WELCOME TO

GAMKASKLOOF TRAIL

A JOURNEY INTO DIE HEL

Overview

• Gamkaskloof trail is a 3 day, 2 night, fully catered point to point hiking trail traversing end to end through the remote and isolated Gamkaskloof Valley, otherwise known as ‘Die Hel’.

• You will experience a timeless place, wild landscapes, magnificent views and a valley steeped in rich history and mystery.

• Enjoy the hospitality of the last generation of ‘Klowers’ at Fonteinplaas. Through their life’s mission to preserve this unique heritage, Pieter and Marinette Joubert make it possible for visitors to overnight at their farm and enjoy this very unique valley.

Trail Description

• The journey begins at the meeting point in Calitzdorp where our vehicle will transport you via Seweweeks Poort Pass to the head of the trail in the Boschluyskloof Reserve.

• The hiking trail follows an old jeep track, winding eastwards. Vistas of Gamkaskloof gradually rise into view until the famous ‘Leer’ or ‘Ladder’ is reached, a spectacular and steep descent into ‘Die Hel’.

• At the bottom of the Ladder is nestled the historic Boplaas farm, with its beautifully restored historical buildings. Here you will spend your first night in ‘Die Hel’.

• This is also the start of the history tour, where Pieter will share with you the unique story of the land and its people. The history tour will guide and accompany you all the way to Fonteinplaas, where you will spend the second night enjoying original farm food and great hospitality.

• The following day, after a morning walk along the valley floor and wading through the Gamka River, Pieter Joubert will meet you with a picnic brunch. The setting is chosen for you to enjoy sweeping vistas of the Kloof while you snack on delightfully prepared and delicious food.

• On day 3 you will continue along the valley floor until you reach the foot of the Eland’s Pass which ascends via a series of switchbacks and exits the eastern head of Gamkaskloof.

• At the top of Eland’s Pass our vehicle will meet you with sparkling wine and a light lunch to celebrate your walk through ‘Die Hel’. The road trip back to Calitzdorp carries you over 37km of unspoiled wilderness and then down the world famous Swartberg Pass with spectacular views over the Klein Karoo.

OVERVIEW

TRAIL LOCATION

Swartberg, Gamkaskloof, Western Cape

NEAREST TOWNS

Calitzdorp, Ladismith and Oudtshoorn

START / END POINT

Road transport starts and ends in Calitzdorp. The hike starts at Boschluyskloof and ends at the top of Elandspass

TRAIL DURATION

3 days 2 nights

DAILY TIME AND DISTANCES

Day 1 : 17km, 5 to 6 hours (approximate)

Day 2 : 12km , about 3 hours

Day 3 : 11km, about 3 hours

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

A reasonable level of hiking fitness is required

TRAIL GRADING

Trail Grading: Easy to Moderate (The Ladder section is moderate)
The hike is mostly easy, following jeep tracks and farm roads. The Ladder involves a steep descent with loose rocks, so sure-footedness is essential. Hiking poles (or a sturdy stick) are recommended—especially for those with knee concerns.

ACCOMMODATION

1st night is spent in a historical farm and/or stone cottage at Boplaas.

2nd night in the Safari Camp or historical cottages at Fonteinplaas.

FOOD / CATERING

All food is provided, except for lunch on the first day.

WHAT TO CARRY

Clothing, toiletries and your personal items for the three days of hiking in a backpack. This is not a slackpack trail and there is no vehicle support on the trail. Carry at least 2 litres of water.

LOGISTICS / GUIDING

Trails are guided.

Unguided options and custom schedules are available on request.

Vehicle transport is provided from Calitzdorp to the start of the trail, and from the end of the trail back to Calitzdorp

HIGHLIGHTS / SEASONALITY

Hiking is best during the spring and autumn months. Trails may not be operating during December, January and February if forecast temperatures are excessive

GROUP SIZE

Minimum 6 and maximum 8

PRICE STRUCTURE

Option 1 -

Guided (recommended): ZAR 5 500 pp

Option 2 -

The trail is also available unguided, POA

PRICE INCLUDES

- Certified Adventure / Nature Guide if Option 1 is selected

- Transport from Calitzdorp and return in a VW T6 AWD Minivan

- Accommodation

-Meals (vegetarian options available) as follows:

First night: braai / barbecue

Second day: Light breakfast with coffee / tea and rusks Brunch Farm style Dinner

Third Day: Breakfast Lunch at the top of Elandspass with sparkling wine to celebrate

PRICE EXCLUDES

Lunch on the first day of hiking All alcoholic drinks and beverages