Buffelsrivier Hiking Trail – 10-Day Wilderness Trek in the Moordenaarskaroo

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the rugged beauty of the Moordenaarskaroo with the 10-day Buffelsrivier Hiking Trail. This fully supported slackpacking hike takes you deep into one of South Africa’s most enigmatic wilderness areas, combining rich geology, cultural history, and breathtaking views.

The trail begins at Bloukrans Klein-Bewarea farm, where hikers settle into camp before setting off. Over the next eight days of walking, expect distances of around 20km per day, each revealing a new facet of this stark but beautiful landscape.

Highlights include hiking along the Buffelsrivier riverbed, where towering sandstone and mudstone cliffs reveal rock paintings and historic ruins. You’ll trace the course of the Meintjiesplaas River, infamous for its role in the devastating Laingsburg flood of 1981, and journey along the remote gravel roads of the Moordenaarskaroo itself. As the route ascends towards the Klein Roggeveld, a shift in vegetation welcomes bursts of spring wildflowers.

One of the most dramatic days is the climb into the Komsberg mountains via the kloof of Besemgoedgat, reaching 1712m with panoramic views stretching to SALT, the Cederberg, and the Karoo towns beyond. Each night, hikers are welcomed at prepared campsites, some with hot showers and flush toilets, while gear and supplies are transported to each overnight spot—leaving you to hike with just a daypack.

With over a week immersed in wild, open spaces, hikers will encounter diverse flora, the possibility of wildlife sightings, and the silence that makes the Karoo so unforgettable.

For those seeking a true test of endurance and a rare chance to experience South Africa’s remote interior, the Buffelsrivier Hiking Trail delivers a journey you’ll never forget.