Hike, Relax, Repeat: The Best Slackpacking in the Northern Cape
The Northern Cape is bare-bone country. It feels huge. It’s essence of solitude distilled in a landscape. It’s made for walkers who want breathe a great big sigh of relief: finally I have space and quiet and stars and a very far away horizon…and its made for walkers who want to stop and observe.
The land is rough and rugged with fascinating geology- great granite domes, kopjes made from semi-precious stones and almighty…
Hike, Relax, Repeat: The Best Slackpacking in the Northern Cape
The Northern Cape is bare-bone country. It feels huge. It’s essence of solitude distilled in a landscape. It’s made for walkers who want breathe a great big sigh of relief: finally I have space and quiet and stars and a very far away horizon…and its made for walkers who want to stop and observe.
The land is rough and rugged with fascinating geology- great granite domes, kopjes made from semi-precious stones and almighty gorges. Plants that look like they belong on an alien planet dominate. And then, of course, once a year after winter rains have woken them up, a zillion flowers burst from the arid ground.
The exact walking opportunities vary considerably, and many are remote like the Richtersveld and only suitable for the hardiest and most self-sufficient hiker. Issues like availability of water and heat become life or death considerations, so having a reliable operator to support your walking plans is crucial.
Slowly the concept of slackpacking is gaining momentum. Most of the slackpacking trails are on the West Coast where the sea breeze mitigates the Northern Cape heat. There are also lovely slackpacking routes inland designed for full flower viewing. And more in the planning…
Accommodation will be full of local flavour, warmly hosted by locals. Expect a braai and traditional boerekos and just feel at home.
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