The Swellendam Hiking Trail is often compared to the Otter in terms of difficulty – hikers must have suitable experience. All food and cooking gear must be carried with. There’s plenty of clean water en route, and each hut is close to a perennial stream.
Day 1’s hike is long, so aim to arrive at the office early.
It’s possible to reach every hut by lunchtime (except for Day 1) if you start early.
Day 1: Office to Boskloof Hut – 15km/7 hours
After signing in, cars can be parked behind locked gate. Try get a lift with a park officer to the start at Duiwelsbos (you might have to hike in the 2km to the start). The trail jumps right into the action with a steep zig-zag climb through the fynbos – a long day awaits, so take it easy and conserve your energy.
About halfway the trail swings North and heads over the mountain, with the majestic Boskloof gorge dropping down on the right-hand side. Numerous small streams, use each opportunity to fill up. After a sting-in-the-tail final uphill it relax at Boskloof hut, take a refreshing dip in the nearby rock pool and enjoy peace and quiet.
The original wooden Boskloof hut burned down some years ago, and has been replaced with 2 spartan sheet metal huts.
Day 2: Boskloof Hut to Goedgeloof Hut – 12km/5.5 hours
The trail starts with an uphill. It then crosses into a wide valley, where it follows the Langkuile river upstream. This part of the route is fairly flat.
Soon the Goedgeloofnek will be reached that looks down the other side of the mountains to the Robertson Valley. Only (steep) downhill from here! Far below, the Goedgeloof hut complex will be visible, count on just more than an hour’s descent to the hut from the Nek.
Compared to Boskloof, Goedgeloof is luxurious. There are two dormitory buildings with bunk beds and mattresses, eco toilets, a cool stream nearby, and a great communal kitchen with a picnic table and stoep to admire the sunset. The hut is on private property and swimming is prohibited at the nearby dam.
Day 3: Goedgeloof Hut to Proteavallei Hut – 10km/5 hours
This is one of the easiest days. The path ambles along before a stiff climb up to Warmwaternek around the 3km mark, with an elevation gain of 500m. Take it slowly and steadily – after this initial climb, the rest of the day is a breeze.
From here the trail winds along the Protea Valley to its namesake hut. En route, the so-called “Clock Peaks” and the imposing 1710m Misty Point (often true to its name) stand guard over a breath-taking landscape that teems with proteas!
The hut is a wooden beauty with a large covered stoep, two dormitories with bunk beds and mattresses, and long drop outhouses some distance away.
Day 4: Proteavallei Hut to Wolfkloof Hut – 7km/4 hours
The trail, aptly named the “Kruispad”, crosses over again to the Swellendam side of the mountain.
After the usual uphill (gains 200m) there is a view over the farmland and faraway Indian Ocean. Descend into Kleinhoutboskloof, where the path precariously hugs the mountainside as it descends. It’s not too technical, but take care with the loose terrain!
The bottom part of the trail is an easy cruise down to the Wolfkloof gorge – look out for King Proteas on the way. Nestled down by the river is the final wooden hut, with a separate basic lapa and fireplace.
The river close by, has several large pools to explore and swim in. The hut has a lovely big grass lawn in front. Amenity-wise, there are bunk beds and mattresses, a basic long drop outhouse and a cold-water shower.
Day 5: Wolfkloof Hut to Office – 10km/5 hours
The last day has a rather sneaky climb up and out of Wolfkloof to the next gorge, Hermitagekloof. There’s a small ravine here with a rock pool and lovely shade for a quick brunch.
The trail then quickly descends into pine plantation (this is about the halfway mark for Day 5). Another quick switchback climb then lead out onto a wide jeeptrack that meandered back to the office. 60km done and dusted!.
You can grab a shower close to the office building complex.
It is a challenging, but an amazing hike.
