THE TRAIL

We are very excited to welcome you on the Donkey Trail

Some facts about the trail

* Total distance covered on foot, approximately 26 kilometers
* Gradient not rated but expect moderate to strenuous, no rock climbing required
* Highest altitude reached during the trail is 1523m at Wyenek
* Do not count on having cell phone reception

What to bring

Hiking boots and socks
Light slipslops for on the mountain (no barefoot at the rest camp on the mountain)
Insect repellant (mainly against ticks)
Lip ice
Binoculars
Sun block
Camera
Personal medication (we have first aid but not a dispensary)
Hat
Walking stick
Water bottle
Day pack rucksack (please see day two, paragraph two in the itinerary below)
No firearms or narcotics
Cash for alcoholic beverages and curios
3 layers of upper clothing for hiking days (t-shirt, fleece and waterproof)
Preferably long pants
No alcohol is permitted on the trail (Wine and beer are served at Living Waters and at Wyenek, and a variety of beverages are available, during the last night at Gamkaskloof)

Warnings

Every precaution is taken to ensure the safety of our guests however indemnities will be signed prior to hiking. The trail traverses a remote, wilderness area which can only be accessed by emergency helicopter services during daylight hours and in favorable weather conditions.

We have confirmation from tracks and signs that leopards, though rarely seen, make use of the Donkey Trail. We also share the mountain with other potentially dangerous animals such as snakes, honey badgers, porcupines, baboons, bees, ticks and spiders. Our guides are trained in basic first aid.

The climate is generally moderate but temperatures can drop by 15-20 degrees as we climb to Wyenek camp (good news for hot summer days), in winter months, below zero is to be expected. Donkey Trail management will monitor weather conditions for 14 days prior to your booking departure and inform you of any scenarios that could require a postponement of your tour.

How to find us

From Cape Town, we suggest the R62 via Barrydale to Calitzdorp. From Garden Route, Langkloof or Beaufort West, via Oudtshoorn to Calitzdorp.

Once in Calitzdorp you will need to turn north into Calitz Street towards Groenfontein. From the turn off in town, measure 15 kilometers. The road becomes a dirt road and crosses the river several times before you reach Living Waters farm.

Please let us know your expected time of arrival so that we can be prepared.

Itinerary

Day 1: (Friday)

Tour guests are asked to arrive before 17:00 on Friday afternoon. You are invited to arrive earlier and enjoy the unique architecture and atmosphere of Living Waters Mountain Estate, meet the donkeys and the guides. A compulsory safety briefing will be held at 17:00.

Dinner is served at approximately 19:00.

Day 2: (Saturday) 11 kilometers, 7-8 hours (moderate to strenuous hike).

Breakfast and departure times vary depending on weather conditions, season and group fitness. Generally, breakfast (a substantial but not heavy, continental breakfast) is served at 06:00 and departure scheduled for 07:00. Energy snacks (dried and fresh fruit, nuts and yogi sip) are provided for during the hike, as well as a light lunch (sandwiches and juice) and dinner at Wyenek (usually pasta with fresh, homemade pestos) our overnight stop for night 2.

Guests need to pack personal toiletries, extra clothing for one night and a second day’s hike, as well as cameras, binoc, hats, and anything else you think you may need during the 2 day hike. Each guest has a 5kg allocation to be carried by the donkeys. Should you need to take more than this allocation, please bring a day pack. The balance of your personal items (for night 3 and day 4) will be waiting for you at the accommodation in Gamkaskloof.

The donkeys return back to base camp on Sunday morning with all refuse from our night on the mountain. Guests have the opportunity to send 5kg of used personal items (i.e. dirty clothing from day one) back to Living Waters with the donkeys.

Visitors must prepare themselves for a night in the wilderness. The camp at Wyenek comprises four spacious 2 man tents for guests, which are pitched by the guides on arrival. A stretcher, camping mattress and sleeping bag with separate linen inner is available for each visitor. Ablution facilities are basic.

Day 3: (Sunday) 15 kilometers 7-8 hours

After a night on the mountain, we suggest a slightly slower morning with a light breakfast (fruit, breakfast bars, juice, yogurt coffee or tea). We depart by 9am (once again depending on fitness of group and weather conditions) and walk 6 kilometers across the northern slopes of the Swartberg toward Gamkaskloof. We then enjoy a picnic lunch and spectacular views from above Elandspad into “the Hell”.

Our route then follows the breathtaking road down into Gamkaskloof to Lenie Marais and Meesters Huis, the two restored cottages available to guests for the final stopover.

This is easy walking, guests cross the river several times and enjoy the shade of the trees lining the road. We walk through the property of Annetjie Joubert the last remaining original resident of Gamkaskloof. Guests are welcome to stop at Annetjie’s unique shop and purchase home made produce or enjoy a cup of coffee or a cold beer (make sure you have some cash available). This is a good opportunity to speak to a “Klower” about the days of old in Gamkaskloof.

Martin and Elmarie Botha, the delightful couple that run Cape Nature’s property in Gamkaskloof will host a braai for the last evening. They are also well versed in the history of Gamkaskloof and provide for some interesting conversation.

Day 4: (Monday) 5-6 kilometer (optional)

We depart from Gamkaskloof at 9:00 a.m. Estimated time of arrival at Living Waters 13:00. If guests wish to walk and explore Gamkaskloof the next morning, we suggest a wakeup call at 6a.m. There are two choices, the one is a 90 minute interpretation trail (with a guide book). Alternately, a six kilometer, easy walk to the visitor’s center where the vehicle will collect you at 08:30 for departure to Living Waters. There is of course the option to sleep a bit later and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departure.

Our journey back to Living Waters is one of the most incredible road trips available in South Africa. Visitors marvel at the pioneering road building feats of the men of yesteryear. Passengers afraid of heights will need to ensure that they do not sit at a window.

A light snack will be served on arrival back at Living Waters. Should visitors wish to stay on another night they may do so if prior arrangements have been made.

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR HIKERS prior to walking – Please provide your full name

1. Do you have any health considerations that we should know about (e.g. asthma, heart problem, diabetes, allergies such as bee sting).
2. As we will be catering for you, we need to know of any food limitations or allergies.
3. Do you have any particular interests in this area (e.g. a specific mammal, plant or bird, local architecture)?
4. Will this be your first visit to Gamkaskloof, “die Hel”?
5. Did you know that you will be hiking through one of only 34 biodiversity hotspots on the planet?

PLEASE CALL ERIKA WITH ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS AT 0836289394