Walk far in Namaqualand

When Elize Kruger and Ina Vosloo – both from Hondeklip Bay – hiked the Tankwa Camino in May last year, a dream was born: To create a similar trail west of the N7 in Namaqualand. “I think the seed may already have been planted when we were training for the Tankwa,” says Elize. “We just had to finalise the best route.” The result is the Namaqua Camino – a 240 km hike that starts and ends in Hondeklip Bay – which they created with partner Dudley Wessels. Hikers camp in a different location every night, in places like Naries, Bethelsklip, Varswater, Soutfontein and Boulder Bay. “It took a lot of planning to get to this point and we’re excited to share this beautiful region with other hikers,” says Ina. Two Namaqua Caminos will be held annually – one in autumn and one in spring, when the weather is moderate.

When? 24 May – 3 June; 20 – 30 September. Up to 45 people per hike. How fit do I need to be? You’ll hike between 20 and 28 km per day. The trail is 240 km long over 10 days. The terrain requires you to be hiking fit. The organisers recommend that you start training about two months beforehand and include a few long walks of 20 km or more. Gear? You only need to carry a daypack. The rest of your gear will be transported between the overnight camps. Accommodation along the way? You’ll stay in basic overnight camps and each hiker will receive 5 litres of water for personal use per day (not including drinking water – that will be supplied separately). There are eco toilets at each camp and along the trail. Hikers need to pitch their own tents. Cost: R8 750 per person. Included in the rate: Dinner the night before the hike kicks off; two-course dinners on the trail; fresh bread and spreads to make your own lunch; coffee, tea and rusks for breakfast; coffee, tea and something sweet upon arrival in each camp; all SANParks conservation fees; accommodation; transport of your luggage and camping gear to the overnight camps. Not included: Accommodation in Hondeklip Bay before and after the hike. Each hiker must also bring his or her own tent, sleeping bag and camping chair. More info: 083 674 5045 (Elize); namaquacamino.co.za