The word “camino” means way, or road.  For many it has a spiritual connection too.  Although there are no churches or places of worship in the Baviaanskloof, this Camino certainly has all the elements to become your own spiritual journey.

The Baviaanskloof is remote and the weather in the mountains unforgiving.  Shelter is far apart, with nothing in between, hence the need for a support crew, and luggage transfer by 4x4 only.  It all adds up to the cost, but calls for an amazing experience – in true Camino spirit you meet the locals, sleep in their homes, eat their food but most of all, it is you an nature alone for four days.

Groups of 8 hikers, accompanied by the support crew, will depart on set dates.

With the flood damage of May 2026, we made some changes to our route which we know is actually for the better.  The 82km includes 24km over farmland in the Baviaanskloof with an unimpeded view of the majestic mountain range, before we turn south over the Kouga Mountain Range and finish at the Kouga River.

Dates

We usually get together on a Monday, and hike Tuesday to Friday.  On Friday we finish around 15h00 and still have to drive out, so keep this in mind for any travel arrangements.

We only offer the Baviaans Camino between March and November.  Please contact us on info@baviaans2bayadventures.co.za for dates and availability.  Group bookings of 8 or more can choose their own date.  The rate might be slightly adjusted for groups smaller than 8.

The Route:

Arrival day

Get to the Willow Historical Guest House in Willowmore before dark – we can arrange shuttles leaving from Kareedouw either before or after the hike, to suit your travel arrangements (not included in the rate).  Dinner is served at 18h30. 

Day 1 – 20km 

We will shuttle around 07h30 to the farm Kleinpoort.  Breakfast is “padkos” and you will also carry your lunch.  We will meet farmer Dawid Smith and his wife Ankia of Kleinpoort, who will give us some insight in the May 2026 floods and the challenges they sit with.  We will hike over three farms before we get to our overnight accommodation on Joachimskraal in an old farmhouse.  There are 5 rooms available. 

Dinner is enjoyed around the fire, a well-deserved treat after a challenging day! 

Day 2 – 24km 

The trail starts through some farmland, before you tackle the first winding uphill of the day where we find the support vehicle for lunch.  Soon civilization is forgotten, and you start the traverse of the Kouga Mountain Range, with unimpeded views into the Klein Kommando and Tjandokloofs.  You move from thorn trees, spekboom and aloes, to cycads, proteas and more fynbos.  96 bird species have been counted along the route. 

The second uphill consists of 3 zigs and 3 zags, while the third is a testing path right in front of you that you just must get done.  The last few kilometres through a kloof leads to Entkraal, where we all sleep on bunk beds in a small outpost consisting of 3 adjoining rooms.  You can pre-arrange for a tent which you will have to pitch and take down yourself, if you prefer to not sleep in the house, at an additional rate of R200. 

Day 3 – 15km 

We start off through the beautiful Koudenek Kortkloof, a path crossing the Joubertskraal River a few times.  After a coffee break you will jump into the vehicles for 3km, due to cape buffalo in the area.  The last 3km is a generous and slow reintroduction to civilization as you enter the remote Nooitgedacht Farming Community. 

We will be treated with a honeybush tea tasting and if available, a border collie demonstration.  It is highly recommended to do the 3km hike to the waterfall before supper. 

Day 4 – 31km 

The day starts with an early morning trail along the Ragels River, before we tackle the Moordenaarskloof - by now nothing to fear! We descent to cross the Kouga River where we stop for lunch, a swim and our goodbyes. 

We will shuttle you to Kareedouw from where you can depart. 

Bookings 

We take individual bookings, and a 50% deposit will secure your spot.  The remainder is payable 6 weeks before the hike.  If you need to cancel, you will have to find someone to replace you despite the notification period. 

Rates 

The rate includes 4 nights’ accommodation, three meals per day, aid stations throughout the day, luggage transfer and a full support crew with guide. 

Baviaans Camino 2026:  R10 650 

Shuttles: 

Transport to Willowmore or from Kareedouw/Nooigedacht is not included in the rate.  We can suggest shuttle operators from either George or Port Elizabeth Airport to Willowmore and again from Kareedouw/Nooitgedacht (Willowmore is closer to George, and Kareedouw is closer to Port Elizabeth). 

People driving from Gauteng/Cape Town can leave their cars in Willowmore, and shuttle back on the last day.  You might have to overnight somewhere before you depart home. 

Accommodation 

We stay in a guesthouse, old farmhouses, restored historical cottages and an old outpost.  No single supplements are available, in true Camino spirit you must be willing to share rooms and bathrooms. 

Catering 

Breakfasts usually include eggs with a protein, plus coffee and rusks, and instant oats.  Lunch is a surprise (have you ever had a salad or freshly baked quiche on a hike for lunch?), plus every day you will get a snack pack (energy bar, biltong/droewors, peanuts, and a sweet). 

Dinners vary from lamb, lasagna, potjie to chicken with salads – true Baviaans “boerekos”.  Catering for vegetarians and vegans is possible, although we recommend bringing your own supplements.  Make sure we are aware of any dietary requirements and allergies (nie fiemies nie). 

The coffee/tea/hot chocolate station is available throughout the journey – mornings and evenings as self-help but we also stop after each 5km (give or take, anything up to 2 hours) either as a water stop or to boil the kettle.  We also have Energade mix.  For the rest, we transport the luggage and you have fun! 

What do you need (we will also send you a recommended Kit List) 

• hiking gear
• a day backpack
• hiking poles (we recommend two)
• water containers (bottles or camel packs) that holds at least 2 litres
• towels
• sleeping bags with small pillow
• earplugs for Entkraal recommended!
• Knife, fork, spoon – we gift you with a mug and plate. 

Compulsory in your backpack:  space blanket, whistle, and head lamp. 

Be prepared for unexpected extreme heat or severe cold, including unexpected rainstorms – bring a poncho, buffs, gloves. 

Luggage allowance 

You will be supplied with a medium size soft bag before the hike.  Everything but your sleeping bag and pillow must go into the bag, and it must not exceed 15kg.  Please only pack what is necessary. 

Bags will be couriered to you before the hike, and you can either return it, or buy it. 

Bar & snacks 

You can bring your own drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), which we will transport.  We can’t transport bottles, so everything will be in cans – or talk to me! 

You are welcome to bring extra snacks (things you feel you cannot hike without or pre-dinner snacks) plus energy drinks (preferably powder/mixes) but our catering isn’t shy! 

Logistics 

99% of the route has no cell phone reception (bliss!!). 

Other than the first 19km Eric will be with you all the time.  A guide will be with you when required. 

Distance 

Distance – it is 82km.  Prepare yourself for 6 - 8 hours hiking (including stops) every day, and leave the electronics at home!  If you do record this route, you are not allowed to share it as it goes over state land and private property, both not open to the public. 

Evacuations 

If you run into trouble (knees, hips, blisters), we will get one of the local farmers to take you to either Willowmore or Kareedouw (the cost to you will depend on the rate established by the farmer and where we are).