SLACKPACKING is more than the new buzz, it is absolutely the new craze. Less stress on your back and knees while hiking and exploring.
The Trans Gamtoos hike, is the newest edition to this craze, offering hikers slackpacking on dirt roads through the marvellous Gamtoos Valley.
It is a 4-day (3-day hike) break-away which is perfect for a weekend and literally will hit all the highlights of this beautiful valley. The hike includes the Kouga Dam and the historical Phillip’s tunnel and window.
Day 1: Arrive in the afternoon at Padlangs, 7km outside Patensie, where you will park and leave your vehicle. From there you will be transported to the next day’s starting point in Cambria (one of the gateways to the spectacular Baviaanskloof)
Day 2: First day of hiking. Start at your own time and at your own pace after an early breakfast through the Grootrivierpoort, entering the Gamtoos Valley and its agricultural offerings. Here youwe will cross the Gamtoos River and will hike right up to the Kouga Dam, where we will set up camp for the night. (± 25 km)
Day 3: Again, at your own time and pace you will follow the route through one of the hidden gems, Droëkloof. Here you will flex your muscles uphill. This will bring you to a high point for an almost bird’s eye view of the Gamtoos Valley, before descending into the Droëkloof and the camp site. (± 23 km)
Day 4: From Droëkloof camp you depart on the last shift, an easy hike to the historical site that includes Phillip’s tunnel. Hikers with extra energy left in their legs should do the short but steep climb to the famous “window” for one last spectacular view of the Gamtoos. Transport back to vehicles at Padlangs. (± 17 km)
What you need to know
This is not a guided hike. Each hiker will receive a “fools guide” with proper info to get to the next camp. This guide will also provide information on the day’s route on the gravel roads.
There will be cellphone reception most of the time.
This is a moderate to difficult hike because of the distances. The camp sites are bush camps which means there is no electricity.
What to bring along
The hike includes the transport to and from your vehicle as well as transport of gear (tent and luggage). Breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as tea and coffee at the camp are all included.
What you need to bring with you are your tent, sleeping gear, camp chair, normal hiking accessories, own drinks and snacks.
- For more information e-mail to transgamtoos@gmail.com or call Jansie Botha at 076 8340 760 or Maidie Smith at 072 1992 070. – VOETSAC HIKING ADVENTURES
