The majestic Baviaanskloof Mountains and Wilderness Reserve is begging to be traversed by foot, however, the selected north-south route of the Baviaans Camino lends itself for novice horse riders to accompany hikers. Hikers and riders are supported in this remote wilderness area by a support vehicle, the trail is catered, and overnight accommodation in old farm houses.
The trail starts in Baviaans Region, part of the Karoo, from where hikers and horses cross the Baviaanskloof Mountain to get into the Baviaanskloof, and continue to traverse most of the Kouga Mountain Range towards the coast. The trail is 93km long (give or take) over 6 days and 5 nights (arrival and departure days included, giving you four full days of hiking).
Hikers and riders meet in Willowmore on arrival day, with dinner and overnight accommodation in the Willow Historical Guest House. Staying together ensures an early start, and the group will be transported to the foot of the mountain straight after breakfast.
The trail ends in the outskirts of Kareedouw, so you can either arrange transport back to Willowmore after breakfast on departure day, or leave your vehicle in Kareedouw and arrange for transport to Willowmore on arrival day.
Our dates for 2020 are:
and for 2021:
Group size:
Route
The Baviaans Camino is a journey of 93km (give or take) over 4 days, traversing the Baviaanskloof Mountains and Kouga Mountain Range by foot or on horseback.
Hikers and riders meet in Willowmore on arrival day, where we all stay in the Willow Historical Guest House. This gives us time to get to know each other and be ready for an early morning start. Route briefing is over dinner.
Day 1 Nakop to Doringkloof, 18km
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 400m, to get to the highest point at the Telkom Tower with an unimpeded view over the Karoo to the north, and the Baviaanskloof to the south. After you have walked through shoulder high fynbos, a 7km rocky road leads down to the main road of the Kloof, and eventually to the overnight point at Doringkloof Farm where you stay in a farm house.
Day 2 Doringkloof to Modderhuisie, 24km
On the second day you tackle the southern 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 two rooms with bunk beds. We all will have to assist to make ourselves comfortable.
Day 3 Modderhuisie to Nooitgedacht, 23km
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 the Nooitgedacht Farming Community, allowing for a soft introduction back into civilization as you stay in an old farm house on a working farm.
Day 4 Nooitgedacht to Nguniland, 30km
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 swimming (weather and time permitting). What comes down must go up – from here you continue on the road towards Kareedouw, but will venture off, using the old Mail Trail to the outskirts of the town (which includes three last climbs). Although this is the longest day of the Camino, it is not the most difficult. Accommodation is in self catering units at Nguniland with a final braai under a starry sky.
Accommodation
We stay in old and very basic farm houses, and only shared accommodation is available. In true Camino spirit you must be willing to share rooms and bathrooms. You will need a sleeping bag for two of the nights. All food and lunch packs are provided, and hikers will be required to assist with making fire etc from time to time. You will have to carry a lunch pack and enough water during the day.
Rates
The 93km route is split over 4 days, between suitable overnight points. Everything we need for the four days must be taken into the area, hence the need of a support vehicle.
Communication in the Baviaans Wilderness is basically non-existent (and absolute bliss) with extremely limited cell phone reception. We have a satellite phone for emergencies.
We transport your luggage, plus firewood, water, food, tents, sleeping bags and more.
These are all the elements we need to really “get away from it all” for a few days, but adds to the costs.
You will also be accompanied by Hercules and Anieka on horseback, with Eric and one more person in the vehicle.
In order to make it as cost effective as possible we require a group size of 14.
Photos in the slideshow: Peter De Wet
The trail starts in Baviaans Region, part of the Karoo, from where hikers and horses cross the Baviaanskloof Mountain to get into the Baviaanskloof, and continue to traverse most of the Kouga Mountain Range towards the coast. The trail is 93km long (give or take) over 6 days and 5 nights (arrival and departure days included, giving you four full days of hiking).
Hikers and riders meet in Willowmore on arrival day, with dinner and overnight accommodation in the Willow Historical Guest House. Staying together ensures an early start, and the group will be transported to the foot of the mountain straight after breakfast.
The trail ends in the outskirts of Kareedouw, so you can either arrange transport back to Willowmore after breakfast on departure day, or leave your vehicle in Kareedouw and arrange for transport to Willowmore on arrival day.
Our dates for 2020 are:
- 17 – 22 August
- 14 – 19 September
- 12 – 17 October
- 2 – 7 November
and for 2021:
- 8 – 13 March
- 12 – 17 April
- 3 – 8 May
- 31 May – 5 June
- 28 June – 3 July
- 18 – 24 July
- 16 – 21 August
- 13 – 18 September
- 11 – 16 October
- 8 – 13 November
Group size:
- 14 (of which 6 can be on horseback).
- 50% deposit will confirm your booking, and the remainder of the deposit is payable 6 weeks prior to your hike.
- We can also assist with additional accommodation before or after the hike as well as with shuttle transfers.
Route
The Baviaans Camino is a journey of 93km (give or take) over 4 days, traversing the Baviaanskloof Mountains and Kouga Mountain Range by foot or on horseback.
Hikers and riders meet in Willowmore on arrival day, where we all stay in the Willow Historical Guest House. This gives us time to get to know each other and be ready for an early morning start. Route briefing is over dinner.
Day 1 Nakop to Doringkloof, 18km
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 400m, to get to the highest point at the Telkom Tower with an unimpeded view over the Karoo to the north, and the Baviaanskloof to the south. After you have walked through shoulder high fynbos, a 7km rocky road leads down to the main road of the Kloof, and eventually to the overnight point at Doringkloof Farm where you stay in a farm house.
Day 2 Doringkloof to Modderhuisie, 24km
On the second day you tackle the southern 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 two rooms with bunk beds. We all will have to assist to make ourselves comfortable.
Day 3 Modderhuisie to Nooitgedacht, 23km
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 the Nooitgedacht Farming Community, allowing for a soft introduction back into civilization as you stay in an old farm house on a working farm.
Day 4 Nooitgedacht to Nguniland, 30km
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 swimming (weather and time permitting). What comes down must go up – from here you continue on the road towards Kareedouw, but will venture off, using the old Mail Trail to the outskirts of the town (which includes three last climbs). Although this is the longest day of the Camino, it is not the most difficult. Accommodation is in self catering units at Nguniland with a final braai under a starry sky.
Accommodation
We stay in old and very basic farm houses, and only shared accommodation is available. In true Camino spirit you must be willing to share rooms and bathrooms. You will need a sleeping bag for two of the nights. All food and lunch packs are provided, and hikers will be required to assist with making fire etc from time to time. You will have to carry a lunch pack and enough water during the day.
Rates
- The cost is R7 200 per person plus R4 000 if you want to do it on horse.
The 93km route is split over 4 days, between suitable overnight points. Everything we need for the four days must be taken into the area, hence the need of a support vehicle.
Communication in the Baviaans Wilderness is basically non-existent (and absolute bliss) with extremely limited cell phone reception. We have a satellite phone for emergencies.
We transport your luggage, plus firewood, water, food, tents, sleeping bags and more.
These are all the elements we need to really “get away from it all” for a few days, but adds to the costs.
You will also be accompanied by Hercules and Anieka on horseback, with Eric and one more person in the vehicle.
In order to make it as cost effective as possible we require a group size of 14.
Photos in the slideshow: Peter De Wet
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