The Grootrivier Poort Hiking Trail is a five-day circular walk on two farms in the remote western side of the Eastern Cape’s Groot-Winterhoek Mountains. Starting and finishing at Bucklands Farm, it combines open mountain country, shepherd cottages and a final two days through the dramatic Grootrivier Poort.
The first part of the route moves through ridges, valleys and jeep-track country with views towards the Cockscomb. The character changes completely once hikers enter the poort: the trail follows the river beneath high cliffs, through mature vegetation and past pools that invite a swim.
It is a self-catering trail with a different level of comfort at each overnight stop. Most huts are well equipped, but the final camp is deliberately basic. The route is a good choice for hikers who enjoy a real farm trail, do not mind carrying their own food and are prepared for uneven ground and wet crossings.
Hike directions
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.
About the area
The route lies between Steytlerville and Patensie in the western Eastern Cape. The surrounding Groot-Winterhoek terrain has a dry, folded mountain character similar to nearby Baviaanskloof, but the river gorge brings a cooler, greener contrast. It is a remote landscape, so arrive prepared and confirm access arrangements before setting out.
Address and contact details
Trail start and finish: Bucklands Farm, Groot-Winterhoek Mountains, Eastern Cape Nearest towns: Steytlerville and Patensie Route information and bookings: Grootrivier Poort Hiking Trail / Fagala Voet
Ask the operator to confirm current group-size limits, hut equipment, route options and road directions before travel.
