Walking 100kms through the natural phenomenon of wildflower season in Namaqualand at the peak of the flowering season is truly a breath-taking walking tour
This is by far the best way of experiencing the wonder of these wildflowers in this semi-desert region. Many of the plant species found in Namaqualand are endemic and found nowhere else in the world. We will visit places like Namaqua Nature Reserve, with its unique orange daisies, and the cultural villages of Leliefontein, from Nourivier to Garies. A definite highlight is the epic walk up the Kammies Mountains – into the “Knersvlakte” with its unique succulents and then finishing in the Cedarberg Mountains with its funny but beautiful rock formations.
This walk offers everyone that participates an unbelievable nature experience along gravel roads with no backpack and no hiking trail. You meet the locals, eat their food and learn about their history.
A Daily walk of 6 – 7 km stretches, with safari-style rest breaks in the veldt, or an interesting cultural or historical stop. Throughout the day a support vehicle and team are there to assist you.
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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
Included in the Trip
Include:
Return transport by Mercedes Sprinter bus from Cape Town, Comfortable en-suite Sharing Accommodation in Chalets and Farmhouses, two meals per day with a light picnic lunch – as per programme, refreshments while walking, permits and entry fees and support team and vehicles during walk.
Exclude:
Restaurant meals, Alcoholic drinks, personal items and medical insurance
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