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Antjie se pad is a 5-day/4-night hike or you can book a
3-day/2-night hike. (If doing the 3 day hike you will only hike
Day 1, 3 and 5) It is a moderately difficult hike (difficulty
rating by hikers as 3A), with the day layout as follows:
Day 1 = 15.5km, Day 2 = 8.1km, Day 3 = 10.5km, Day 4 = 11.5km
(There is also an option for 9km extra with a view over the Kouga River, making the total for Day 4: 21km - however, this is
only for experienced hikers), Day 5 10.8km. The route is suited
for people with hiking fitness.
Overnight sleeping is at two Rustic Huts
At both the huts called Waterval and Slagkamer. There is a
flushing outside toilet and a hot water shower at Slagkamer ;
And a longdrop and hot water shower at Waterval.
The nights are very dark and no lamps are provided, so don’t
forget to bring torches and/or headlamps. Please do not use
candles as they are a fire risk.
Antjie se Pad
explore
We
want to introduce you to Antjie se Pad Explore. This will give
you the opportunity to explore what nature can offer without any
mapped out route or direction boards. On day 2, you can
experience Blouberg Kloof +-6km. On day 4, Agterberg 360' view
+-600m ; also Kouga River View +-9km. On the last day there is
the Baviaans River pools and waterfall +-2km.
Water
There are water tanks at the overnight site that provides water
for drinking, cooking, washing dishes and showers.
Depending on the season and local rainfall, you may find streams
and springs along the length of Antjie se pad that are suitable
for drinking purposes as well. However, it may be wise to use
purification tablets/filters especially if you are not used to this water. On the
route at certain locations, we have placed small water tanks for
your convenience. Unless it has been very dry, there are
dams/pools along the way for swimming.
Fires
Fires are only allowed in the designated fire place provided.
Firewood is provided. Please do not collect wood from the
natural environment. Dead bushes and branches provide important
habitat for a wide variety of insects and animals. They are a
vital part of the fire load in the veld for natural burning
cycles.
This is a high-risk fire area. Please ensure that your fires and
coals are completely doused any time you leave the fire area –
at night and in the morning.
Important Safety Considerations
Please note that this hiking route is also safe for a "women
only" hiking group.
There is cell phone reception on the trail on top of the
mountain but not in the valleys, and very little vehicle access,
so it is difficult to let us know of emergencies in a hurry.
This is a risk you accept when walking Antjie se pad. Antjie se
pad goes through natural wilderness with all the risks
associated with wild animals, snakes, insects, unpredictable
weather and a strenuous hike. Carry the following safety items
with you: first aid kit, survival bag, thermal blanket.
In the event of an emergency, ensure that someone remains with
the person/people affected while at least two people return to
Base Camp or the nearest emergency point.
In the event of mountain fires or floods, stay together and use
your best judgment as to the safest course of action. We will be
doing our best to come to your aid. Seek natural shelter and
avoid high areas during dangerous weather such as thunderstorms.
The area has a variety of venomous snakes,
including puff adders and Cape cobra. Refresh your knowledge of
how to handle snake/spider bites and scorpion stings. Leopard
spoor can be seen on the trail, and very occasionally you may
catch a glimpse of one of these shy creatures. Baboons in the
area still have their natural caution and fear of humans. They
will move away when they see hikers. They do not come to the
campsites looking for human food. Your support and cooperation
in this regard is very important. Please do not feed the
baboons. Do not leave food out or throw scraps into the bushes.
When you leave the campsites each morning,
ensure that all your rubbish go with you
When to
Hike and the Weather
Antjie se pad is a great hike at any time of the year.
Summer is hot with the daily average in December, January and
February at 28 degrees Celsius. Days can get up to the high 30s,
so be prepared to walk in the early mornings and late
afternoons. Autumn and Spring (March, April, May, September,
October and November) can provide great fair weather hiking,
with average temperatures in the early 20s. As winter
approaches, an occasional cold front will blow through, dropping
temperatures considerably.
Winter days in June, July and August are often perfect for a
long days hiking if you don’t like the heat, with temperatures
averaging around 16 degrees Celsius. Nights drop to zero though,
so make sure you have a warm sleeping bag, hot water bottle.
Rain in the Kouga
Mountains is an unpredictable affair. All months of the year
have only around 4 days of rain so, statistically, your chances
of dry weather are pretty good.
Like all mountain areas, the Kouga Mountains can experience a
range of weather conditions over any 3-day period. You are
advised to prepare for rain, wind, cold and heat.
Age and Fitness
Antjie se pad is a relatively difficult hike, with the longest
day being 15.5km. The hike is for people of good/moderate hiking
fitness.
Unfit
hikers should not attempt the trail.
The recommended age range of 12 to 65 years is used as
indicative, due to the physical demands of the trail. We will
not stop hikers outside of this age range – but encourage you to
be realistic about your own ability and limits. All hikers below
12 years of age should be accompanied by their parents/guardians
who will be legal signatories to Indemnity Forms (to be
submitted with copies of their identity document or passport
before undertaking the trail). There are relatively steep
ascents and descents, so please be cautious if you have
previously injured your ankles and/or knees.
Base Camp Accommodation (Witteklip)
For those traveling from afar, or those not wanting to be
rushed on the first or last day, we have a house to rent at Base Camp(Witteklip). Put your feet up, take a rewarding hot
shower, and relive your hike with your group.
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