The Griqualand Express slackpacking Trail.
The Southern Berg Wonder is a 4-day all-inclusive slackpack through the luxuriant grasslands at the foothill of the Southern Drakensberg. The ever-changing scenery offers unique daily experiences on the trail. Walk through the highest vlei in South Africa, the Ntsekeni Nature Reserve well renowned for its rare bird species. Be captured by the beauty of the Rooipoort Waterfall and go back in time to Experience life in 1880.Warm hospitality provides local employment and luxurious accommodation heralds a fabulous start and finish to your 4-day adventure. With secret cave paintings, a registered birding guide and insightful stories of the past, this slackpack offers a personal touch like none other. This is a journey where you find your smile and all you’ll feel is free…
Day 1
Arrive at Ranch from 14:00pm onwards. Settle in, with drinks and snacks and an optional meander through this charming working ranch. A communal dinner will be serve in The Deli overlooking a beautiful dam and hillside country. Listen to historic stories before retiring to your luxury rooms for a good night’s sleep.
Day 2 16 km ( 6-7 hours walking time)
We Set off from Ranch to the Ntsekeni Nature Reserve border, on route you will enjoy your lunch pack in a cave with Bushman paintings. From there we hike through the highest vlei in South Africa (graded 7th RAMSA site in the world) to finish the walk at Nstekeni Community Lodge. Enjoy a quiet afternoon admiring the birds, this reserve offers a unique habitat for many highly threatened birds including the White-winged flufftail, the Short-tailed Pipit and Yellow-breasted Pipet. As luggage drop-off is not provided, be sure to pack warm, waterproof clothing for that night and the next day’s hike. The community lode is based on a per person sharing basis with communal bathroom.
Day 3 20 km ( 8 hours walking time)
From here we hike to the stunning Rooipoort Waterfall where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal clear river above. Enjoy a well-deserved brunch overlooking the waterfall before the climb up the mountain begins. This is a stiff climb, but with magnificent views over the Southern Drakensburg mountain range. That night experience old-world luxury as you bath in a steel tub of water heated by a donkey boiler! A candlelit dinner of traditional South African boerekos is the perfect ending to an energetic day. Please note: Your luggage will be delivered to Guesthouse 1880
Day 4 23 km ( 9 Hours walking time)
After a hearty breakfast we make our way through scenic countryside back to Flitwick Ranch. Enjoy a well deserved picnic lunch in the meadows surrounded by the charms of countrylife.
Dinner will be served in style in the Deli at 19:00pm and your last night spent in luxury at Ranch.
Day 5
After a hearty breakfast it is time to bid farewell for an early departure back home
Additional Information:
• We do cater for various dietary requirements.
• The daily hiking distances can easily be covered by a person with good level of fitness.
• Please make sure that all necessary chronic medicine or any other medical requirements are in your possession at all times.
• Total hiking distance covered will be +- 60km.
Price Includes: • 4 nights’ accommodation • Full catering: 4 dinners, 3 packed lunches, 4 breakfasts • A Hiking Guide for 3 days • Hiking Permits and land permissions for all hiking days
Price excludes: • Travel Insurance • Own alcoholic drinks. • Travel to and from the start destination