SwartBerg Hiking Trail
We present a guided and fully portaged trail in the Swartberg Game Reserve. Three nights/four days. Two of the days involve transfers so it’s only two and a half day’s of hiking. Guests carry only a day pack each day!! Luggage is transported via 4x4 to overnight stops.
Some facts about the trail:
Climates are extreme here. Very cold winters bringing snow to the mountains and temperatures well below zero. Summers can be very hot with temperatures reaching 40 degrees! Rain occurs throughout the year, peaking in early winter and spring, with thundershowers in the summer months.
The vegetation in the Swartberg is very diverse and includes renosterveld, mountain fynbos, Karoo-veld, spekboomveld and numerous geophyte species. Some species bloom throughout the year attracting large numbers of sunbirds and sugarbirds. Great for the twitchers!! The best times for hiking are April to May and September to October. Good choice to go in October!!
Hikers must be fit to walk this trail!! We have decided to vary the distances and made it as easy as possible but we are still basically walking in the mountains, so preparation is everything in order get the best out of this hike. Expect moderate to strenuous walking on two of the days, no climbing required.
What to bring:
Hiking boots and socks
Slipslops
Insect repellant
Sunblock
Hat
Water bottles/Camel back/day pack
3 layers of upper clothing for hiking days ( shirt, fleece and waterproof)
Sleeping bag/pillow ( For one night)
Extra Snacks ( energy bars etc.) We will provide lunch and snacks each day.
Torch
Warnings:
Every precaution is taken to ensure safety. Guests will still however be required to sign indemnities before commencing the walk. The trail traverses a remote wilderness area and can only be accessed by 4x4 in daylight hours on day one and two and by helicopter on day three. Remember we share the mountain with baboons, honey badgers, bees, spiders, snakes and even the odd leopard!! These animals will never bother us but please be aware that they are there!! Your guides are all qualified in basic first-aid. There is cell phone signal on most of the mountain – weather permitting.
Itinerary:
Day one:
Knysna Forest Tours will transfer all guests to the Swartberg Private Game Reserve. We will enjoy a nice warm up walk in the afternoon in the reserve on the reserve roads. Expect to see herds of Eland, Zebra, Kudu. Impala……even Red Hartebeest….and a million baboons!! Accommodation is in a privately owned house within the reserve. Dinner will held in the house and there will be either a braai or a delicious pot of curry/lasagna/something easy to warm up. A cleaning service will be arranged. So no washing up required!!
Day two:
Transfer up the Swartberg Pass to “Die Top”. Today we will walk from the Ou Toll hut up to the top of Platberg using one of two fantastic loops. ( 7km or 9km). The7km loop is an easier walk for the moderately fit guests and the 9km climb is a more challenging walk for the fitter guests. We also have the option of doing both loops making a full days walking in the mountains of 16km. The climb to the top of Platberg takes us to 1950m above sea level!! The views are unbelievable. This is a fairly tough walk but the rewards are unreal. Overnight accommodation tonight is in the Ou Toll mountain hut. All your luggage is portaged to the hut and the evening meal is fully catered. Sleeping bags are required tonight as we “rough it” in this very basic hut.. Meals will however be catered and food for dinner/breakfast/packed lunch for the following day will be brought in from Price Albert via 4x4.
Day three:
The second day of the hike commences as we walk down the Swartberg trail to Malvadraai along the “Valskermval” or Parachute Fall walk. ( Please note it is not all downhill!!) A distance of 9.4km. and +- 4hours with a moderate exertion rating. We have the option of extending this days walking to a full day of 18km for the really fit walkers! We will experience unbelievable views today as we walk down the mountain. Accommodation tonight is a treat as we spoil you after your two-day adventure on the mountain. We overnight in the beautiful town of Prince Albert at Dennehof Country House. This is a beautifully restored B&B with un-matched hospitality, great food and very….very comfortable beds. ( I’ve spent many nights here on Mountain Biking tours and it is awesome.)
Day Four:
After breakfast Knysna Forest Tours will transfer guests back to Knysna/ George Airport.
The rates for this hike include all accommodation, all meals, all permits, transfers, and yours truly as your guide. The cost per person for this hike varies according to numbers…please enquire on our website..
2 guests R8335.00 p/p
3 guests R5990.00 p/p
4+ guests R4990.00 p/p
This trail can be shortened to a two day/one night tour:
2 guests R4510.00 per person
3 guests R3193.00 per person
4+ guests R2535.00 per person
Rates include all meals, all accommodation, all transfers, all permits, and of course your guide. Excludes ALL ACOHOLIC BEVERAGES.
Terms and conditions:
Booking in advance is essential and a 50% deposit will be required upfront to confirm all bookings. Balance is to be paid in full one week prior to departure.
Deposits become non-refundable one month prior to departure. Should a cancellation occur between the confirmation date and one month prior to departure then a 25% ( of the full amount) cancellation fee will be charged.
This is a fantastic hike and it will be an awesome experience for all who decide to join us!!
Enquire now.
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