Day 1 – Bucklands to Ghê-Ghê Hut (10 km)
The route begins at Bucklands Farm and crosses open country on paths that are mostly straightforward. There are two longer climbs before reaching Ghê-Ghê, a restored shepherd’s cottage with a veranda.
Day 2 – Ghê-Ghê to Gooseberry (16 km)
Day two climbs over Paardenberg, with broad views towards the Cockscomb. The slopes can carry wildflowers and cycads before the route descends on a mix of footpath and jeep track to Gooseberry Cottage.
Day 3 – Gooseberry to Afdak (10 km)
This is another relatively easy day along tracks and paths through mountain ravines. Afdak Cottage sits beneath trees and provides the next overnight stop.
Day 4 – Afdak to Oom Ben se Kamp (10 km)
The trail enters Grootrivier Poort and follows the river between steep cliffs. Expect three river crossings, shaded vegetation, birdlife and opportunities to swim. A lunch break at Rooibaadjie se Grot is a natural highlight before reaching the basic riverside camp.
Day 5 – Oom Ben se Kamp to Bucklands (10 km)
Continue through the poort, passing Blougat Cave and several dry-foot river crossings. After roughly 3 km the gorge opens and the final section follows farm roads back to the vehicles at Bucklands.
Overnight facilities and preparation
Ghê-Ghê provides a restored stone cottage with basic cooking facilities, a flush toilet and an outdoor shower. Gooseberry and Afdak are more fully equipped self-catering cottages. Oom Ben se Kamp is a simple camp with hammocks under canvas, a fireplace, braai grid and field toilet; hikers who prefer sleeping on the ground should bring a hiking mattress and groundsheet.
Bring the food and personal gear appropriate to the nights you have booked, along with a sleeping bag, pillow, towel, toilet paper and any stove or cookware the selected hut does not provide. The river section calls for secure footwear that can handle wet crossings. Pack sun protection, a hat, swimming clothes, a walking pole if useful, and a warm layer for mountain evenings.
