We start our walk at Prince Albert from where we walk over the Swartberg Mountains, along Route 62 up to the town of Montagu.
The Klein Karoo is a long valley bordered by the Swartberg and the Langeberg Mountains in the Western Cape. It forms the southern sibling of the larger Karoo- the Great or Groot Karoo which occupies the northern part thereof.
This is the land of succulents, fragrant fruit orchards in blossom and quilt-patched vineyards. Infinite landscapes of towering cliffs, crystal clear streams and a unique biome dominated by the aloe and the dwarf baobab tree (Botterboom) with its yellow peeling bark and midsummer red tubular flowers. Majestic mountains lend shades of blue to the distant horizon where spring erupts overnight in this semi-arid climate with its winter rainfall.
Highlights
- Spending the afternoon with Prof Sue Milton-Dean, a well-known botanist
- The hidden treasures of the Karoo veldt.
- A Ghost Walk through the streets of Prince Albert with Ailsa.
- Walking the breath-taking Swartberg Pass
- The Red Hills of the Klein Karoo, was formed 60 million years ago.
- Rietfontein Ostrich Palace, and meeting the interesting owners of South Africa’s oldest ostrich farm
- Groenfontein farm-road to Calitzdorp
- Port and wines tasting at one of the Cellars in the ‘Port Capital’ of the Klein Karoo.
- Walking through the magnificent Seweweekspoort
- Blooming apricot, peach and pear orchards.
- Flowering vygies & biggest variety of succulent plants in the world.
- Shades of blue mountains all around you
- The dramatic splendour of the Milky Way undiluted by city lights
| DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION | Bellville/Durbanville return transport by Mercedes Sprinter | ||||
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Day 1: Departure
Traveling Day
We will leave CPT International Airport at 09:30 and travel on the N1 via Worcester and Veldskoen Farmstall for brunch (own account) to Prince Albert. On arrival, we will join botanist, Prof Sue Dean on an informative walk. Afterward, Ailsa will take us on a ‘Spookloop’ loaded with interesting stories of the history and ghosts of Prince Albert.
Overnight: Aloe Guest House, Prince Albert (DB&B)
Day 2
Walking day 1
Our walk will start from the Guest House to Guy’s Dairy for a cheese tasting. After our tasting, we will leave Prince Albert and walk up the Swartberg Pass, for many the rubicon of gravel road passes. There is an allure and a mystique around this old pass, coupled with its status as a national monument, which elevates this pass to the very top of the list. Ensuring you have enough time to catch your breath and admire the scenery we then walk via Ou Tol to The Top of the Swartberg Pass. We will drive the downhill part of the spectacular Swartberg Pass littered with wind-carved sandstone sculptures from where we will start walking towards Kruisrivier Farm. Here we will visit the Kruisrivier Art Gallery Gallery and meet Roger Young and Phyllis Midlane for coffee. Roger is a well-known photographer and carpenter. Phyllis is a famous ballet dancer and costume designer. She worked on the film War Horse and gladly shares her stories with our groups. 20km
Dinner is at Rietfontein Ostrich Palace (own account)
Overnight: Rietfontein Ostrich Palace Guest Farm Accommodation (B&B)
Day 3
Walking day 2
We will be enjoying a hearty breakfast at the Ostrich Palace where you will meet Kobus and Elmari Potgieter of Rietfontein, the oldest Ostrich Farm in South Africa. Kobus has a wealth of ostrich and feather-boom stories which he loves to share. We will continue our walk from Kruisrivier Art Gallery, all through the picturesque Groenfontein Valley to Calitzdorp which at first glance, might not seem quite as pretty as other towns in the area, but when one leaves the scruffy main road and explore the backstreets you to get a feel for Calitzdorp’s charm. A sure highlight is a visit to Bo-Plaas Cellars for a Port and Wine tasting. Bo-Plaas is one of the seven wineries in the area, all specializing in port-style wines because of the warm climate. Our day will end with a visit to the well-known Calitzdorp Museum, showcasing the cultural history of the region and its immediate surroundings. It explores the life, implements, people and natural treasures of Calitzdorp and the Klein Karoo extending back generations.
Dinner at Rietfontein Ostrich Palace (own account) 21km
Overnight: Rietfontein Ostrich Palace Guest Farm Accommodation (DB&B)
Day 4
Walking day 3
After breakfast, we will drive to the Seweweeks Poort, a certified Unesco World Heritage Site. The most likely version is that it is named after the Seven Weeks Fern which in Afrikaans is called the ‘Seweweeksvaring’, which grows all over the Poort in moist places and crevices. From here we will start walking through the breath-taking Seweweeks Poort, probably the most beautiful 18 km stretch of gravel road anywhere in South Africa. With easy gradients, multiple river crossings, mind-boggling geology all packed into an almost perfect micro-climate twisting and turnings through every angle of the compass, as it follows the contorted bends of the river. Our walk will take us past the ‘To Hell and Gone’ sign to the viewpoint, overlooking the Prince Albert Mountains. We will transfer you to your accommodation. 20km
Overnight & Dinner: Oaksrest Guest Farm (DB&B)
Day5
Walking Day 4
We will walk on back roads through beautiful Klein Karoo landscapes and orchards in full bloom. A transfer will take you to Barrydale via Ronnies Sex shop, a pub and restaurant that has become a regular pit-stop for bikers, tourists and local farmers.
It’s time to explore Barrydale and enjoy a Milkshake and light lunch at Diesel ’n Cream.
(own account) You will be transferred from Barrydale to Montagu. 20km
Overnight & Dinner: Guest Farm Accommodation, Keisie Montagu (DB&B)
Day 6
Walking day 5
After breakfast, we will walk a circular route through olive, pear, peach and apricot orchards, enjoying this semi-desert area full of blooming orchards. We will end our walk on the farm Mooi Erfenis, where you will meet Oom Kotie, a local who is passionate about the medicinal plants in the area. After exploring Montagu village, the time has arrived for our prize-giving dinner. 20km
Overnight: Guest Farm Accommodation, Keisie Montagu (DB)
Day 7
Return
We will leave for Cape Town, via Worcester before breakfast. Arrive at Cape Town International Airport by 10:00
Highlights
- Spending the afternoon with Prof Sue Milton-Dean, a well-known botanist
- The hidden treasures of the Karoo veldt.
- A Ghost Walk through the streets of Prince Albert with Ailsa.
- Walking the breath-taking Swartberg Pass
- The Red Hills of the Klein Karoo, was formed 60 million years ago.
- Rietfontein Ostrich Palace, and meeting the interesting owners of South Africa’s oldest ostrich farm
- Groenfontein farm-road to Calitzdorp
- Port and wines tasting at one of the Cellars in the ‘Port Capital’ of the Klein Karoo.
- Walking through the magnificent Seweweekspoort
- Blooming apricot, peach and pear orchards.
- Flowering vygies & biggest variety of succulent plants in the world.
- Shades of blue mountains all around you
- The dramatic splendour of the Milky Way undiluted by city lights
Price Includes:
- Guest Farm and Chalet Accommodation, most meals – as per itinerary.
- Support team and vehicle during the walk.
- Refreshments and fruit at safari-style rest-points.
- All permits and entry fees
Price excludes:
- Restaurant meals,
- Alcoholic drinks,
- snacks and personal items
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