Map of Reserve area
What to Do
Various moderate to challenging walks and trails are available on the reserve which guests can enjoy.
George Peak
Trail distance: 16km
Estimated time: 8 hours
This trail is not for the faint hearted and becomes very strenuous. It is mostly uphill but does promise spectacular views of George and surrounds. On a clear day you are able to see as far as Mossel Bay. Best time to start the hike is before sunrise and not in very hot conditions as limited water is available lower down on trial. The route uses the same path as Cradock Peak but splits at the saddle at the top of the mountain ridge. A variety of fauna and flora can be seen along the trail. Trail starts at Witfontein office where parking is available.
Cradock Peak
Trail distance: 18km
Estimated hours: 9 hours
This trail is not for the faint hearted and becomes very strenuous. It is mostly uphill but does promise spectacular views of George and surrounds. On a clear day you are able to see parts of the Klein-Karoo from the highest peak on the Outeniqua WHS&NR. Best time to start the hike is before sunrise and not in very hot conditions as limited water is available lower down on trial. The route uses the same path as George Peak but splits at the saddle at the top of the mountain ridge. A variety of fauna and flora can be seen along the trail. Trail starts at Witfontein office where parking is available.
Cradock Pass
Trail distance: 8.4km
Estimated hours: 6 hours
This hike follows the old path that settlers used with their ox-wagons to traverse the Outeniqua mountains from little karoo to coast. It starts from the Witfontein office and can be hiked as a one-way (clients can arrange their own transport to be picked up). Alternatively, clients can hike the trail out and back depending on their fitness level. An early start is suggested with limited water along the trail. This trail offers a lot of scenic views.
Kouma Trail
Trail distance: 13.6km
Estimated hours: 7 hours
This hike is not for the faint-hearted or beginner as you will have to do a few steep ups before trailing downhill. This circular trail can either be started at the southern side closer to the town of Ruitersbos or on the northern side closer to Oudtshoorn. A very scenic trail and tranquility. Plan well and put enough time aside for hiking this trail as it is one of the longer trails on Outeniqua with some challenging uphill.
The name Outeniqua is believed to mean “those who bear honey” and is ascribed to the San and Khoi people who once inhabited the mountains. Their rock paintings are found throughout the reserve, depicting animals, hunters and honeycombs. The rugged mountains have long posed a barrier into the Klein Karoo and early settlers in the late 1600s used to follow herds of elephants to find easier ways through the area. The first pass, the Cradock Pass, was built in 1813, but was too steep for many to climb with ox-wagons. The Montagu Pass built in the mid-1800s eventually proved a safer and quicker option. This is a popular walking and hiking destination. Unfortunately there is no overnight accommodation.
Easy to use trail maps for this reserve created by Forge can be downloaded here.
How to Get There
Outeniqua World Heritage Site and Nature Reserve has two offices situated in Witfontein and Ruiterbos.
Witfontein office: The office is just 4km outside the CBD of George towards Oudtshoorn on the Outeniqua Pass. This is the main office from where the protected area is managed.
Ruiterbos office: This satellite office lies between the towns of Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn opposite the Ruiterbos village along the Robinson Pass.
From Cape Town: Take the N2 highway towards George and travel for about 465km. Once in George, follow the signposts for the N12 towards Oudtshoorn. Travel for 4km along this road, then turn right towards Witfontein and right again into the Outeniqua Nature Reserve.
GPS: 33 56 08.0 S 22 25 38.4 E
33° 56' 07.9 S 22° 25' 38.10 E (Witfontein Office)
33° 54' 52.4 S 22° 01' 46.08 E (Ruiterbos Office)
General information
Office hours: 07:30–16:00
Tel: 087 087 4151
Accommodation and permit bookings Tel: 087 087 8250
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