Swartberg Nature Reserve (Gamkaskloof – Die Hel)

Activities

• Donkey Trail

  *Please note that the Donkey Trail is closed until further notice. We apologise for the inconvenience. 

  The Swartberg Four-Day Hike is a strenuous but rewarding trail with beautiful views. Alternatively, slack-packers will enjoy the exciting donkey trail, which allows hikers to soak up their surroundings while donkeys carry their luggage.

  Trail distance: 25km
  Estimated time: 4 days

  This unique experience combines biodiversity, history and heritage in an exciting four-day trail. Donkeys carry your luggage, leaving you free to explore the beautiful surroundings.

  The trail passes by ancient rock art sites, distinctive pioneer architecture and amazing plants. Hikers will indulge in regional cuisine and the famous ports of the region. All meals, trail snacks, bedding and towels, guides, donkeys, porters, CapeNature reserve fees and return transfers over the Swartberg Pass are included in the cost.

  To find out more visit www.donkeytrail.com or email info@donkeytrail.com.

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat.
  • Take a warm jacket/raincoat in winter.
  • Hikers should bring light slipslops for the evenings (no one may go barefoot at the rest camp), insect repellent, lip ice, binoculars, camera, personal medication, walking stick, day packs, cash for alcoholic beverages and curios, three layers of clothing for hiking days (t-shirt, fleece and waterproof), long pants.
  • No firearms or narcotics allowed.
  • Wine and beer is served at Living Waters and Wyenek. A variety of beverages are on offer during the last night at Gamkaskloof.

• Picnicking

  Picnicking is permitted at Meiringspoort and Gamkaskloof (Die Hel) with scenic views on offer.

• Mountain biking

  Permission is needed for mountain biking in the Swartberg Nature Reserve. It is prohibited during certain times of the year. 

  For the brave:  Take on the Swartberg Pass and then head down to Die Hel (Gamkaskloof), 57km from the turn-off at the top of the pass. Tackle the uphill back the next day.

• Hiking and Walking

  A variety of walking and hiking trails are available in this reserve, including the Ou Tol, Platberg and De Hoek trails. The best time for hiking is April–May and September–October each year, because of the milder weather.

   

  Please note that the Ou Tol hut is closed until further notice.

  Hiking trails

  There are a variety of hiking trails to choose from, varying in intensity. Regardless of how long the trail is, read the trail preparation points carefully.

  Help us protect nature

  No pets/no firearms/no picking of flowers or collecting of seeds/no fires except in designated areas/no quad bikes.

  Permits

  Permits may be purchased for R50 per adult and R30 per child at the reserve office or through CapeNature Central Reservations.

  Trail preparation

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat.
  • Do not hike alone.
  • Carry enough food and water with you.
  • Make sure you know what the weather conditions are before you depart.
  • Take a warm jacket/raincoat in winter.
  • Make sure you have a relevant map of the area.
  • Take a field medical kit with you for emergencies.
  • Obey all signage.
  • Stay in a group and on the trails.

   

  Day Trails in Swartberg

  Ou Tol Circle Route

  Ou Tol Circle Route – a 7.4km day-hike that offers stunning views of the Swartberg.

  Platberg Circle Route

  Platberg – an 8.4km circular route with spectacular views.

  De Hoek Day Trail

  De Hoek Trail – an 8.8km route out-and-back.

  Konings Gat (in Gamkaskloof)

  This is a 1.4km route from the bush camp to the swimming hole in Gamkaskloof.

  Grootkloof Hiking Trail (in Gamkaskloof)

  This is a 6.3km interpretation route in Gamkaskloof that stops at 26 spots of natural and cultural interest.

  Swartberg multi-day hike 

  This is a difficult hike and not for beginners.

  • Best time to hike:  September to October or April to May
  • NB:  A minimum of 3 people up to a maximum of 12 people will be allowed on the route.
  • Keys for the overnight huts to be collected and returned at the Oudtshoorn office before 16h00 – Monday to Friday

   

  Please remember to bring:

  • Warm cloths
  • Sun hat
  • Sun block
  • Bedding
  • Towels
  • Toiletries
  • Food
  • Utensils
  • Water – is available at the huts but none on route
  • Gel for geyser and stove – (available at all Outdoor shops and Game)
  • Matches
  • Toilet paper
  • Plastic bag for the items you want to throw away – you need to take these items back with you and not leave them in the nature reserve

   

  This two-day hiking route can start from De Hoek Holiday Resort to Bothashoek (8.4 km) and back the next day. Or hikers can start hiking next to the Swartberg pass along with the 4×4 route of 12.8 km or the Bothashoek – Ou Tol crest route of 12.0 km.

  Day 1: 8.4 km from De Hoek Private Resort to Bothashoek Hut and back to De Hoek- very difficult

  The trail starts at De Hoek Private Holiday Resort, on the road to Swartberg Pass about 35km outside Oudtshoorn where there is safe parking. (Guests need to make their own arrangements should they wish to overnight at De Hoek: 044-272 8214). Start early as you will be climbing most of the way: from De Hoek (±725m above sea level), up to Bothashoek hut (± 1460 m above sea level).

  Bothashoek hut is a basic 4-roomed (3 bedrooms with beds and mattresses for 12 people and 1 room kitchen area, shower (with a solar geyser for warm water) that automatically switches to Gel Geyser when there is not enough sunshine (bring own gel) and flush toilets. An outside braai is available – need to bring your own charcoal.

  • Keys for Bothashoek overnight hut must be collect beforehand at the office in Oudtshoorn before 16h00 Monday to Friday.

  Day 2: 12.8 km from Bothashoek to Ou Tol Hut – moderate – On Jeep Track or following the 4×4 route the trail winds down to Ou Tol hut, next to the Swartberg pass, 12 km from Ou Tol back to Bothashoek.  This is a difficult hike on the crest of the mountain.

  The trail takes you over to the summit with majestic views of both sides of the Swartberg Mountain, and then back to Bothashoek hut.

  Keys must be returned to Oudtshoorn office – a partition in the glass window was removed with clear notice for returning of keys. Just drop them on your way back.

• Bird Watching

  With the presence of a combination of birds associated with eastern and western habitats, both Cape and Pririt Batises and Karoo and Olive Thrushes are found in the Swartberg Nature Reserve including Gamkaskloof (Die Hel).   Featuring well over 180 species including the Green-backed Cameroptera, Sombre Greenbul and Southern Tchagra, birding will be experienced with peace, tranquility and sheer beauty.

  DOWNLOAD: The Klein Karoo Birdlist

• Angling

  Visitors to Gamkaskloof (Die Hel) can enjoy angling at the Gamka River with permits for angling in the Western Cape (freshwater and dams), also available at the reserve office and valid for 1 year. Species include the Yellowfish providing many passionate fishermen with their favorite fly-fishing. There are also Black Bass, Mogga and Eel for those who prefer stationary fishing.

   

• 4x4 trails

  The 25.6 km out and back route starts and ends at the top of the Swartberg pass just past The Top between Oudtshoorn and Prince Albert. You will find yourself cutting southeast, more or less straight across the top of the Swartberg mountain range, with views for hundreds of kilometres in almost every direction. The scenery is rugged. In parts the road is painstaking and vehicles, drivers and passengers will be sorely tested.

  • A maximum of four vehicles are allowed on the route and a minimum of two.
    Guests can book the Bothashoek hut (at the 12.8 km mark) as overnight accommodation
    Bookings must be made in advance at the above numbers
    Keys must be collected at the Oudtshoorn office before 16h00 – Monday to Friday
    Emergency contact nr. 082 784 1786/84 + Mountain search and rescue nr. 083 339 1240

  Swartberg’s 4×4 route can  be booked as a day or overnight experience.

  The overnight hut at Bothashoek accommodates up to 12 people and provides panoramic views of a landscape dominated by Cape Fold Mountains.