Route 1:
Riebeek Valley
ROUTE 1
Riebeek Valley
Wine, farms, Catholic Mission station, valley views, sophisticated charm, farming families
Some days are gentle and flat, others ask a little more of your legs.
| Package | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Camino Lite | 5 Days | R5,000 |
| Camino Plus | 5 Days | R11,000 |
| Camino Plus | 7 Days | R14,000 |
PHOTOS
Gallery
DAILY PLANNER
Itinerary
DAY 0: De Gunst Guest Farm
DAY 1: De Gunst ➝ Goedgedacht (15km)
Flat gentle slope, downhill gravel roads, with a stop at Nuweplaas padstal.
A historic Catholic mission farm dedicated to the wellbeing of rural children. Rich in political and struggle history, it sits at the foothills of the mountain, layered with stories, Cape architecture, and oodles of character. Piet Brand, the manager, is macho and muscled and modest. And goes the extra mile with a smile.
DAY 2: Goedgedacht ➝ Dassenheuwel Farm Stay (16km)
Some gravel road and bush walking. Farmers request a no smoking policy, for obvious reasons. Long pants are essential, there are some steep sections, and amazing views across the valley and mountains.
The Lesch Family run their working farm and have for 4 generations. A strong name in the Riebeek Valley.
Lida, your hostess, welcomes you and makes you feel comfortable on the farm. Her husband, Kobus, is humorous but serious about farming. They have passed their best qualities onto their son, Pieter, who has a heart of gold and goes the extra mile.
DAY 3: Dassenheuwel ➝ Hermon (9/16km)
From Dassenheuwel is a magnificent walk, on a four wheel drive track. At first, a hill to conquer, and then a constant down hill.
You have two options today. The first is 9km and the second is 16km.
You end the day on the banks of the Berg River in Hermon.
Teressa from Blou Porselein in Hermon is your host. Teressa and her family offer true farm hospitality – fresh eggs, friendly dogs, and cottage accommodation on the banks of the Berg River. She is knowledgeable and always happy to help with all things Camino.
DAY 4: Hermon ➝ Riebeek Kasteel (14km)
DAY 5: Riebeek Kasteel - Riebeek West (20km)
DAY 6: Riebeek West - Vlakkerug (14km)
DAY 7: Walk to Nuweplaas padstal or back to Goedgedacht (20km)
Vlakkerug can be included on a limb, or the road can take you back up around the Kasteel. A long slow gentle uphill all the way back to Goedgedaght. A beautiful green valley on your right and the magnificent mountain on your left. Baboon calls, wild flowers and mooing cows.
NOTES: Route Direction
This route was described walking in an anticlockwise direction. Choice of dates and availability of hosts may necessitate a clockwise direction Camino. In which case, take the ups for downs and the lefts for rights.
COMBOS: Join with other Routes
ROUTE MAP
SEASONAL NOTES
When To Go
Open from March-November
Temperatures too high during late December, January and February
July can be cold and rainy
ask away
FAQ's
Why choose the Riebeek Valley route?
How far is Riebeek Valley from Cape Town?
What is the best transport from the airport or Cape Town?
Is the Riebeek Valley safe?
Yes. The Riebeek Valley route passes through established farming regions and small towns where the route is well known and supported by local hosts and communities. All Cape Camino routes are shaped in collaboration with the people who live along them, creating a considered and supported walking experience.