HIKE PROGRAMME AND STRUCTURE
Just because your main packs are transported between camps, does not make these hike any easier. The hiking day starts at 6:00am with a wake-up call and we start hiking at 8:00am. After a full day of walking we generally arrive in camp between 3:30pm and 5:30pm.
The average distance covered in a day is in the 20-26km range, the shortest day being about 12km and the longest 30km. Even on a short day we will not get into camp before 3:30pm.
The hikes are facilitated by intrepid hikers with knowledge of the local fauna and flora, in depth understanding of the role of conservation corridors and a wealth of experience in the landscape that is walked through. The terrain is mostly remote mountain areas and some sections involve possible encounters with dangerous animals such as rhino and buffalo. We walk mostly on jeep tracks but the going can get tough when we have to hop across river boulders, bundu bash through the Fynbos, find a new path or ascend and descend mountain ridges. The average age of our hikers is 55 although we do have a 70 year old from time to time who out walks us all.
DAY 1 – DAY 8
Starting in a remote area near Knysna we meander through pristine indigenous forest of the Garden of Eden and that night we sleep on the banks of the Keurbooms River.
Then we head towards the wilder sections of mountain before entering the Groot Kosein, a cathedral of rock. There is a big climb to Soetkraal wilderness area of the Tsitsikamma National Park the following day.
For two days we traverse this mountain wilderness. The final day takes us to the Kouga River in the Kouga Mountains.
DAY 9 – DAY 14
Soon after the Langkloof valley we enter the foothills of the Kouga mountains, a hidden wilderness area south of the Baviaanskloof. Here we have ample time to improve our tracking skills as we enter the terrain of the Cape Leopard.
Our route takes us across the Kouga mountains and into the Baviaanskloof via the Skilderkrans Corridor towards Koue Nek.
The next two days are filled with extreme game walking in an expansive landscape of red rocks, thorny bush and countless river crossings. In this section we are likely to meet rhino, buffalo and lots of kudu and not to forget the odd tortoise.
DAY 15 – DAY 20
Leaving the central Baviaanskloof, we head to Bergplaas camp high on the plateau.
The next day we walk through Fynbos again and come out in the Cambria valley. Our meander through the Grootrivier in the Goode Hoop Reserve the next day is another highlight, a secluded river valley both wild and beautiful.
T’Numqua mountain beckons in the north-east before we cut through the Springbokvlakte for a night over-looking endless plains. We end deep in the Kabouga region of Addo with a celebratory dinner.
DONATION: PRICING AVAILABLE ON BOOKING FORM
The hike provides all meals, maps, lectures, camping fees, experienced guides, permits, safari tents and return transfers to Plettenberg Bay or PE Airport after the hike.
You will receive free of charge special edition bags, consisting of a dry bag and carry bag per hiker. The hike is rustic and yet no expense is spared in making it an unforgettable experience. An honesty bar is on offer in the evenings and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.
GREAT CORRIDOR HIKE FACTS AND FIGURES:
DISTANCE COVERED: +350km
MOUNTAIN RIDGES LINKED: 7
NUMBER OF BIOMES: 5
DAYS: 20 HIKE DAYS 22 CAMPSITES
National Parks & Nature Reserves: 6
BOOKINGS:
To participate in The Eden to Addo – Great Corridor Hike:+350KM, please complete the entry form: You will receive a booklet on all aspects of the hike, what to bring etc on payment.
Please email admin@edentoaddo.co.za for more information