The Karoo Region
The word “Karoo” is thought to have come from a Khoisan word, meaning “Land of Great Thirst” and many visualise a semi-desert, arid landscape and a harsh climate with the Karoo region of South Africa. This area, however, is extraordinarily diverse and is acknowledged as a biodiversity hotspot, with over 6,000 plant species of which 40% are endemic.
The Karoo provides visitors with a unique and awe-inspiring break. Its spectacular landscape of wide open spaces, incredible geological features, breath-taking beauty and peaceful silence, are the perfect ingredients for an escape from the daily rigours of city life and busy life-styles. Hiking through this terrain provides time to breath, see, smell and think. It is a place that rejuvenates the soul.
Our Slackpacking Fully Guided Trail
Our 3-day, 4-night slackpacking trail is a great way to experience the incredibly diverse landscape of the Karoo. The trail takes place between Nieu Bethesda and Compassberg. It is a circular route covering approximately 50kms in total and effectively traverses three different farms. The first and fourth nights of the trail are spent at the same Farmstead.
It is a fully guided route that also includes, 4-nights accommodation in comfortable farmstays, all meals such as a hearty breakfast, a daily lunch pack and a wholesome evening meal, plus the transportation of your main luggage to your overnight accommodation each day. This means that all you have to carry on your hike each day is a day pack, your water and any other essentials you need for the day’s exploring.
The trail itself takes place at an altitude of 1250m and 1500m and is an undulating trail. It follows jeep tracks, sheep tracks, a riverbed and wide open grasslands and sections of the trail are stoney surfaces.
The distances each day are approximately 18kms on Day 1, 17kms on Day 2 and 15kms on Day 3.
Hiking times are between 4.5 – 5 hours.
In terms of the difficulty of the trail, it would best be described as moderate to strenuous. Ankle strength and mobility are vital for this hike, as well as a moderate fitness level.
The Details...
The physical hiking of the Stone Folk guided Slackpacking Trail actually starts on the morning of the second day. This means that on Day 1 all our hikers need to do, is arrive at the farmstay, get settled in, and start relaxing into the tranquility of the Karoo Landscape.
Guests arrive at Weltevreden farmstead and check in.
Our hiking begins the next morning, so once settled in, guests can simply relax on the stoep, or take a stroll down to the rock pools in the Gats River.
A relaxing and pleasant evening is spent meeting each other and being given an introduction about the trail and the adventure we are about to embark on.
And we are off: Hiking south, we start with a gentle climb up onto a grassy plateau with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Crossing over the unique ‘Vyf-Baken’ property boundary, the route crosses over an ancient fossil seabed, which at an altitude 1490m, is a remarkable feature.
From there we descend into an ancient canyon before traversing a scalloped slope to our accommodation at Riverdene.
Today the hike starts with a brisk walk to the lower reaches of a canyon and heads upstream.
With steep cliffs, tumbled rocks and Acacia thicket, we follow game trails till it opens into a gentle valley.
Ascending out of the valley, we traverse a plateau, passing the ruins of a historical farmstead.
In a vast, seemingly featureless landscape (with some surprising details), we rest in a boma for a refreshment break before the final stage to our overnight stay at Doornberg.
Our Last day commences along a sheep track from the farmstead, we reach a valley where the Stone Folk art installation are located.
Exiting the valley, the route passes geological piles that are scattered across a narrow plateau, and then descend to Weltevreden for the final night of the trail.
Our last evening all together will be a joyful celebration, soaking up the Karoo hospitality, reminiscing and reliving moments from the past few days and cementing our friendships from our wonderful adventure together.
R6,900 per person sharing
No single supplement rate available
30% deposit to secure a booking
For additional trail details and dates and to make a reservation, click the button below to complete our Contact Form, or email Anthony on anthonyr@wospaces.co.za. Additional images and details can also be found via Garden Route Trail
