Baviaans Camino Hiking Trail

Our motto: Hike more, worry less…

About

The Baviaans Camino Hiking Trail is situated un the majestic Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve is begging to be traversed by foot, however, the selected north-south route for the Baviaans Camino Hiking Trail lends itself for novice horse riders to accompany hikers. Hikers and riders are supported in this remote wilderness area by two vehicles, and overnight accommodation is in farm houses and/or tents.

The trail starts in the Klein Karoo, from where hikers and horses traverse the Baviaanskloof Mountain Range into the Baviaanskloof, and continues to traverse most of the Kouga Mountain Range towards the coast. The trail is 75km long over 4 days and 5 nights.

Hikers and riders meet in Steytlerville where all will stay together to ensure an early start. You will be transported to the foot of the mountain.

You can either arrange transport back to Steytlerville after the hike, or leave your vehicle in Kareedouw and arrange for transport to Steytlerville before the hike.

Trails

The Baviaans Camino is a journey of 75km over 4 days, traversing the Baviaanskloof Mountains and Kouga Mountain Range by foot or on horseback.

Hikers must be in Steytlerville the day before the start of the Camino, where we all will stay together in a local accommodation establishment. This gives us time to familiarize ourselves with the area, the route, the horses and one another.

Day 1: Nakop to Doringkloo 17km

The route starts on the outer edge of the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve, at the foot of the Baviaanskloof Mountain, in an area known as Nakop. Hikers immediately tackle a climb of almost 4km, with an elevation of 1 208m at the highest point, with an unimpeded view over the Karoo to the north, and the Baviaanskloof to the south. After you have walked through shoulder height fynbos, a 7km rocky road leads down to the main road of the Kloof, and eventually to the overnight point at Doringkloof Bush Camp where you stay either in a farm house or a tent.

Day 2: Doringkloof to Modderhuisie 25km

On the second day you tackle the opposite side of the Baviaanskloof, again with high climbs and long descents, traversing the Kouga Mountain Range. The chance of seeing another human is almost impossible, which gives hikers the chance to become one with nature. The Baviaanskloof is home to 7 of our 9 biomes, which are clearly visible as you hike – karoo thicket and spekboom, aloes, cycads, fynbos and proteas. Accommodation for this night is the most basic and in tents. We all will have to assist to make ourselves comfortable.

Day 3: Modderhuisie to Ragels River 24km

The hike starts on old roads through many kloofs, giving birders ample joy, before another long climb takes you to the top of one of the highest hills of the Kouga mountain range. A long descent takes you to a remote farm, allowing for a soft introduction back into civilization as you stay in a farmhouse (or in a tent), on a working farm, also home to a beneficiary of this hike, the Nooitgedacht Primary School.

Day 4: Nooitgedacht to Kouga River 9km

The Moordenaarskloof Mountain Pass gives hikers the last chance to enjoy the spectacular scenery, typical of the Baviaans. A descent leads to the Kouga River, where the welcome tranquil waters await and time can be spent kayaking. Accommodation again is tented.

Accommodation

One/two nights in farmhouses (limited availability), two/three nights tented (on first come first serve basis). All food and lunch packs are provided, and hikers will be required to assist from time to time. You will have to bring your own sleeping bag for the tented nights and carry a lunch pack and enough water during the day.

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Price Available On Request

Contact 082 663 6168 or 064 523 1807
Email info@ecotrail.co.za

Disclaimer

All information adapted with permission of owner

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