Classification: Linear (shuttle service back to start)

Environment: Pristine

Accommodation: Living Waters (Luxury), Tented camp (Luxury), Sakkie (Luxury)

Facilities and safety: Good

Difficulty Rating: Moderate to difficult

Basic Trail Description:

This beautiful 2 day hiking trail is situated outside Calitzdorp in the Groenfontein Valley. The first day starts at Living Waters base camp, up the Swartberg on one of the original historical donkey routes used by the Gamkaskloof inhabitants of yesteryear. The path crosses crystal clear streams where lunch is served and a swim can be enjoyed. From Wyenek, the summit of this route, beautiful views of the Klein and Groot Karoo are enjoyed. This guided trail now takes you down the mountain to the tented camp, in the valley next to a water stream. Supper is served by the friendly guides.

Day 2 starts at the tented camp. On day two the hike down towards Gamkaskloof is more gentle than the first day including both up and downhill sections. You pass the most interesting rock formations. The trail leads down the mountain through fynbos and succulent karoo biomes, towards Elandspas road. From here you hike on gravel road down hull to the Cape Nature picnic place, where lunch is served. After lunch it is further down to the overnight Cape Nature cottages.

Day 3 starts very early after a lovely farm breakfast, where one of the guides takes you back in the air conditioned combi to Living Waters.

After a three hour drive, criss crossing the Swartberg Pass, one is sad to leave the pristine World Heritage Site.

The accommodation on Cape Nature's property is original, renovated and very clean historical cottages.

Download the brochure for this trail (PDF, 1.5 MB)

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Trail Information