Location: South Africa » Western Cape » Garden RouteOuteniqua Pass and National Park
Cradock Pass Day Trail Trail Distance: 12,4km (5 hours)
Nearest Town: George
Region: Garden Route
This strenous and difficult walk follows the tracks that the settler' ox-wagon wheels scoured into the rocks while descending the trecherous Cradock Pass across the Outeniqua mountains from the coast to the Little Karoo. This historic trail offers fynbos, karoo veld and extensive mountain scenery and views over George.
To reach the start of the trail at the reserve offices, drive 3,7km from George towards Oudtshoorn, turn right to Witfontein and right again at the entrance gate to the Outeniqua Nature Reserve. Park at the reserve office. It ends on the north side of the Montagu Pass, 1km from the top, marked by two signboards. You will need transport waiting here. Alternatively, it is 10,9km (3 hours walk) from here down the Montagu Pass back to the start. Remember to plan your hike thoroughly and to take water. The weather conditions can change very quickly in the mountians, even if weather is good at lower altitudes. Take a wind- and waterproof anorak and warm clothing even in the summer.
George Peak Hike
Trail Distance: 17,2km (7 hours)
Note: 21,1km (9 hours) if combined with the Cradock Peak trail
Nearest Town: George
Region: Garden Route
Look out over George, the Swartberg mountains in the Little Karoo and the coastline in the distance as you approach the summit of George Peak in the Outeniqua mountains. It is a trail with spectacular scenery and mountain fynbos. It is, however, a very difficult route. It can be combined with a climb of the Cradock Peak.
To reach the start of the route, drive 3,7km from George in the direction of Oudtshoorn. Turn right to Witfontein and right again at the entrance gate to Outeniqua Nature Reserve. Park 800m on at the reserve office and start the trail. It also ends here.
Plan your hike thoroughly and take water. The weather conditions can change very quickly in the mountians, even if weather is good at lower altitudes.
Cradock Peak Hike
Trail Distance: 17km (6 hours)
Note: 21,1km (9 hours) if combined with the George Peak trail
Nearest Town: George
Region: Garden Route
This very difficult route offers stunning views over George, the Little Karoo and the Garden Route coastline. It leads up to the Cradock Peak in the Outeniqua mountains above George. Along the way mountain fynbos, views and good birding opportunities will be your reward.
The route starts and ends at the reserve office. To reach it, drive 3,7km from George in the direction of Oudtshoorn. Turn right to Witfontein and right again at the entrance gate to Outeniqua. Park 800m on at the reserve office and start off on the trail.
Plan your hike thoroughly and take water. The weather conditions can change very quickly in the mountians, even if weather is good at lower altitudes.
Pass-to-pass day walk
Trail Distance: 7,3km, including a 2,6km detour to Losberg (3 hours)
Nearest Town: George
Region: Garden Route
This is a short and moderate day walk, with steep climbs. It links the Montagu and Outeniqua passes and provides spectacular views of the Outeniqua mountains and George. It follows through rich fynbos and extensive mountain scenery.
It starts at the old quarry on the west side of the top of the Montagu Pass, and ends at the top of the Outeniqua Pass, 14,9km from George. You will need transport waiting here.
Plan your hike thoroughly and take water. Parts of the trail are steep, and can be slippery when wet. The weather conditions can change very quickly in the mountians, even if weather is good at lower altitudes. Take a wind- and waterproof anorak and warm clothing even in the summer.
Please note
The oteniqua reserve is open for day visitors only. For your own safety, please complete the visitors' register at the Witfontein office and information centre. Help us protect nature: no pets, fire arms, picking of flowers or collection of seeds allowed.Accommodation in and around Western Cape Red Stone Hills Holiday Farm accommodation in Western Cape
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