Antjie se Pad is a self-guided hiking route on Witteklip Farm in the Kouga Mountains, in Eastern Baviaanskloof near Kareedouw. It follows the landscape once crossed by Antjie Stuurman, who walked over Blouberg between her home and the farmstead during the 1930s.
The full route takes five days and four nights. A three-day variation follows stages 1, 3 and 5. The trail combines mountain slopes, fynbos, rocky ravines and pools, with two rustic overnight huts. It is suited to hikers with good general fitness; the walking is not technically complicated, but there are sustained climbs and descents.
Hike directions
Day 1
Distance: 15.5 km
The first day follows the historic mountain crossing towards the area where Antjie lived. It is the longest standard stage, so start with sufficient water and time for the climbs.
Day 2
Distance: 8.1 km
The route reaches the Boesman Cave area, where hikers can see Baviaanskloof cedar in its natural rocky-ravine habitat.
Day 3
Distance: 10.5 km
A moderate mountain stage linking the overnight areas through fynbos and farm country.
Day 4
Distance: 11.5 km standard route; 21 km with the Kouga River viewpoint extension
The optional 9 km extension is for experienced hikers who want the longer day and the Kouga River viewpoint.
Day 5
Distance: 10.8 km
The final day returns to the Witteklip base area.
Overnight huts and practical information
Waterval and Slagkamer are rustic overnight huts with a flushing outdoor toilet and hot shower. No lamps are supplied, so a headlamp or torch is essential; candles are not permitted because of the fire risk.
Water tanks supply each overnight site for drinking, cooking and washing. Small tanks are placed on parts of the route, and seasonal streams or springs may also be available. Carry a treatment method if you are uncertain about local water conditions.
Fires are only allowed in the designated fireplaces. Firewood is provided, but hikers must ensure every fire and coal is fully extinguished before leaving the area.
Mobile reception is limited to high ground and there is little vehicle access. Each group should carry a first-aid kit, survival bag and thermal blanket, remain together in adverse weather, and avoid leaving a person in an emergency alone. The route is mountain wilderness: prepare for heat, cold, wind, rain, snakes and other natural hazards.
About the area
The route lies in the transition between the Eastern and Western Cape flora regions, in the Kouga and Baviaanskloof Mountains. It passes fynbos, honeybush and rocky ravines where the near-threatened Baviaanskloof cedar occurs. This endemic tree survives in remote, steep sites and is vulnerable to fire and habitat disturbance.
Address and contact details
Start and finish: Witteklip Conference Centre, Zuurveldt, Eastern Baviaanskloof, near Kareedouw, Eastern Cape.
Bookings and enquiries: Fagala Voet Website: https://fagalavoet.co.za/antjie-se-pad/ Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Image plan
Use the Antjie se Pad gallery images from the source page, with meaningful SA Hikes alt text added during media import. Exclude all form and interface assets.
