TRANS KAROO

ADVENTURES & TRAIL

LOCATION:

Transkaroo Adventures is situated on a sheep and cattle farm in the Karoo.

Bovlei Farm, Middelburg, Eastern Cape

ACCOMMODATION:

  • WILGEFONTEIN FARMHOUSE: Night 1

    • Accommodates up to 12 guests (4 bedrooms, 11 beds).

    • Fully equipped kitchen including gas stove and gas fridge/freezer.

    • 2 bathrooms – Donkey hot water system.

    • Gas lamps.

    Firewood is provided however we suggest you bring charcoal/braai wood to braai

    Our hikers have 3 separate options to choose from:

  • UITSIG SHED: Night 2

    • Accommodates up to 12 guests (1 bedrooms, 12 beds).

    • Fully equipped kitchen including single gas plate.

    • Indoor bathroom – Donkey hot water system.

    • Gas lamps.

    • Outdoor cold shower.

    • Outdoor “long-drop”.

  • WELTEVREDE FARMHOUSE: Night 3

    • Accommodates up to 13 guests (4 bedrooms, 12 beds). •

    • Fully equipped kitchen including a gas stove and gas fridge/freezer. •

    • 2 bathrooms – 1 with gas geyser, the other with a bucket shower. •

    • Gas lamps.

    Firewood is provided however we suggest you bring charcoal/braai wood to braai.

    Accommodation for an extra night is available at Wilgefontein for R350 p/p per night.

HIKING TRAILS:

  • Day of arrival Check in at reception on Bovlei Farm.

    Here you will receive all your basic information, keys for accommodation and the route map.

    Experience remote wilderness without sacrificing flavor

  • DAY 1: 11km 5 hours

    Day 1 The hike starts from Wilgefontein Farmhouse and ends at Uitsig Shed.

    The route is clearly marked with Caracal footprints.

    Along the way there is a lookout point for Compassberg

  • DAY 2: 17 km 8 hours

    The hike begins at Uitsig Shed and ends at Weltevrede Farmhouse.

    This is the longest hiking distance and more challenging.

    There is a beautiful gorge at the end of the route.

    An escape route is available for those who may not be up to it.

  • DAY 3: 8 km 4 hours

    Hiking starts at Weltevrede Farmhouse and ends back at Wilgefontein Farmhouse.

    The last days hike is shorter than the previous days so guest can leave on the same day.

  • A 24/7 Guide who:

  • handles rounding up and saddling/ packing the donkeys; Shows the way

  • Unpacks and leads guest in grooming the Donkeys

  • Helps set up the camps

  • Prepares food

  • shares interesting stories, plant knowledge.

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • • There is no Eskom Electricity.

    • All beds have fitted sheets.

    • Bring own bedding and towels.

    • Kitchens are fully equipped with enough cutlery and crockery for 12 people, as well as dishwashing liquid, sponges and dishcloths.

    • Toilet paper is provided.

    • During winter months, an extra blanket per person is provided on the slackpacking option.

    • All accommodation is self-catering. •

    • Firewood is provided; however, we recommend you bring extra charcoal/braai wood. •

    • Remember sunscreen and mosquito repellent.4 Night accommodation in tented camps

  • RATES:

    • R1650 per person for the 3-day hike – Includes transportation of luggage (slackpacking).

    • R1350 per person for the 3-day hike – Excludes transportation of luggage. No extra blankets provided. •

    • R1100 per person for the 2-day hike – Includes transportation of luggage (slackpacking). •

    • R900 per person for the 2-day hike – Excludes transportation of luggage. No extra blankets provided. •

    • R60 per person day visitor fee.

  • RATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE

OTHER ACTIVITIES:

Mountain Biking, Horse Riding, 4×4 Trail, Farm Activities

WINDFARMS

  • • The Umsombumvuso Wind project and Coleskop Wind project is situated on Transkaroo Adventures’ grounds.

    • A wind project can be a major disturbance, but the sheer magnitude of it is an amazing sight to see. The decision to place a wind farm in a natural environment raises an important dilemma: does it disrupt the ecosystem or reflect our evolution towards cleaner energy?

    Constructing a wind farm in nature forces us to consider whether we are disturbing the environment or demonstrating meaningful progress. We chose to see the positive scenario

KAROO FLORA

  • “The first time Tony Dold from Rhodes University Botany Department showed me the photos he took on our farm I was blown away by beauty and diversity.”

    *Marelize Steyn Transkaroo Adventures is a must-visit for plant lovers due to the stunning Karoo succulent vegetation and other unique plant life found on the hiking trails.

    Plant enthusiasts put this trail on your bucket-list for 2026