BACKGROUND

A fusion of heritage, conservation, community development and animal rescue.

Between the years 1830 and 1962 the inhabitants of the isolated valley of Gamkaskloof (Die Hel) had no road access into the valley. Access was only possible via a few footpaths which crossed the mountains and connected the valley to Calitzdorp and Prince Albert. These paths were used for transporting their produce from the valley to the markets and for bringing supplies to the area. Donkeys were utilized to carry the items from the valley to Calitzdorp via the Wyenek route.

Erika Calitz is the present owner of the portion of the farm Groenfontein (now known as Living Waters) which was the original access point to the trail from the south. The route will follow the original trail and donkeys will walk with the visitors and assist with transportation of their equipment. Members of the local previously disadvantaged community are being trained as guides and donkey handlers and will accompany all the groups utilizing the route.

The walking tour will take 4 days and three nights and visitors will experience a whole Klein Karoo cultural and scenic wonder including Ostrich farms, Groenfontein Valley, Calitzdorp Port, Swartberg nature reserve with a night in the veld (as in the days of old), Gamkaskloof, a return drive over the Swartberg Mountain Pass. All donkeys used in the project have been rescued and are guaranteed a life of excellent handling and health care. All guides used in this project will be drawn from underprivileged backgrounds. Local flavour, stories and history will be emphasized throughout the tour, even through the catered meals served.