Boland Adventures

The Zooridge area is a natural art gallery in the Koue Bokkeveld near Op die Berg and Ceres on your way to the Cederberg Wilderness.
Here you will find an inspiring world of sculptures that were formed by wind and rain through sandstone erosion. Walking through this Natural Art Gallery, one's imagination is tickled with hundreds of views of different rock sculptures. Wandering through the mazes, arches and the dramatical shapes carved out of sandstone over millions of years, you will realise where the name Zooridge comes from.

Highlights:

• Elephant Rock Art and other rock art
• Lovers Lane Campsite under the rock arch
• Ou Werf and Skaapkraal
• Zooridge Viewpoint and Sundowner Spot
• Viewpoint and edge of Riet River Canyon
• Camel Rock Formation
• Rock Arches
• Haasboudshoek Arch.
• Amber Cave and Cathedral Cave

Rock art found at Zooridge date back as far as the late stone age, more recent colonial paintings can also be seen.

Basic agenda:

Friday 2025-10-17:
From 16:00 we will arrive at Zooridge Guest House and settle into one of their 6 allocated rooms. While we're there, be sure to visit the Aankoms farm stall – their chocolate brownies are highly recommended!
We'll get the braai fires going by 18:00 for a sociable braai under the large old Oak tree at the braai lapa.
During the braai, we'll have a brief chat about the logistics for the next day and what you'll need to bring with you.

Saturday 2025-10-18:
We'll be departing Zooridge Guest Farm at 8:00 AM, heading east a short distance to a jeep track on our left. This rocky track will lead us to a slotted gate. Once through, we'll continue into the veld and make our first stop at Lovers Lane campsite, located beneath a large rock arch. If the campsite is unoccupied, we'll take some time to explore the area.
From there, the sandy jeep track will take us northeast. Be aware that some sections may have thick sand. We'll pass some incredible rock formations on our way to Haasboudshoek Rock Arch, where we'll stop for another exploration.
Our next stop for the day is Amber Cave and Cathedral Cave. We'll have ample time to enjoy these spectacular multi-story caves, including opportunities for rock climbing and exploring rocky corridors. We'll also explore Cathedral Cave further after discovering a short tunnel.
We'll be heading back to Haasboudshoek Arch, but this time we're taking a sandy path that leads to the stunning Rietriver Canyon. This path promises some adventurous obstacles, making the journey even more fun.
We'll reach a viewpoint where we can get out, explore, and capture some great photos. After a short visit, we'll continue to a rock arch site we passed earlier. This is your chance to test your climbing skills and get some fantastic pictures – it's truly a magical place! There are many more sites like this just waiting to be explored. Please remember to stay together and keep an eye on your friends so no one gets lost or left behind.
After a full day of exploration, we'll drive back to Zooridge Farm to relax and enjoy some good wine on the verandah.
The braai fires will be lit by 18:00 for a great evening. If you prefer, you can also prepare your own food in the kitchen, which is equipped with an electric stove.

Sunday 2025-10-19:

We'll be heading back along the same route as Saturday by 8:00 AM to explore the ridge above the canyon, which is where the name of this place comes from.
Our hike will start at the Old Skaapkraal and the Visser's graveyard, leading us to a lookout point on the northern edge of the canyon.
From there, we'll make our way through impressive rock formations and natural corridors until we reach the large Camel Rock formation. We'll take a different, equally captivating path back. Since there isn't a marked trail through these rock formations, please stay with the group until we reach a flat, open area to hike back to the cars.
Once we're back at the cars, our exploration will continue as we search for rock art and the old 1800s dwelling of the Vissers.
Our last stop will be the large yellow Elephant rock painting and the surrounding rock art. Afterward, we'll head back to Zooridge Guest Farm for a short break before packing up.
We'll then depart for home through Ceres and expect to be back after 17:00.

House accommodation:
Jonkershoek house at Zooridge is a 6 bedroom house, the perfect breakaway for friends and family. The house is fully equiped, has a splash pool, outside lapa for summer months and a inside fireplace for the colder winter months. The house can accommodate 19 people, but rooms need to be shared.

Logistics:
Zooridge Guest Farm can be reached by a normal sedan motor. The gravel road from Op die Berg to Zooridge is in a fairly good condition when it is dry. Take care when the gravel road is wet. Getting to the upper plato of Zooridge from the guest house, requires a high clearance 4x4 vehicle. All wheel drive vehicles have some difficulty at rocky and bumpy places. 4x4 owners in this group may offer a lift to persons that do not have vehicles with the required capabillities. There are 12 people in the group with place for 7 more.

Basic rules for rock art conservation:
It is an offense in terms of the National Heritage Recources Act (No. 25 of 1999) to write on rock shelter walls, damage or "touch up" the paintings because it alters the significance of the orginal art and spoils the experience for other visitors. If convicted of this offense, you should be liable for a fine of between R10 000 and R100 000 by law.

• Do not touch the paintins.
• Never put water or any other substances on painted surfaces.
• Avoid stirring up dust when you visit a painted rock shelter.
• Remove all litter after visiting a rock art site.
• Do not make fire in or near painted rock shelters.

Basic rules visiting Zooridge Area:

• Vehicles must remain on the designated roads at all times.
• Off-road driving strictly prohibited.
• Litter-Free Area. Littering is prohibited. What you bring in must be taken out again, leave nothing behind.
• Only make a fire/braai in designated areas and with prior arrangement.
• Flora and Fauna: No plant, animal, wildlife or any natural or cultural items may be removed. To cut, damgae, destroy, possesion of any plant including dry wood or firewood is strictly prohibited.
• Feeding of any wildlife is prohibited.
• No killing of animals.
• Behaviour: please be considerate to other guests in the area. Loud music and loud noise are strictly prohibited, respect other groups and guests when visiting a site.

Fee to join hike:
The total cost is R1 000 per person for the weekend, excluding transport cost.
Please inform Elaine per whatsapp on 083 338 3022 if you are interested in joining this Zooridge event.

Name of Acc: Boland Adventures
Capitec Savings account nr: 173 138 2780
Branch code: 470010
Reference: Your name and Zooridge as reference.

Equipment to bring: warm clothes, own food, sunglasses, coffee/tea/cooldrink/1 lt water, First Aid kit, rehidrat sachets, headlamps, day back pack, hiking boots. Braai grid.

Indemnity: When attending this hike you indicate that you have read and accepted our Indemnity as below.
Please inform Marius or Elaine of any medical conditions before the hike.
WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND INDEMINITY AGREEMENT
This agreement includes a release of liability and waiver legal rights and deprives you of the right to sue Boland Adventures, and other parties.

You will find the largest patch of remaining Afro-montane Forest at Orange Kloof, hidden away in the interior of Table Mountain.
Due to its fragile ecosystem, Orangekloof has restricted access, requiring a special permit to hike in the area. The area's name is believed to have originated from the bark of orange-coloured saffron trees that are prevalent in Hout Bay.
Join us for an adventure to discover a world of interesting plants, dungeons and rock dragons on a circular 12 km hike around Orange Kloof.

Basic agenda:
We'll begin by entering Orange Kloof and following the Outer Ring road for over 3 km, passing the Original Disa stream below De Villiers Dam. This road offers a gradual ascent with beautiful views of the Orange Kloof Basin and the Twelve Apostles. The turnoff then leads us to Disa Gorge, where we'll be surrounded by fynbos. Please keep an eye out for the Keurboom trees, which are uniquely adapted to fires and protect the Afro Montane forest on the fringe.
At Journey's End, we'll descend to the Disa River to visit both the Woodhead Tunnel and The Apostles Tunnel. A short ascent will bring us back to the path leading to the Woodhead Dam wall. From there, a few steep steps will take us out of Disa Gorge to reach the beautiful Woodhead Dam. While Errol's Cave is nearby, we'll instead venture on an unfamiliar path leading to Caveman's Overhang for our lunch stop.
Following a brief stop at Caveman's Overhang, we will embark on a Dungeons and Dragons-style adventure through a rift valley. This valley is filled with shady clefts, pockets of green forest, puzzles, and what I'm calling "treasures" – specifically, caves, gullies, and moss-strewn boulders. We'll need to overcome various challenges to reach the Post Box and Hole in the Wall, where we'll finally emerge back into normal daylight.
We'll continue along a bushy fynbos path to De Villiers Dam. Keep an eye out for the uncle Klaas rock formation, who's sitting on a ledge of Klassenskop, looking west over Orange Kloof.
Next, we'll reach the Overseers Cottage, and from there, it's a 3 km downhill walk to Constantia Nek carpark following the Bridal Path and a section of the Hoerikwaggo trail.

Hike Details:
- Distance: 12-13km, circular
- Total elevation gain: +/- 540m
- Grade 2B hike
- Duration: approximately 5-6 hours, depending on length of rest breaks.
- Difficulty: Moderate difficulty, but risky. Rock scrambling and squeezing through tight spaces might be necessary. No caving at all. No need for torches.

Caveat:
Entering the rift valley after Caveman's Overhang requires us to move in a tight single formation. Please ensure that the guy behing you stay in contact with the group. Do not enter any caves here.

Fee to join hike: R150.
I will move all to be on the WAITING LIST for now.
Please whatsapp Elaine (083 338 3022) or email: bormanelaine@gmail.com by 28 August @ 18:00 if you would like to attend. I WILL CONFIRM FIRST WITH YOU IF THERE IS STILL A SPOT AVAILABLE before you can make a payment. Once I receive your POP, I will move you to the GOING list.
Reference: Your name and Orange.
Name of Acc: Boland Adventures
Capitec Savings account nr: 173 138 2780
Branch code: 470010

Participants on the WAITING LIST:
Once Elaine has received your POP, she will move you to the GOING LIST. ONLY A FEW SPACES AVAILABLE on this hike.

Bring along: trekking pole (optional), hat, warm jacket, food, coffee/tea/cooldrink/2 lt water, medication, rehydrate, small medical kit, dry clothes and socks.
Rain cancels.

Indemnity: When attending this hike you indicate that you have read and accept our Indemnity as below.
Please inform Marius or Elaine of any medical conditions before the hike.
WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND INDEMINITY AGREEMENT
This agreement includes a release of liability and waiver legal rights and deprives you of the right to sue Boland Adventures, and other parties.

Italian prisoners of war played a significant role in constructing the Du Toitskloof Pass in the Western Cape during World War 2. The Italian Cross, located at Huguenootkop in the Du Toitskloof Pass Mountains was erected by these Italian prisoners of war as a memorial to their deceased comrades who died during the construction of the pass. The cross is now a prominent landmark and a popular hiking destination. Many prisoners were skilled laborers and their work on infrastructure projects like Du Toitskloof Pass and Chapmans Peak Drive showcased their expertise.
After the year, some POWs chose to remain in South Africa, contibuting to the country's cultural and economic development.
The 10 km Miaspoort Trail, takes you to the Italian Cross, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trail is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area while paying tribute to the Italian POWs who built this pass.

Hike Details:
- Out and back, 10 km hike.
- Elevation gain: about 860 meters.
- Grade 3B hike
- Duration: approximately 5-6 hours, depending on length of rest breaks and time for exploring.
- Difficulty: intermediate hike with some mild bouldering and scrambling sections, clear mountain paths. The small overnight shelter is reached by means of going off trail.

Highlights:

• Enjoy stunning views from Hugeonootkop (1318 masl)
• Off trail section to a secret overnight shelter
• Beautiful rock formations and flora.
• Standing next to the cross on top of Hugeonootkop with awesome views.

Basic agenda:
Soon after we start from the small parking area, we'll turn left at a Cape Nature signpost where we'll need our permits. Following that, there's a challenging section over mountain scree, so sturdy boots and good balance will be essential. After crossing the Miaspoort River, where we can collect water, the significant climb begins around the 2 km mark. If we start early, this part of the hike should be mostly in the shade.
We'll reach a plateau just before the 3 km mark, but keep in mind there's still more climbing ahead. At a certain point, we'll leave the main path and navigate through an open field towards the overnight shelter, heading east for over 800 meters. We'll have ample time at the shelter to explore both it and the surrounding area, which is full of beautiful rock formations and gullies.
For the next part of our hike, we'll head back to the main path and continue our ascent towards Huguenootkop. We'll be surrounded by unique rock formations and enjoy fantastic views to the south and east.
Our destination is the large stainless steel cross at the edge of Huguenootkop, which offers panoramic views of the Paarl valley below. This will be an ideal spot for lunch and a moment of quiet reflection.
After a good rest, we'll return via the same clear path. Please be cautious when descending the steep, rocky sections back towards the Miaspoort river; trekking poles might be helpful here.
Once we reach the Miaspoort river, we can enjoy some refreshing cool water and lovely shade. The final section back to the cars is flat, but do take care in the scree area.

Fee to join hike: R50. Cash on the day, EFT on the day; or via PayShap: 074 449 7464, M Carstens, Capitec.
Cape Nature permit fee: R50. We need to arrange a permit at Cape Nature before the event takes place. Permits can not be bought on the day of the event.

Name of Account: Boland Adventures
Capitec Savings account nr: 173 138 2780
Branch code: 470010
Reference: Your name and Mias.

Bring along: appropriate clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, a first-aid kit, extra food and enough water (1 liter), sun protection, hiking stick/trekking poles.

Indemnity: When attending this hike you indicate that you have read and accepted our Indemnity as below.
Please inform Marius or Elaine of any medical conditions before the hike.
WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND INDEMINITY AGREEMENT.

Join us for an adventurous weekend getaway to Eikebos Campground and let's get wild to make some unforgettable memories.
Eikebos campground is situated on a working farm between Caledon and Greyton in the Overberg district and offers a picturesque and intimate camping experience with seven stands, all shaded by majestic oak trees and circled by open views of rolling farmland and the Kleinswartberg.

What's in store:

• A challenging hike at the Greyton Nature Reserve including a refreshing dip in the scenic Gobos River.
• Late-night social braais around the fire at the communal braai lapa.
• Opportunities for cycling and exploring the beautiful surroundings.

Basic agenda:

Friday 2025-11-07:
We will be arriving at the Eikebos campsite at 16:00 and will begin setting up our tents shortly after. Once we've finished, we'll gather at the communal braai area to start the fires and have a brief discussion about the hike planned for the next day.

Saturday 2025-11-08:
We will depart at 08:00 from the Eikebos campsite and drive over 20 km to the Greyton Nature Reserve, where our 12 km circular route for the day begins and ends.
The first 2 km of the trail are relatively flat before we tackle a challenging ascent towards Uitkykkop. From the 2 km mark to the 4 km mark, we'll encounter a steep incline that leads us to a T-junction above Noukloof. This spot offers breathtaking views of Greyton and Genadendal.
From there, the footpath descends sharply to a contour path that takes us to the beautiful Noukloof. The trail then leaves Noukloof on the eastern side, following another contour path to the Gobos River, which we will cross. Depending on water levels, this might be an opportunity for a swim.
Finally, we'll navigate a short ascent to complete the southern section of the route at the base of Abdolskop. The route then loops back, crossing the Gobos River once more before we return to our vehicles.
After the hike, we will spend some time in Greyton for refreshments before heading back to the Eikebos campsite.
Greyton offers other outdoor activities such as mountain biking in the Greyton Nature Reserve, visiting the Greyton Saturday Market for local produce, and taking an historic village walk through the charming town or sampling chocolates at Von Geusau Chocolaterie. You can also explore the nearby Genadendal Mission Village, the oldest Moravian mission village in Africa.
By 18:00, we will gather at the braai lapa for a sociable braai that will last until late.

Sunday 2025-11-09:
I will be giving a short inspirational message at 8:00 AM. Afterward, we will head out for a hike from the Eikebos campsite to explore the immediate surroundings of the farm.
Once we return to the campsite, we can gradually pack up our belongings before heading home.

At the campsite:
Each stand is equipped with it's own power point and braai area.
The shared ablution block is well appointed and fresh, with attractive stone walls and nice fittings. Also communal is the new covered lapa area - especially useful if the weather does not play along.

Fee to join this camping and hiking event:
Total cost is R480 per person for the weekend and excludes transport, fuel and food.

Name of Acc: Boland Adventures
Capitec Savings account nr: 173 138 2780
Branch code: 470010
Reference: Your name, and Eikebos as reference.

Equipment to bring: Camping gear, day backpack, hiking poles, warm clothes, food for 3 days, hiking gear, first aid kit, rehidrat sachets, torches, headlamps, mattress, cooking utensils.

Please inform Marius or Elaine of any medical conditions before the hike.

WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND INDEMINITY AGREEMENT
This agreement includes a release of liability and waiver legal rights and deprives you of the right to sue Boland Adventures, and other parties.