Trails: Hantam Karoo (Western Karoo), Northern Cape, South Africa

Bush Train Safaris: Flower Route
Trail Type: Combination
Closest Town: Calvinia
Description: 7 day/6 night; combination of train safari & opportunity for mountain biking in Namakwaland; own cycle; depart Pretoria; accommodation on the train; August to September.
Enquiries: Bushveld Train Safaris
Tel: + 27 (0)14 736-3025
Fax: + 27 (0)14 736-3025

Kareeboom
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Calvinia
Description: 1 hour; easy; for senior citizens; in nature reserve; campsite in Calvinia; no charge for the hike
Enquiries: Calvinia Municipality
Tel: + 27 (0)273 41-1011
Fax: + 27 (0)273 41-2750

Sterboom
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Calvinia
Description: 6-7 hours; average; in nature reserve; camp site in Calvinia; no charge for the hike
Enquiries: Calvinia Municipality
Tel: + 27 (0)273 41-1011
Fax: + 27 (0)273 41-2750

De Hoop
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Nieuwoudtville
Description: 12km/1 day; circular; easy; detour to waterfall difficult; accommodation in a homestead; 12 persons max;
Comments: Situated on the farm Papkuilsfontein
Enquiries: Willem and Mariette van Wyk
Tel: + 27 (0)27 218-1246
Fax: + 27 (0)27 218-1246
e-mail: papkuilsfontein@cybertrade.co.za

De Hoop
Trail Type: Mountain bike
Closest Town: Nieuwoudtville
Description: Various cycling options on farm roads; overnight huts and cottage available;
Comments: Situated on the farm Papkuilsfontein
Enquiries: Willem and Mariette van Wyk
Tel: + 27 (0)27 218-1246
Fax: + 27 (0)27 218-1246
e-mail: papkuilsfontein@cybertrade.co.za

De Hoop
Trail Type: Horse trail
Closest Town: Nieuwoudtville [Back to Top]
Description: Bring your own horse; various routes; overnight huts and cottage available;
Comments: Situated on the farm Papkuilsfontein
Enquiries: Willem and Mariette van Wyk
Tel: + 27 (0)27 218-1246
Fax: + 27 (0)27 218-1246
e-mail: papkuilsfontein@cybertrade.co.za

De Hoop
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Nieuwoudtville
Description: 2-day/2night trail; difficult; overnight facilities
Comments: Situated on the farm Papkuilsfontein
Enquiries: Willem and Mariette van Wyk
Tel: + 27 (0)27 218-1246
Fax: + 27 (0)27 218-1246
e-mail: papkuilsfontein@cybertrade.co.za

Geelbekbosduif / Rameron Pigeon
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Nieuwoudtville
Description: 38km/4 day; difficult; circular; in nature reserve; own tent; 3 persons min/12 persons max;
Enquiries: Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve
Tel: + 27 (0)2726 8-1159 or 8-1010
Fax: + 27 (0)2726 8-1159

Kransduif / Rock Pigeon
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Nieuwoudtville
Description: 46km/4 day; difficult; circular; in nature reserve; own tent; 3 persons min/12 persons max;
Enquiries: Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve
Tel: + 27 (0)2726 8-1159 or 8-1010
Fax: + 27 (0)2726 8-1159

Rameron Pigeon Trail
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Nieuwoudtville
Description: The Rameron Pigeon Trail 4-7 days. The route is the same irrespective of the number of days taken. By combining days one can make the duration shorter but then the trail becomes more strenuous as the days become longer. There are designated camp sites on route at Kareebos, Kameel se Gat, Suikerbosfontein, Swartkliphuis, Bo-Kloof, Olienhoutbos and Groot Tuin (the starting point). The first part of the trail leads to Kareebos (5,9km -2-3 hours). Much of the time is spent in indigenous forest on the banks of the Oorlogskloof River. From Kareebos the trail leads to Kameel se Gat (7,9km- 6-7 hours). The first 2,8km of the day continues along the banks of the river until a waterhole is reached. From here the trail joins the second day of the Rock Pigeon route until you reach the turn off to Kameel se Gat. The trail then leads past several large stone structures that date back to the early days of the pioneer farmers.
Enquiries: Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve
Tel: +27 (0)27 218 1010
Fax: +27 (0)27 218 1159
e-mail: wpretorius@sp.ncape.gov.za
Web: http://www.footprints.co.za/oorlogskloof.htm

Rietvlei Day Hike
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Nieuwoudtville
Description: Rietvlei Day Hike 17,9km 7-10 hrs. This is a route for those who would like to swim in the Oorlogskloof River and also takes in the Knersvlakte viewing site.
Enquiries: Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve
Tel: +27 (0)27 218 1010
Fax: +27 (0)27 218 1159
e-mail: wpretorius@sp.ncape.gov.za
Web: http://www.footprint.co.za/oorlogskloof.htm

Rock Pigeon Hiking Trail
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Nieuwoudtville [Back to Top]
Description: Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve is situated 16km outside Nieuwoudtville and about 50km from Vanrhynsdorp in the Northern Cape Province. The reserve comprises of 4776 hectares of mountains which have been dissected by deep river gorges through which the Oorlogskloof River flows. The area has a rich and varied plant life being situated on the transition/ecotone area of the Fynbos and Karoo Biomes. There are two major hiking trails that have been laid out in the reserve plus two day walks. The trail starts Groot Tuin. There is a overnight shelter available for hikers at Groot Tuin. The first day of the trail to Brakwater is 4km and can be accomplished in 2-3 hours. This day can be combined with day two but the rugged terrain on the second day makes this a very strenuous option. The second day (8,5km) takes 6-7 hours to accomplish. Soon after the beginning of the day's walk the trail ascends to the plateau with the help of a rope and a ladder. After a while the trail once again descends to the river and follows this for some distance through riverine thicket until once again climbing towards Driefontein overnight camp. At each campsite along the trails are 5 tents that accommodate 3 people each. Group size is normally 15 but special arrangements can be made for larger groups. At the start of the trails is a hut with a gravel floor, candle lights, stretchers and a long drop toilet and a lapa with picnic tables and chairs
Enquiries: Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve
Tel: +27 (0)27 218 1010
Fax: +27 (0)27 218 1159
e-mail: wpretorius@sp.ncape.gov.za
Web: http://www.footprint.co.za/oorlogskloof.htm

The Leopard Trap
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Nieuwoudtville
Description: The Leopard Trap Day Hike 15,5km- 6-9 hrs. This follows a route from Groot Tuin past the leopard cage to the Knersvlakte viewing site
Enquiries: Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve
Tel: +27 (0)27 218 1010
Fax: +27 (0)27 218 1159
e-mail: wpretorius@sp.ncape.gov.za
Web: http://www.footprints.co.za/oorlogskloof.htm