Daily Stages (CLICK ON THE DAY) |
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Day1: Hondeklipbaai - Wallekraal
A fairly easy, straightforward walk. The boundary fences for the Namaqua National Park appears soon after the first 5 km rest stop.
Keep an eye out for Red Hartebeest, Springbok and Oryx. The ruins of the historical Wallekraal settlement and school buildings can
be seen on the last 5 kilometers before reaching the first overnight camp situated on the church grounds.
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Day2: Wallekraal - Naries
Characterised by undulating slopes. The first 10 kilometres are on a hard gravel road entailing a gradual uphill climb.
At the turnoff to Windheuvel, the farm road meanders through beautiful green valleys with a few steep but short uphill stretches.
After passing the Aigab farmhouse and providing that it is a “good flower year”, the spectacular and varied display of wildflowers
and green barley fields will make short mettle of the last 10 kilometres
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Day3: Naries - Bethelsklip
Challenging but rewarding. The first section to Spoegrivier village is easy terrain with stunning vistas.
After a brief stop at the primary school, we tackle the challenging 8-kilometre steep uphill walk to Tierkop.
From the Quiver tree at the top, the road takes you through beautiful green valleys. The last 5 kilometres is a
steep downhill roadway winding between a stunning variety of wildflowers.
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Day4: Bethelsklip - Buck’s Camp
An easy walk with few challenges. The first 10 kilometres is a somewhat even track through the Klipfontein communal grounds.
At the Namaqua Camino signpost, follow the markers until you reach a ladder across the fence.
Thereafter, the route takes you along a ridge before gradually descending to a riverbed where the trees offer welcome shade and
rest before setting off on the last few kilometres to Buck’s Camp
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Day5: Buck’s Camp - Baievlei
Another easy-going day. A sandy path with some up and down sections leads you to Klipfontein village.
After a short stretch on the tar road, the signposts lead to the riverbed.
Prolific indigenous salt bushes mark a track next to the riverbed and will take you to a low water bridge where you exit the track.
The old Garies gravel road, with a few up-and downhill sections, leads you to the Baievlei overnight camp
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Day6: Baievlei - Soutfontein
A walk through Engelbrecht territory. Follow the road past some isolated farmsteads, most of them occupied by an Engelbrecht family.
Keep an eye open for the flowering Cancer bushes (Lessertia frutescens) next to the road during the first few kilometres.
You might encounter a tribe of Boer goats, pass a diverse selection of wildflowers and cross paths with some unusual insects on your way to the overnight camp at Soutfontein.
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Day7: Soutfontein - Varswater
Walking to the beach. The road meanders along for an easy10 kilometres before reaching the entrance to the coastal section of the Namaqua National Park.
After a steep climb, you can set eyes on the vast Atlantic Ocean. Sometimes, due to thick, loose sand and hot weather,
the last 10 kilometres might be challenging. This challenge, however, is soon rewarded by the beauty and tranquillity of Varswater overnight camp.
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Day8: Varswater - Boulderbaai
A breath-taking coastal walk. The route hugs the coast all the way, following a sandy 4x4 track and crossing two pristine beaches.
The white quartz rocks on Langstrand are exceptional. The large seal colony to the north of Langstrand, albeit very smelly,
is still worth a short visit. At the end of Langstrand you can decide to keep to the 4x4 track or take the easier, less sandy road,
to complete the last few kilometres to Boulderbaai, another spectacular overnight camp right next to the beach.
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Day9: Boulderbaai - Heuningnes
Traversing inland again. The route continues along the coast until it reaches the mouth of the Spoegrivier where it turns inland.
After a brief stopover at the Spoegrivier caves, the trail leads to and over Kanoepkop, a last challenge before heading towards Heuningnes,
the last overnight camp of the 10-day Namaqua Camino hike
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Day10: Heuningnes - Hondeklipbaai
Heading home. This last early morning departure entails a brief walk through the Namaqua National Park towards the exit and then onto the last 14
kilometres towards the finish line in Hondeklipbaai.
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