Gifberg Camping and Hiking Trails
Close to the Northern Cape border, south of Vanrhynsdorp and the flower region of the Matzikamma, lie the Gifberg Mountains. They stand out from the surrounding plains, but only once you start driving up the Gifberg Pass, do you get a sense of the scenic beauty of these impressive crags. Over the top of the pass you will find the Gifberg Holiday Farm. It is here that we are planning our first camping trip.
Showing off the incredible rock formations and ancient rock art, there are four exciting trails to explore, from the shortest 2 km Pothole Trail, to the longest 20 km along the Gifberg River to the intersection with the Doring River. The magnificent Rock Art on this route is some of the most interesting and impressive you will see anywhere.
All meals and camping gear provided, a single fully equipped vehicle to take you there and experienced guide to show you the trails.
You only need to bring your sleeping bag and pillow, your personal hiking gear and day pack, clothes and personal items and your sense of fun and adventure.
Trail Details
Trail location
Gifberg Holiday Farm is in the Gifberg Mountains, about 20km south of Vanrhynsdorp and north of the Cederberg Mountains
Nearest city
Vanrhynsdorp – 20km from the farm
Transport options
Gifberg is off any transport routes. Our camping trips are in fully equipped overland vehicles departing from Cape Town.
Trip Duration / Options
4 days / 3 nights – fully catered camping trips with guided hiking trails.
Start / Finish
Cape Town – collection venue by arrangement.
Trails all start and finish at the farm and the campsite. All are circular routes, although the longest trail can be shortened by out and back route.
Daily Time / Distances
Day 1: 2 km and 5 km options
Day 2: 7.5 km
Day 3: 20 km or 14 km out and back route
Trail Grading
There are four trails, two of which can be rated as easy, one as moderate and the longest one, as strenuous. The strenuous trail can be cut short by doing out and back.
Physical Fitness
A good degree of overall fitness required. Higher fitness for the long trail
Technical detail / Terrain
The trails are all in rocky terrain, there is some mild scrambling and steep terrain on the long trail. Paths are marked but not always clearly.
Accommodation
The vehicle is fully equipped with two sleeper tents and mattresses. We use good quality camp sites with approved ablutions. The vehicles carry up to 25 passengers, although our groups are limited to a maximum of 15.
The price is per person sharing, single tents can be arranged for a small surcharge. Details on request.
You should bring your own sleeping bags and pillows, as well as towels. These can be hired for an extra fee.
Food Supply / Catering
This is a fully catered trail trip with full time cook. Lunch packs both days, dinner, breakfast and hot beverages supplied. Cold beverages / drinks for own account.
Logistic support / Guiding
All overnight luggage is transported – day packs only.
The trail is guided by a fully trained, accredited mountain guide.
Highlights
The Potholes, the rock art, the variety of fynbos throughout the year and spring flowers in August / September
Other Activities
The venue has a swimming pool and there are rock pool swimming opportunities
Fauna & Flora
The area falls within the Cape Floristic Region, with a unique fynbos biome. It is known for it's spring flowers and of course the famous gifboom (poisonous tree) that is reputed to be poisonous to grazing animals.
There are numerous small wild antelope and other animals, but they are very shy and seldom seen.
Climate
The area is on the edge of the Karoo and is hot and dry in summer, with intermittent low rainfall in winter. Winter nights can be very cold.
Seasonality & Best Time Year
Spring and Autumn are moderate and the best hiking season although good winter days can be quite warm and summer temperatures can be high for long periods. Hiking is possible all year round but may be inadvisable on hot summer days.
Group Size
Minimum 10 persons – maximum 15 persons (recommended group size 10 to 12)
Price P/P
R4550 per person sharing, R450 surcharge for single
Price Includes
- 3 nights tented accommodation
- All Meals: Dinner, Breakfast & Packed lunch on hike days
- Hiking Guide for all hikes
- Transport in large overland vehicles
- Wine and Tea pairing on the way out
- Optional visit to West Coast Fossil Park on return
Here you'll find any scheduled trails that you can join. Trails may be booked up to one year in advance, so be sure to scroll ahead using the arrows on the left to find if there are any available. The trail operator page will also list any scheduled trails.
If you would like to enquire about different dates, please fill in the form below. Trails are initiated when someone makes an enquiry, and go ahead once the minimum numbers are confirmed.
Scheduled Gifberg Camping and Hiking Trails
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