Trail Details

The Leopard Trail is in the Baviaankloof Wilderness Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. It is a recognised World Heritage Site.

S33 34'37.92 / E 23 42'47.52

Willowmore – Eastern Cape, South Africa

Far from main transport hubs. Self-drive or group shuttle by arrangement

Leopard Trail only: 4 days / 3 night – fully catered and guided

Additional Cedar Falls day hike and plus extra night before and after, included in all our packages.

Start and Finish: Baviaanskloof Wilderness Reserve Base Camp
S33 34'37.92 / E 23 42'47.52

Cedar Falls day hike – 7 km out and back: 4 to 5 hours including waterfall excursion (optional – includes a swim).

Day 1: 9.75 km (4 to 5 hours) 
Day 2: 18 km (5 to 6 hours)
Day 3: 22 km (6 to 8 hours)
Day 4: 13 km (5 to 6 hours)

Moderate with some steep sections and a short, easy rock scramble.  No exposure.

A high level of fitness is required

The trails follows a well defined, marked route. There are steep inclines and declines but no technical scrambles or climbs. The path is uneven underfoot in places.

Accommodation is in 3 fours sleeper bunk beds with mattresses. Hikers need to supply their own sleeping bags. Each camp has a central boma and catering hut with fireplaces.

Comfortable beds with bedding and towels – 2 doubles; 1 twin; 1 twin with bunk beds; 1 4 sleeper with bunk beds; 1 4 sleeper with single beds.

The standard Leopard Trail is self-catered. Value added services of catering and guiding are supplied by Platteklip Tours and Trails, by arrangement with Slackpacker SA.

On the trail, luggage is transported between the overnight huts packed in 70 lit boxes. Food is transported with the luggage. Guiding is supplied by Platteklip Tours and Trails, all guides are fully accredited adventure guides.

The trail is guided by a fully trained, accredited mountain guide.

This unique terrain of the remote Baviaankloof Wilderness Reserve is the major highlight

Trail running and mountain biking options available

Summer is hot with the daily average in December, January and February at 26 degrees Celsius.  Days can get up to the high 30s, so be prepared to walk in the early mornings and late afternoons, spending your midday hours at the lunchtime mountain pools. Each camp has a pool with clear mountain water, making a summer hike a great opportunity to hike early and spend the day swimming and relaxing at the camp sites.

Autumn and Spring (March, April, May, September, October and November) can provide great fair weather hiking, with average temperatures in the early 20s. As winter approaches, an occasional cold front will blow through, dropping temperatures considerably.  The swimming pools are great on the hot days, while the fire places inside the communal huts keep you warm on cold days.  The flowers in Spring are spectacular on the trail.

Winter is a favorite for many hikers with cool days hiking if you don’t like the heat.  The fire places in the communal hut are a winner, with groups gathering together around the fire with warm drinks and good times.  Temperatures in June, July and August average around 16 degrees Celsius.  Nights drop to zero though, so make sure you have a warm sleeping bag to sleep well on our great mattresses.

Rain in the Baviaanskloof is an unpredictable affair. All months of the year have only around 4 days of rain so, statistically, your chances of dry weather are pretty good.

Minimum 6 persons for fully catered and guided option – maximum 12 persons (recommended group size)

Minimum 4 persons for self-catered option

R11500 per person for fully catered, guided package including additional Cedar Falls day hike (recommended) and additional accommodation before and after the trail.

• All Meals: Dinner, Breakfast & Packed lunch on hike days
• Local Hiking Guide
• Luggage Transfers & Vehicle Support
• Overnight accommodation in trail huts with bunk beds & mattresses

Optional Extras:

• Transport to the start by arrangement
• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (order in advance or no charge to bring your own)

Platteklip Tours and Trails