New hiking trail in the Kouga Mountains

Come hike among aloes, cycads and klipspringers, and swim in the Baviaans River, on a three-day trail on the farm Witteklip in the Kouga region, about 45 km from Kareedouw. The Antjie se Pad Trail was named after a certain Antjie Stuurman who worked on the farm in the 1930s. Every day, she walked about 10 km over a hill called Blouberg to reach the Witteklip farmstead. The first day of the trail follows the same route. Organiser Herman Stoffberg says he wants to introduce more people to this scenic corner of the country.

Distance? 12,5 km on the first day, 12 km on the second day, 10 km on the third day. How fit do I need to be? You need to be moderately fit. There are some steep sections, especially on the first two days. Hikers must be 12 or older. Accommodation? You stay in a basic hiking hut for both nights and walk loops each day. The hut has beds and mattresses, a flush toilet, a cold shower, a kettle, a braai grid and firewood. Bring everything else you might need. Remember a headlamp because there’s no electricity. The night before you set off, you can stay in a nearby building that was once a school: R800 per night for eight people. Cost: R600 per person if you carry everything yourself; R1 000 if you want your heavy bag transported to the hut and back. Where does the trail start? At the conference centre on Witteklip farm. Turn off the R62 about 20 km east of Kareedouw. From there it’s 25 km along a dirt road. Ask for directions when you book. More info: 082 741 2733; antjiesepad@gmail.com