Namaqua Schaapriver Canyon Flower 4-Day Hike
4 Day/5 Night Schaapriver Canyon Flower Hike
COST PP: Sharing R13 500 | Single R15 900
DATES AVAILABLE
(Register Below by clicking on the date)
Embark on an journey along the riverbed of the awe-inspiring Schaap River, as it gracefully winds its way through a majestic canyon sculpted by the hands of time. Prepare to be captivated by the sheer magnificence of this natural wonder. This extraordinary Slackpack hiking tour unfolds during the enchanting Flower season in Namaqua, where you’ll be treated to a feast for the senses. Behold flower-drenched valleys, rugged mountains, and ancient canyons that whisper tales of the past.
Immerse yourself in nature’s spellbinding spectacle of vibrant colors and breathtaking beauty, as you bear witness to the world’s grandest and most awe-inspiring natural flower exhibition. Traverse the very paths where elusive leopards stealthily roam the weathered canyon walls, and marvel at the lunar landscapes forged in a primordial era when molten granite transformed the earth into a cauldron of wonder. Prepare for an adventure that will leave you in awe of nature’s boundless wonders.
3-Day/4-Night Flower Hike
This exhilarating Slackpack hiking tour is not just about the flowers; it’s about immersing yourself in the absolute best of Namakwa! With over 10 years of experience in Namaqua, Trisport knows exactly where to take you for an unforgettable hike amidst the stunning floral landscapes. We are dedicated to ensuring you witness the most incredible blooms, so we will adapt the program accordingly, chasing the best flower displays at the time of your Slackpack hike.
Prepare to explore three distinct areas of Namakwa, as we embark on a thrilling flower-hunting adventure together. We’ll unveil hidden gems that even the locals are unaware of, guided by our team of passionate experts who will leave you beaming with joy. While Trisport will accompany you on each tour, our local guides will provide unique insights and a genuine connection to the heart and soul of Namakwa (Namaqua).
Embark on a hike at Nigramoep Guest Farm, where vibrant flowers blanket the landscape, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking fauna and flora of this pristine guest farm. Discover the daisy-filled roads and hills of Nabapeep, a true floral wonderland. Traverse the trails of Goegap Nature Reserve, surrounded by the mesmerizing beauty of the flowers. Alternatively, venture between Okiep and Concordia or explore an area near Kamieskroon. Prepare to be enchanted by flower-covered valleys and witness nature’s awe-inspiring display of colors during the world’s largest and most spectacular natural flower show. Marvel at the sight of Quiver trees, standing tall for over a century, adding to the enchantment of your journey.
Get ready to be swept away by the magic of Namakwa as you embark on this extraordinary adventure of vibrant blooms and natural wonders!
Highlights of the Tour
Each tour’s venues are different, it depends on what time of the Flower season it is. We use various venues to stay at, but you will experience the best of Namaqua while you are with us on the tour
-Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Namaqua Flowers during their vibrant season.
-Witness the most stunning blooms during your tour as we guide you to the prime locations where these magnificent flowers flourish.
-Immerse yourself in the splendor of nature while staying at our carefully selected and delightful lodges.
-Our experienced local Tour Guides, well-versed in the history, fauna, and flora of each venue, will accompany you on this cultural journey.
-Engage with the local Nama people and gain a deeper understanding of their rich heritage.
-Explore pristine areas untouched by crowds, allowing you to truly connect with nature.
-Marvel at the incredible Quiver trees and discover hidden villages off the beaten path.
-Encounter a diverse range of wildlife, adding to the enchantment of your experience.
-Take in the awe-inspiring Namaqua Schaapriver Canyon, a hidden gem spanning 65km across private farms. Its towering cliffs and ancient rockfaces hold captivating stories waiting to be unveiled.
-Experience the warm hospitality and savor the delectable cuisine of the local Namaqua people.
-Enjoy exhilarating transportation in a custom-built pipe car, adding an extra element of excitement to your journey.
-Take in the panoramic views of the Richtersveld and the majestic Atlantic Ocean.
-Prepare to be enchanted by the natural wonders and cultural treasures of Namaqua.
Information
Namakwa (Namaqua) is an arid region of Namibia and South Africa, extending along the west coast over 1,000 kilometres and covering a total area of 440,000 square kilometres. It is divided by the lower course of the Orange River into two portions – Little Namakwa to the south and Great Namakwa to the north.
Namakwa remained a very quiet place during the cultural evolution until about 2000 years ago. This was when the Khoikhoi or Nama arrived from the area that now encompasses northern Botswana. The region is known for its cultural history, which was preserved by the Nama and Khoisan tribes. The Nama people are the largest group of Khoikhoi people.
Venues
Each tour’s venues are different, it depends on what time of the Fower season it is. We use various venues to stay at, but you will experience the best of Namaqua while you are with us on the tour
See the venues below:
1. Nigramoep Guest Farm, Schaap River Canyon, Northern Cape
2. Okiep Country hotel, Okiep,
3. Mountain View Guest Lodge, Springbok
4. Daisy Country Lodge, Springbok
5. Jakkalswater Guest Farm
Nigramoep Guest Farm: Beautiful renovated Guest cottages and farm houses. Most cottages and houses have 2 or more rooms. You will experience Nigramoep’s delicious farm style home cooking food.
Okiep Country Hotel: The tourist centre of Okiep is the excellent Okiep Country Hotel. The hotel houses a very popular restaurant and bar. Each room is en-suite and the hotel has a 3 star grading. The hotel is famous for it’s amazing food
Jakkalswater Guest farm: Nestled between the slopes and granite boulders of the Kamiesberg Mountains, Jakkalswater guest farm is situated 9.9 miles from Springbok
Daisy Country Lodge: With magnificent views overlooking the Koppies and Valleys, Daisy Country Lodge is truly an oasis in this semi desert area.
Mountain View Guest Lodge: The award-winning Mountain View Guest House sits high on a hill overlooking the picturesque and bustling Northern Cape town of Springbok. Each suite is fully air-conditioned with a mini bar fridge, TV, hairdryer and tea and coffee making facilities. Enjoy the beautiful and tranquil garden with pool.
Distances
Day 1: 14km
Day 2: 10km
Day 3: 12km
Distances may be in different order depending on where and at which overnight venues we start and finish.
Each tour’s venues are different, it depends on what time of the season it is. We use various venues to stay at, but you will experience the best of Namaqua while you are with us on the tour.
Entries Available
Limited to 16 entries
Fitness Level Requirement
This hiking tour is not suitable for beginners who only hike on flat and easy surfaces like tar or gravel roads.
While there is not a lot of elevation on the hikes, you must be able to navigate some technical sections over rocks and boulders and walk off-road through the bush. We will take you to where the most beautiful flowers are, and therefore the terrain can be challenging.
If you are unsure about your ability to handle the hike, please contact Sonja at Sonja@trisport.co.za. Additionally, please note that you must be able to walk at least 12km to 15km per day. If you are over 70 years old, please kindly contact us before registering.
Hiking Surface
Jeep tracks, single tracks, boulders, small rocks, some steep short uphill sections, hiking trail, rocky roads, up-hill, down-hill. Elevation of about 300 to 500m per day.
Entry Fee and Highlights Includes
- 4 Nights, 4 Days;
- 4 nights accommodation
- 4 Days of hiking
- A Trisport Goody bag
- Local Guides on each hike
- Cost of Guides
- Trisport Guides
- Mine Tour
- Nature Reserve entry fees
- Private property permits and entry fees
- All arrangements to ensure you have an amazing Flower hike
- All meals from dinner on first night to dinner the last night
- Home cooked Namakwa meals; and
- All the arrangements by Trisport
- And unforgettable and unique Namakwa experience.
Entry Fee Excludes
- Travel to your start venue, (we will send it to you once you booked) and in between our hiking venues, we will go where the flowers are best
- Alcoholic drinks; and
- Breakfast on departure
- Guide tips.
- Your vehicle to drive from venue to venue, no 4 x 4 needed, but a high clearance SUV is advised
- Medical insurance
- Travel Insurance
- Cost of Evacuation if necessary
Schedule
Day 1
15:00 Check in at your overnight venue for 2 nights (the exact direction of the venue will be sent to you closer to the time).
18:00 Meet with your Trisport host
19:00 Dinner
Day 2
08:00 Breakfast
09:00 Hike
Experiencing the beautiful fauna and flora, seeing the remains of an old copper mine, seeing the west coast in the distance, learning about the history, stopping for tea, stopping for lunch at a beautiful spot. Enjoy your guide’s passion for Nature and all the information about the amazing flowers
19:30 Dinner and freshly baked bread and salad made by the venue.
Day 3
07:00 Breakfast
08:00 Leave in a convoy, with your vehicle, for our next overnight venue for 2 nights
09:00 Hike
We will go to the best place to hike where we know there are flowers. It might be a single-track hiking trail with an elevation of about 300m. It depends on where the flowers are the best. Hiking enjoying the fauna and flora, the history, stopping for tea, stopping for lunch at a beautiful spot.
14:00 Check in at your next venue
18:30 Dinner
Day 4
07:00 Breakfast
08:00 Leave for our next hiking venue with your vehicle
9:00 Hike
We will go to a place to hike where we know there are nice flowers. Hiking enjoying the fauna and flora, the history, and stopping for tea and lunch on the way.
18:30 Dinner
Day 5
07:30 Breakfast and Good Byes
Safety Equipment
We have the following safety equipment with us:
– A medical kit, including bandages, etc.
– An AED (Automatic Electric Defibrillator)
– Epipen
– Radios
– A Garmin InReach (to be used in case of an extreme emergency only, not when you are tired)
– A helicopter for airlifting, with the understanding that you will be held liable for the cost of evacuation.
4 Day Schaapriver Canyon Flower Hike
Embark on an unforgettable adventure as you hike along the riverbed of the magnificent Schaap River in the Canyon, where it gracefully winds its way through a majestic gorge sculpted by the passage of time. This extraordinary Slackpack hiking tour takes place during the enchanting Flower season in Namaqua. Prepare to be mesmerized by flower-covered valleys, rugged mountains, ancient canyons, and the awe-inspiring spectacle of nature’s vibrant colors during the world’s largest and most spectacular natural flower display.
Immerse yourself in a landscape where elusive leopards silently roam the weathered canyon walls, and lunar-like vistas transport you to a primordial era when molten granite shaped the Earth. Trisport is thrilled to offer a truly unique and fully catered Hiking (Slack Packing) experience! Only a select few have ever had the privilege of undertaking this remarkable hike or even being aware of its existence! If you have previously explored the Fish River Canyon, you will find this River Canyon even more captivating, as it remains untamed, unspoiled, pristine, and blissfully devoid of crowds.
Prepare to be captivated by the untamed beauty of this hidden gem and create memories that will last a lifetime!
Highlights of the Tour
- Beautiful Flowers of Namaqua during the Flower season
- Experienced local Tour Guides of each venue that know the history, Fauna and Flora
- Hike in pristine areas with no other people around you
- See lots of different wildlife
- The hospitality of the local people of Namaqua
- The food of the local people of Namaqua
- The exhilarating transport in a custom build pipe car
- The views over the Schaapriver Canyon
- Experience one of Namakwa’s best secret’s, the Schaap river Canyon
- The beautiful cliffs and rock faces of the Canyon
- Flowers and waterfalls in the Canyon with lots of pools to cool down
Info of the Schaapriver Canyon area
The Schaap River Canyon is about 60km long in total. It is in Namakwa between Springbok and Kleinsee. It runs over private property only, and permission are obtain from each farmer to be allowed to hike in the Canyon.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure as you hike along the riverbed of the magnificent Schaap River in the Canyon, where it gracefully winds its way through a majestic gorge sculpted by the passage of time. This extraordinary Slackpack hiking tour takes place during the enchanting Flower season in Namaqua. Prepare to be mesmerized by flower-covered valleys, rugged mountains, ancient canyons, and the awe-inspiring spectacle of nature’s vibrant colors during the world’s largest and most spectacular natural flower display.
Namakwa is an arid region of Namibia and South Africa, extending along the west coast over 1,000 kilometres and covering a total area of 440,000 square kilometres. It is divided by the lower course of the Orange River into two portions – Little Namakwa to the south and Great Namakwa to the north.
Namakwa remained a very quiet place during the cultural evolution until about 2000 years ago. This was when the Khoikhoi or Nama arrived from the area that now encompasses northern Botswana. The region is known for its cultural history, which was preserved by the Nama and Khoisan tribes. The Nama people are the largest group of Khoikhoi people.
Itinerary
Day one.
Please make sure you arrive between 2 pm and 4 pm, but please arrive before 4pm. It is 1,5 hours from Springbok.
Welcome and arrival introduction at Nigramoep Slowliving Guest Farm, drive to Nigramoep’s base camp in the canyon, book in at base camp.
Dinner served in marquees’ tent.
Day two.
Hiking starts at base camp after breakfast with the luring attraction of the canyon’s mystical beauty calling one to enjoy the ochre rock faces, mini amphitheatre, rock pools, plant life, the majestic black eagle and klipspringer. Return back to base camp after hiking.
Day three.
Hiking starts from base camp onto an old gravel road between rocky hills adjacent to the canyon, quiver trees waiting for the early rays of sunhine. Hiking from there onto an old jeep track leading you into Casnou se Kloof ravine. Gradual descent surrounded by rock walls, rock pools, wonderful flora and fauna captivating you with its beauty. Casnou se Kloof exits into the canyon. Hike back to base camp.
Day four.
Hiking starts from base camp onto old gravel road ascending at a relatively steep incline with wonderful views of the canyon from the top, turning onto a jeep track graced with beautiful plant life and flowers, descending into Myn se Kloof ravine another spectacular ravine with rock pools, striking ochre rock walls, fauna and flora. Hiking out of Myn se Kloof into the Schaapriver canyon, back to the base camp.
Day five.
Hikers are transported after breakfast with pipe cars to the starting point of Langkloof ravine. The jeep track has a slight incline leading onto a plateau greeted by panoramic vistas of the Schaapriver Canyon. The slow descent on a rocky jeeptrack into Langkloof ravine is surrounded by beautiful flora. Once Langkloof ravine is reached, rock pools and the silent beauty of Namaqua rock fig tree and Kokerboom greet you. Hemmed in by beautiful ochre rock walls, the descent to the canyon is often graced by sightings of klipspringer and booted eagle.
The breathtaking opening of Langkloof ravine into the Schaapriver canyon is a sight to behold. The high canyon walls enfold and mesmerize you whilst hiking to the base camp. Day five ends at the base camp.
*Base camp consists of a marquees tent where breakfast and dinner is served at set tables and lunchpacks provided, as well as a charging station for cellphones etc and a coffee and tea station, hot camp showers and toilets. Fire pit under the stars area. Ribstop canvas sleeping tents with stretchers and mattresses – 2 stretchers and 2 mattresses per tent.
Day six.
Hikers book out of canyon after breakfast ending the Nigramoep Slowliving Guest Farm Schaapriver Canyon Hike at the majestic canyon view point. Champagne served to celebrate the hike
Venue
Venue: Nigramoep Guest Farm, Schaap River Canyon, Northern Cape
Your Accommodation: 5 nights in glamping in the Canyon at 1 base camp in Dome Tents (big enough to stand up) with stretches and mattresses
You will experience the delicious farm style home cooking of Nigramoep staff.
There is a bar at the Base camp, but you can bring your own drinks as well.
How to get to the start
Start Venue: Nigramoep Guest Farm, Schaap River Canyon, Northern Cape. The closest big town is Springbok.
Springbok is 500km from Cape Town and 300km from Upington.
Nigramoep is 60km from Springbok
Methods to get to Springbok:
1. Fly to Cape Town and hire a car to travel to Nigramoep. There are no shuttles from Cape Town.
2. Fly to Upngton and hire a car to drive to Nigramoep
Directions to Nigramoep from Springbok
Please take note re the directions to Nigramoep. PLEASE do NOT use Google Maps. ONLY the directions below.
Please do not follow your GPS or Google Maps to Nigramoep Guest Farm. The road from Nababeep is closed.
Follow the instructions below, please.
The ONLY directions to Nigramoep Guest Farm:
From Springbok on the N7 towards Namibia plus minus 10km past Okiep (Okiep on your right-hand side) there is a big road sign, Nigramoep Bulletrap… turn left plus minus 10 km to Bulletrap tar road. Drive through Bulletrap till you get to a gravel road.
NBB: Be careful for the very deep speed dips in Bulletrap, they are mean!!
Nigramoep is 30km from Bulletrap on the gravel road. Just drive slowly and enjoy the views. The road can be bad if it rains a lot.
Remain on main stream gravel road till you get to a dry river bed with thorn trees, concrete bed between thorn trees. Drive onto a concrete riverbed and start ascending after the riverbed. About 15km from there, you will get to the Nigramoep Gate. Drive through the gate to Nigramoep. Open and close again, please.
Follow the Reception signs.
Distances
Day one.
Welcome and arrival introduction at Nigramoep Slowliving Guest Farm, drive to Nigramoep’s base camp in the canyon, book in at base camp. Dinner served in marquees tent.
Day two.
Hiking starts at base camp after breakfast with the luring attraction of the canyon’s mystical beauty calling one to enjoy the ochre rock faces, mini amphitheatre, rock pools, plant life, the majestic black eagle and klipspringer. Return back to base camp after hiking.
Day three.
Hiking starts from base camp onto an old gravel road between rocky hills adjacent to the canyon, quiver trees waiting for the early rays of sunhine. Hiking from there onto an old jeep track leading you into Casnou se Kloof ravine. Gradual descent surrounded by rock walls, rock pools, wonderful flora and fauna captivating you with its beauty. Casnou se Kloof exits into the canyon. Hike back to base camp.
Day four.
Hiking starts from base camp onto old gravel road ascending at a relatively steep incline with wonderful views of the canyon from the top, turning onto a jeep track graced with beautiful plant life and flowers, descending into Myn se Kloof ravine another spectacular ravine with rock pools, striking ochre rock walls, fauna and flora. Hiking out of Myn se Kloof into the Schaapriver canyon, back to the base camp.
Day five.
Hikers are transported after breakfast with pipe cars to the starting point of Langkloof ravine. The jeep track has a slight incline leading onto a plateau greeted by panoramic vistas of the Schaapriver Canyon. The slow descent on a rocky jeeptrack into Langkloof ravine is surrounded by beautiful flora. Once Langkloof ravine is reached, rock pools and the silent beauty of Namaqua rock fig tree and Kokerboom greet you. Hemmed in by beautiful ochre rock walls, the descent to the canyon is often graced by sightings of klipspringer and booted eagle.
The breathtaking opening of Langkloof ravine into the Schaapriver canyon is a sight to behold. The high canyon walls enfold and mesmerize you whilst hiking to the base camp. Day five ends at the base camp.
*Base camp consists of a marquees tent where breakfast and dinner is served at set tables and lunchpacks provided, as well as a charging station for cellphones etc and a coffee and tea station, hot camp showers and toilets. Fire pit under the stars area. Ribstop canvas sleeping tents with stretchers and mattresses – 2 stretchers and 2 mattresses per tent.
Day six.
Hikers book out of canyon after breakfast ending the Nigramoep Slowliving Guest Farm Schaapriver Canyon Hike at the majestic canyon view point. Champagne served to celebrate the hike
Entries Available
Limited to 20 entries
Fitness Level
NO BEGINNERS
Intermediate to advance level hikers.
You must be fit for hiking up to 15km per day with sections of rocky and uneven areas over boulders and loose rocks. People 70 years old and older must please contact us first before registering.
Entry Fee and Highlights Includes
- 5 Days and 5 Nights;
- 5 nights Glamping in the Canyon
- Includes a big tent, where you can stand up, bed/stretcher, and mattresses. The tents and stretched with mattresses are permanently at the base camp
- Lights and electricity in the camp
- 5 Nights Glamping in the Schaap River Canyon on private property;
- 4 Days hiking with experienced guides born in Namakwa, eager to share their intimate knowledge of the flowers, geography and history of the area;
- All the permissions and payments of the local farmers where we will transverse over
- Transport and logistics to get your gear/ luggage to the base camp or drive in convoy with your own car
- Supply of water, firewood and cooking equipment;
- A hot shower and flushable toilets
- All meals from dinner on arrival to breakfast on departure day;
- Freshly baked bread and salad each night;
- Wine each night
- A Cash Bar available at Base Camp in the Canyon and at Nigramoep Guest Farm
- Home-cooked Namakwa meals;
- All the arrangements by Trisport
Entry Fee Excludes
- Travel to and from Springbok, Northern Cape;
- Extra nights at Nigramoep Guest farm, please contact Suzette on 0826873852 for extra nights at the Guest farm
- Sleeping bag, pillow,
- Day pack,
- Tea/coffee sachets, coffee cup, small flask for the hike.
- Snacks for during the hike;
- Tips for the Guides; and
- Alcoholic Beverages.
- Extra Flower Tour options : Namaqua Undiscovered Cultural Tour see: https://sjupsjup.com/ for more detail and book through the website.
- Medical insurance
- Travel Insurance
- Cost of Evacuation if necessary
- No internet/WiFi cell phone reception in the Canyon, just peace and quite of the Canyon
Safety Equipment
We have the following safety equipment with us:
– A medical kit, including bandages, etc.
– An AED (Automatic Electric Defibrillator)
– Epipen
– Radios
– A Garmin InReach (to be used in case of an extreme emergency only, not when you are tired)
– A helicopter for airlifting, with the understanding that you will be held liable for the cost of evacuation.
