Experience the Klein Karoo, which is a long valley bordered by the Swartberg and the Langeberg Mountains in the Western Cape, it forms the southern sibling of the larger Karoo – the Great or Groot Karoo occupies the northern part thereof.
From Prince Albert over the Swartberg Mountains and all the off-the- beaten- track roads, along Route 62 to Montagu
This is the land of succulents, fruit orchards in blossom and vineyards.
Landscapes of towering cliffs, clear streams and a unique biome dominated by the aloe and dwarf baobab tree (Botterboom) with its yellow peeling bark and midsummer red tubular flowers. Majestic mountains lend a blue haze to the distant horizon and spring in this semi-arid climate with winter rainfall.
Day 1: Traveling Day
Leave at 09:30 from CPT International Airport via Worcester and Veldskoen Farmstall for brunch (own account) and along the N1 to Prince Albert. Arrive in time for a walk with a botanist, Prof Sue Milton-Dean. Join Ailsa for a ‘Spookloop’ with interesting stories of the history, architecture and ghosts of Prince Albert.
Overnight: Guest House, Prince Albert (DB&B)
Day 2: Walking day 1
Walk from the Guest House to Guy’s Dairy for a cheese tasting. We leave Prince Albert and walk up Swartberg Pass, with enough time to catch your breath and admire the scenery. Walk Via Ou Tol to The Top of the Swartberg Pass. Drive the downhill part of the breathtaking Swartberg Pass to start walking at the bottom of the pass towards Kruisrivier Farm. Visit Kruisrivier Gallery and meet Roger Young and Phyllis Midlane at the Art Gallery for Coffee. Roger is a well-known photographer and carpenter. Phyllis is a famous ballet dancer and costumier. She worked on War Horse and share her stories gladly with our groups.
Dinner at the Rietfontein Guest farm (own account)
Overnight: Guest Farm Accommodation (B&B)
Day 3: Walking day 2
Breakfast at the Ostrich Palace and meet Kobus and Elmari Potgieter of Rietfontein, the oldest Ostrich Farm in South Africa. Kobus will entertain you with stories of Ostriches and the feather-boom. Walk from Kruisrivier Art Gallery through the picturesque Groenfontein Valley to Calitzdorp. Visit Bo Plaas Cellars for a Port and Wine tasting and visit the well-known Calitzdorp Museum.
Transfer back to Guest farm
Overnight and Dinner: Guest Farm Accommodation (DB&B)
Day 4: Walking day 3
Leave after breakfast and drive to Seweweeks Poort, to start walking through the breathtaking Seweweeks Poort – an enriching experience. Walk past the ‘To Hell and Gone’ sign to the view point, overlooking the Prince Albert Mountains.
Transfer to Accommodation
Overnight & Dinner: Oaksrest Guest Farm (DB&B)
Day 5: Walking day 4
Walk on back roads through beautiful Klein Karoo landscapes and Orchards in bloom. Transfer via Ronnies Sex shop and Barrydale.
Time to explore Barrydale and a Milkshake and light lunch at Diesel ’n Cream.
(own account) Transfer to Montagu
Overnight & Dinner: Guest Farm Accommodation, Keisie Montagu (DB&B)
Day 6: Walking day 5
After breakfast, we walk a circular route through olive, pear, peach and apricot orchards, enjoying this semi desert area full of blooming orchards. End your walk at the farm Mooi Erfenis, where you will meet Oom Kotie, who is passionate about medicinal plants in the area. Explore Montagu Village and too soon it is time to have our last dinner at the Guest Farm.
Overnight: Guest Farm Accommodation, Keisie Montagu (DB)
Day 7: Traveling Day
Leave before breakfast for Cape Town, via Worcester
Arrive CPT International Airport by 10:00
Highlights
- Spending the afternoon with Prof Sue Milton-Dean, a well known botanist
- The hidden treasures of the Karoo veldt.
- A Ghost Walk through the streets of Prince Albert with Ailsa.
- Walking breathtaking Swartberg Pass
- The Red Stone Hills, which were formed 60 million years ago.
- Rietfontein Ostrich palace, and meeting the owners
- Groenfontein farm-road to Calitzdorp
- Sample port and wines at one of the Cellars in the ‘Port Capital’ of the Klein Karoo.
- Walking through the magnificent Seweweekspoort
- Blooming apricot, peach and pear orchards.
- Flowering vygies, blue skies and mountains all around you
Price Includes:
- Guest Farm and Chalet Accommodation, most meals – as per itinerary. CPT Airport return transport by Mercedes Sprinter, support team and vehicle during walk.
- Refreshments and fruit at safari style rest-points.
- All permits and entry fees
Price excludes:
- Restaurant meals, Alcoholic drinks, snacks and personal items
