Huts are provided with bunks, mattresses and water. Tariff: R52 for adults for 1 night, R93 for 2 nights Children & students: R26 for 1 night, R47 for 2 nights Bookings: Tel: (028) 840-4826 Fax: (028) 840-4457 e-mail: shonep@hottentotsholland.co.za

SPHINX ROUTE, HOTTENTOTS HOLLAND

Grabouw

Special Interests: The terrain is rugged and mountainous, with 1300 mountain fynbos species and 110 bird species. Prohibitions and hazards: Only adviced for experienced hikers. Hikers should be experienced and well-equipped for extreme weather. Due to severe weather and flooded rivers all hiking routes are closed from July to July. Fires and braais are forbidden except at demarcated sites. Trail Options: Day 1: Nuweberg to Landdroskop/Shamrock 12km Day 1: To Nuweberg 8km Hut Capacity: The overnight stop has two huts. Each hut sleeps 24 people. Huts are provided with bunks, mattresses and water. Tariff: R52 for adults for 1 night, R93 for 2 nights Children & students: R26 for 1 night, R47 for 2 nights Bookings: Tel: (028) 840-4826 Fax: (028) 840-4457 e-mail: shonep@hottentotsholland.co.za

BOESMANSKLOOF/ORCHARD ROUTE, HOTTENTOTS HOLLAND

Grabouw

Special Interests: The terrain is rugged and mountainous, with 1300 mountain fynbos species and 110 bird species. Prohibitions and hazards: Only adviced for experienced hikers. Hikers should be experienced and well-equipped for extreme weather. Due to severe weather and flooded rivers all hiking routes are closed from July to July. Fires and braais are forbidden except at demarcated sites. Trail Options: Day 1: Boesmanskloof Route: Nuweberg to Boesmanskloof/Aloe Ridge 17.6km Day 2: Orchard Route - Boesmanskloof to Nuweberg 14km Hut Capacity: The overnight stop has two huts. Each hut sleeps 24 people. Huts are provided with bunks, mattresses and water. Tariff: R52 for adults for 1 night, R93 for 2 nights Children & students: R26 for 1 night, R47 for 2 nights Bookings: Tel: (028) 840-4826 Fax: (028) 840-4457 e-mail: shonep@hottentotsholland.co.za

For day hikes in the Boland, Click here.

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OVERBERG

DE HOOP COASTAL TRAIL

53km east of Bredasdorp

Special Interests: The hike begins at Koppie Alleen. Walk either on the beach or explore the rocky shores. Rock pools, limestone outcrops, dunes, swimming and snorkeling in rock pools Prohibitions and hazards: No dogs, weapons or fishing equipment; best at low tide Accommodation: Tent sites and cottages available on the reserve Tariff: Entrance: R12 for adults, R6 for children Bookings: Tel: (028) 542-1126 Fax: (028) 542-1247 E-mail: dehoopcnc@brd.dorea.co.za

POTBERG TRAIL, DE HOOP NATURE RESERVE

53km east of Bredasdorp

Special Interests: The hike follows the Potberg mountains, with views of the Breede River valley, mountain fynbos and the Cape vulture colony. Prohibitions and hazards: No dogs or firearms Trail Distance: 10km (4 hours) Accommodation: Tent sites and cottages available on the reserve Tariff: Entrance: R12 for adults and R6 for children Bookings: Tel: (028) 542-1126 Fax: (028) 542-1247 E-mail: dehoopcnc@brd.dorea.co.za

DE HOOP VLEI TRAIL, DE HOOP NATURE RESERVE

53km east of Bredasdorp

Special Interests: Hike to De Hoop for the full 15km, or cut the walk short by circling back on two jeep tracks. Views of the De Hoop vlei, bird watching, lowland fynbos and rare antelope awaits you. Prohibitions and hazards: No dogs, firearms or fishing equipment Trail Distance: Trail is 15km. Three variations - Grebe (3 hours), Heron (2 hours) and Coot Trail (1 hour) Accommodation: Tent sites and cottages available on the reserve Tariff: Entrance: R12 for adults, R6 for children Bookings: Tel: (028) 542-1126 Fax: (028) 542-1247 E-mail: dehoopcnc@brd.dorea.co.za

DE HOOP KLIPSPRINGER TRAIL, DE HOOP NATURE RESERVE

53km east of Bredasdorp

Special Interests: Hike in the Potberg mountains, with views of the Breede River valley, the Cape vulture colony and mountain fynbos. Prohibitions and hazards: No dogs or firearms Trail Distance: 6km (2 hours) Accommodation: Tent sites and cottages available on the reserve Tariff: Entrance: R12 for adults, R6 for children Bookings: Tel: (028) 542-1126 Fax: (028) 542-1247 E-mail: dehoopcnc@brd.dorea.co.za

STERNA HIKING TRAIL, DE MOND GAME RESERVE

26km south-east of Bredasdorp, near Arniston

Special Interests: The trail traverses riverine vegetation, dune forest and stabilised dunes before following the coast to the Heuningnes River mouth and saltmarshes. Prohibitions and hazards: Vehicles are allowed only as far as the parking area. Do not disturb nesting birds. Keep to specified paths to avoid trampling vegetation. Trail Distance: 7km Tariff: Entrance: R12 for adults, R6 for children Bookings: Tel: (028) 542-1126 Fax: (028) 542-1247 E-mail: dehoopcnc@brd.dorea.co.za

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WEST COAST

CEDERBERG WILDERNESS AREA

Clanwilliam 30km

Special Interests: Wilderness area, vegetation, rock formations, rock art Prohibitions and hazards: No dogs, fires, weapons or litter Trail Distance: As this is a wilderness area of 75 000ha, there is no specified trails Hut Capacity: Huts are only shelters; no beds. Accommodation available at campsite Tariff: R18 per day + R18 entry fee for adults, R9 per day + R9 entry fee for children Bookings: Tel: (027) 482-2812 Fax: (027) 482-2406

GROOTWINTERHOEK WILDERNESS AREA

33km beyond Porterville

Special Interests: Wilderness area, mountain fynbos, disas, ericas, bird watching, rock formations, rock art Prohibitions and hazards: Open fires are not allowed because of the high risk of veld fires. The only site where fires may be made is at the overnight huts at De Tronk. Limited firewood is supplied. Firewood may not be collected in the veld. No toilet facilities are provided, except at De Tronk. Hikers are requested to carry a small spade for this purpose. Please do not use soap or shampoo in the rivers or streams. Trail Distance: Various day and overnight hikes (noted below) of differing lenghts and with wonderful swimming pools traverse the area. As it is a wilderness area, hikers are not compelled to stay on the route, and may explore the rock formations and caves along the trails. Accommodation: There are primitive shelters at Perdevlei and simple huts at De Tronk. Hikers may use these, or choose to overnight anywhere in the veld. Firearms or pets ar not allowed. Tariff: R20 per day + R20 entry fee for adults, R10 per day + R10 entry fee for children Bookings: Tel: (022) 931-2900 Fax: (022) 931-2913

GROOT WINTERHOEK WILDERNESS AREA - PARKING AREA TO DE TRONK

Distance: 13km (3 hours) Difficulty: Easy Description: The route leads from the parking area along the Kliphuis River to the low-water bridge. It then follows the Jeep track to De Tronk. Water is plentiful and it is not necessary to carry water. There are numerous swimming pools and beautiful patches of ericas on route. Prohibitions and hazards: In the winter, the Groot Kliphuis River is difficult and dangerous to cross.

GROOT WINTERHOEK WILDERNESS AREA - PARKING AREA TO DE TRONK VIA JEEP TRACK

Distance: 14km (3,5 hours) Difficulty: Fairly easy Description: The vegetation along the way is very attractive, with tolbos (Leucadendron salignum), Brunia nodiflora, and various erica species including Erica inflata and Erica mammosa. Exceptionally large waboom trees (Protea nitida) occur here. Prohibitions and hazards: Water is not available for the first 11km, until Weltevrede. Hikers should rather not walk back from De Tronk as this is very tiring, particularly without water.

GROOT WINTERHOEK WILDERNESS AREA - PARKING AREA TO GROOT KLIPHUIS VIA THE JEEP TRACK

Distance: 14km (3 hours) Difficulty: Fairly easy Description: This route crosses the Kliphuis River and winds through interesting rock formations until reaching the Jeep track which leads to Kliphuis. From here the route follows the Jeep track through the rock formations to Groot Kliphuis. Prohibitions and hazards: Water is plentiful in winter, but should be carried in the warmer months. The streams on route can be difficult to cross in winter.

GROOT WINTERHOEK WILDERNESS AREA - DE TRONK TO DIE HEL

Distance: 5km (1,5 hours) Difficulty: Fairly demanding Description: Upon leaving the old farm, the path leads south under some oak trees and over a small footbridge towards Die Hel. The route is easy until just above the gorge and swimming pool. The descend into the gorge is very steep, difficult and dangerous. There is an overhang with rock art on the left of the footpath as it begins to drop very steeply. The pool is very deep and one of the largest in the Western Cape mountains. Prohibitions and hazards: Only competent swimmers should attempt the pool. Hikers are not allowed to overnight at the pool or overhang. Fires are not permitted at the pool or overhang. The rock art in the overhang may not be damaged. The route and area around the pool is dangerous, particularly for children and elderly people. The caves around the pool are entered at own risk, as they may harbour diseases.

GROOT WINTERHOEK WILDERNESS AREA - DIE HEL TO DE HOEK

Distance: 2-day kloofing route Difficulty: Demanding Description: This demanding route is for true adventurers. It has no footpath, and the route follows the river, with sections through the water. Hikers may also walk along the edge of the ravine. Prohibitions and hazards: In both cases hikers must obtain permission from the landowner at De Hoek, before entering the private property. The route can only be done from Die Hel to De Hoek and not the other way. A vehicle should be left at De Hoek. The route is dangerous in winter, with rivers that can be flooded.

For day hikes in the West Coast, Click here.

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BREEDE RIVER

BOESMANSKLOOF TRAIL, VROLIJKHEID NATURE RESERVE

Greyton - McGregor

Special Interests: Historic pass, views, swimming pools, fynbos vegetation Prohibitions and hazards: No dogs or fires, very warm in summer, possible snow in winter Trail Distance: Day 1: 14km Day 2: 14km Hut Capacity: Private accommodation Tariff: R31 per day for adults, R25 per day for children, pensioners & students Bookings: Tel: (023) 625-1621 Fax: (023) 625-1674 e-mail: vrolijkheid@cnc.org.za

GENADENDAL HIKING TRAIL, VROLIJKHEID NATURE RESERVE

Between Genadendal and Robertson

Special Interests: Beautiful views, swimming pools, fynbos vegetation Prohibitions and hazards: No dogs or fires, very warm in summer, possible snow in winter Trail Distance: 25.3km Day 1: 14.3km Day 2: 11km Hut Capacity: Private accommodation Tariff: R31 per day for adults, R25 per day for children, pensioners & students Bookings: Tel: (023) 625-1621 Fax: (023) 625-1674 e-mail: vrolijkheid@cnc.org.za

For day hikes in the Breede River, Click here.

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Information supplied by Cape Nature Conservation