Boland Adventures

Join us for a camping weekend at Noukrans Boskamp near Heidelberg in the Overberg that offers hikers a rustic, nature-immersed experience. Hikers can expect shaded paths, birdlife, and opportunities to explore the surrounding hills and streams.
Noukrans sits on the edge of the Grootvadersbosch Conservancy, about 20 km from Heidelberg. a region known for its indigenous forest and mountain trails.

Basic agenda:
Friday 1 May 2026 (public holiday in RSA):

• An early departure from Cape Town by 06:00.
• Drive 200 km to reach Swellendam by 08:30.
• Sign in at the Marloth Nature Reserve's reception by 09:00.
• Drive a short distance on a gravel road to the start of the day hikes.
• Start 2 short hikes to Duiwelskloof and Koloniesbos by 10:00.
• Have a lunch break after the hikes by 13:00 when we are back at the cars
• Drive 45 km further to Noukrans Bush Camp through Suurbraak.
• Set up camp and explore the area until it's time to start a fire and have a sociable braai.

Saturday 2 May 2026:

• Depart from Noukrans bush camp by 08:00.
• Drive 7km to Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve.
• Sign in at reception.
• Start with a 12 km circular hiking trail through dense Redwoods, visiting the Duivenhoksriver and bird hides and extend it with other trails in the area.
• Back at camp before 16:00.
• Start a fire to prepare potjiekos or have a braai after 18:00.

Sunday 3 May 2026:

• Start hiking at 09:00 from the campsite to Noukrans gorge.
• This mostly flat trail runs through a farm field to a reservoir fed by the Duivenhoks River.
• After 12:00, we will be back at the Noukrans camp site.
• Pack up the tents.
• Leave by 14:00
• Have drinks and refreshments at a restaurant in Swellendam
• Return home by 17:00.

Day hike at Marloth Nature Reserve:
The Marloth Nature Reserve offers two scenic day hikes—Duiwelsbos and Koloniesbos—together spanning about 5 kilometres in total. Both trails wind through lush indigenous forest at the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains, immersing hikers in tranquil natural beauty. The Duiwelsbos trail ends at a waterfall, where a comfortable viewing platform provides the perfect spot for a lunch break. Combined, the trails feature a total elevation gain of 270 meters, making hiking sticks especially useful on the Koloniesbos route. An entry fee applies at Marloth Nature Reserve, though hikers with a Wild Card enjoy free access.

Day hike at Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve:
The circular trail at Grootvadersbosch combines several scenic routes: Melkhoutpad, Redwood Road, Stinkwood Circle, the enchanting Fonteinjiesbos trail, and finally the Loerklip trail. Covering a distance of 11–12 km with an elevation gain of about 350 meters, this hike demands a fair level of fitness and endurance. The terrain is quite hilly, but much of the route is shaded by lush indigenous forest and towering Redwood trees. Along the way, a detour to the Duivenhoks River adds a touch of adventure, requiring some boulder hopping across uneven ground. The trail also includes stops at two bird hides nestled in the forest, offering peaceful opportunities to observe local birdlife.

At the campsite:
There are shared ablution facilities. Hot as well as cold water is available at the showers and washing up facilities. Furthermore, there is no electricity here – only solar panels used for lights. The water in the toilets and showers is clean river water. Fresh rain water is provided daily as drinking water. Campsites are shaded by hundreds of oak trees, some planted as early as the 1920s.

Fee to join this camping weekend:
The total cost is R440 per person for the weekend, excluding transport, food and permits for the hikes.
Please add an additional R50 when paying via SWIFT.
Please inform Elaine per whatsapp on 083 338 3022 if you are interested in joining this Beaverlac camp and hiking event.

Join us for the perfect group getaway in the heart of the Wild West Coast.
Hikers often describe the two‑day Papkuilsvlei trail as the West Coast’s “Little Oorlogskloof,” a demanding route that calls for both fitness and agility. The path winds through rugged, rocky terrain before easing into sandy tracks across the Sandveld. Water is scarce—none is available on either day—so carrying sufficient supplies in your daypack is essential.
Expect to duck beneath towering rock overhangs, squeeze through narrow cracks, climb over fallen trees, and weave under low branches, all while contending with unforgiving brush that can deliver unexpected scratches if you’re not alert. Navigation relies on spotting orange baal rope tied to trees and bushes, a simple but sometimes elusive guide through the landscape.

Slackpacking:
Slackpacking is all about traveling light. Instead of carrying a heavy overnight pack with all your gear, food, and supplies, you hike with just a small daypack containing essentials like water, snacks, and rain gear. The farmer will gladly transport your larger gear so you can focus on the hike itself.

Basic agenda:
Saturday 16 May 2026:

• Depart at 07:00 from Engen Winelands One Stop North, traveling on the N7 past Malmesbury and Moorreesburg
• Stop at Piketberg for a coffee break and a quick meal at the takeaway shops.
• Drive 65 km further to Redelinghuys.
• Stop at the Papkuilsvlei farm. Meet the friendly farmer and his wife.
• Assist with loading all hikers’ overnight gear onto the bakkie and trailer.
• Hold a short briefing with the farmer.
• Begin the 9 km hike to the overnight accommodation, carrying only a daypack with snacks and drinks.
• The journey continues as you walk, hike, crawl, slip and slide your way to the rocky plateau, then descend into a valley and climb over a rugged ridge to reach the overnight accommodation
• Arrive at the overnight accommodation, settle into your room, and prepare the donkey boiler for hot shower water.
• Snoek and patats wll be prepared by the owner for the whole group.
• Enjoy a relaxed evening by the campfire beneath the starry West Coast sky.

Sunday 17 May 2026:

• Pack all hikers’ overnight gear outside the accommodation for easy collection by the farmer.
• Begin the 9 km return hike to the farmhouse along an alternate circular route.
• Stop at Rehan's Cave for a coffee and breakfast break.
• The adventure continues through rocky shelters, down narrow holes, and over and under boulders until at last the valley is reached.
• We continue following the orange 'baal-rope' markers through the Sandveld, sometimes entering river channels and at other times tracing flat jeep tracks back to the farmhouse.
• Once back at the farmhouse, assist with loading hikers’ equipment back into the cars.
• Visit the small town of Redelinghuys, where the striking wall art on certain homes is sure to astonish you.
• Drive back home by 16:00

Overnight accommodation:

• 3 hiker cabins, sleeps total 11 people or 3 couples. Two double canvas tents with mattress and bedding sleeps 4 people (Extra people can bring own tents).
• Bedding provided, bring own towels.
• 2 Showers (heated by a donkey) and 3 toilets
• Self catering kitchen provided: all kitchenware, gas stove and fridge
• Bonfire and indoor braai, braai gear & grids.
• Bonfire wood supplied.
• Cosy couch lounge lapa
• Splash pool (natural pool under construction).
• Wi-Fi (Please bring own bluetooth speaker)
• Explore short Hikes from campsite
• They run on solar and generator, please no hair irons ect.

Fee to join this camping and hiking event:
Total cost is R1100 per person for the weekend and excludes transport and fuel. Please bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy during the daytime hikes.
The cost covers trail permits, overnight accommodation, slackpacking, and Saturday night’s Snoek and patat dinner. On Saturday evening, the farmer will prepare Snoek and Patat, served with a fresh salad, for the entire group.