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.