4 Days Baviaans Camino Hiking Trail

4 Days Baviaans Camino Slackpacking Trail

Hikers must be at the Willow Historical Guesthouse in Willowmore no later than 18h, to meet the support crew over dinner.

After an early breakfast we all will be transported to Nakop.  The trail starts with a 450m climb over the first 5km, traversing the Baviaanskloof Mountains, followed by a 7km descent into the Kloof.  Overnight accommodation is 8km further on the farm Joachimskraal in an old farmhouse.  A cooked dinner is enjoyed around the fire, a well deserved treat after a challenging day!

After a nice farm breakfast you will start the hike over some farm land, before you tackle your first uphill of the day, with unimpeded views in all directions.  Soon civilization is forgotten and you start the traverse of the Kouga Mountain Range, with a view into the Klein Kommando and Tjando Kloofs.  The changeover between biomes are clearly visible, as you move from thorntrees to aloes, cycads, proteas and spekboom, plus 95 bird species have been counted on the trail.

Another two sets of uphills bring you to the last few kilometres into a kloof to get to Entkraal, where accommodation is in an outpost.  If you prefer, you can book a tent (which you will have to pitch yourself).  This venue is extremely remote, and the starry skies will be the movie for the night.

Day 3’s hike starts through the beautiful Kouenek Kortkloof, towards the Joubertskraal River, before you tackle the Kouenek to the highest point, a 8km climb with many false summits!  Then a generous and slow reintroduction back to civilization follows, as you enter the remote farming community of the Nooitgedacht area.  Accommodation for is restored cottages on the farm Mooigedacht.  At 15km this is the shortest day, giving you time to relax and recover for day 4.

The last early morning trail starts along the Ragels River, before we tackle the Moordenaarskloof - by now nothing to fear!  The last lunch stop is at the Kouga River, before we tackle the last 17km to Nguniland Guest Farm just outside Kareedouw where we braai and enjoy the starry skies for old times sake.  At 32km this is the longest day, but not the most difficult.

After breakfast, we say goodbye and start our journey back to the real world.

Shuttles between Willowmore and Kareedouw is not included in the rate.  Group sizes are 14 maximum with a support crew of 3.

Hikers must bring their own hiking gear, day backpack, hiking pole, a headlamp, towels and sleeping bags with small pillow.  Be prepared for extreme heat, severe cold or unexpected rain storms.  Make sure what you bring will fit into a Medium Size K-Way bag.  You also will receive a small bag with a plate and mug, please bring your own cutlery (read between the lines, you will have to do your own dishes!).
Cost:
R10 900 per person (2023 rate)
No single supplements are available.

* 99% of the route has no cell phone reception.
* A support vehicle will accompany all groups to ensure safety at all times.
* Breakfasts and dinners are cooked, and you will receive a lunch pack for day 1 and the other days will be enjoyed somewhere on the route.  You are welcome to add your own energy drinks/snacks (although our catering isn’t shy).
* Dates:
The hike is available between March and November each year.