About Cape Camino

Cape Camino

Your Way, on Foot

Step by step along a South African route shaped by place and people

  • Cape Camino’s mission is to facilitate a Camino Way, with space for personal reflection and growth.
  • Cape Camino believes in supporting small and family-run, local establishments and the revenue generated goes directly to the communities, which creates employment and business sustainability. On a typical 40 day Camino, over 100 small businesses are supported.

Creating a culture of Peace, Unity & Thriving.

  • A Camino is a National Asset. It is a dynamic and organic unfolding of new routes, new sacred spaces and hosts as the locals embrace this new idea, participate and take ownership
  • A pilgrim’s journey is shaped by where you are - and what you need right now.

“No man ever steps in the same river twice.”
Heraclitus of Ephesus 500 BC

  • This is what sets it apart from a hike or a walk.
  • Local hosts provide you with your logistics.

The Heart of It

Cape Camino’s Core Values

Choice

The journey is yours – walk it your way.

Shared Effort & Support

Walk together in kindness, generosity, and mutual care.

Personal Growth

Stay curious and open – you are stronger than you know.

Challenge

Step beyond comfort and discover new strength within.

Thriving

Every step supports small businesses and growing communities.

Responsibility

Own your experience and seek support when needed.

Camino Spirit

Trust that what you need will meet you on the way.

Inclusive

Everyone belongs here – all are welcome.

Adventure

Remember to have fun – It’s only a pilgrimage after all.

Our Commitment

Cape Camino’s Responsibility

Cape Camino’s role is to care for the route and the framework around it.

Our responsibility is to:

About Us - walking through river

Protecting the Integrity of the Camino

  • Protect the integrity and spirit of the Camino
  • Avoid over-commercialising or over-directing the walk
  • Step back once the walk begins
  • Avoid positioning ourselves as guides or tour operators
  • Trust pilgrims to take responsibility for their own journey

Clear & Honest Communication

  • Provide practical guidance for planning and walking
  • Be clear about what is and isn’t included
  • Communicate honestly, without promise or hype
  • Be transparent about responsibility and risk
About Us - sleeping pilgrim

Respect for People & Place

  • Respect people and place
  • Work ethically with hosts and communities
  • Encourage respectful behaviour along the route
  • Honour the land, its history, and those who live on it
  • Set clear boundaries

History of the Route

Cape Camino currently makes up a total distance of approximately 700 kms over 40 days. It is divided into 6 routes – they are geographically defined. If you would like to walk the full 40 days we suggest you take transport between each route.

Riebeek Valley Wine Route - 8 hosts
The route begins in the Riebeek Valley: rich soils, expansive valleys; nurseries to some of the finest wines in the world. Vineyards, olives, and Cape Dutch architecture! The mountain (Riebeek Kasteel) is central to the route and hosts are positioned all around it. This means that when some hosts are not available, the itinerary can be shifted to walk the area starting at a slightly different point.

This route starts in the Tulbagh Valley and then flows over the neck back toward the Riebeek Valley but traveling north to Koringberg.

The Berg River provides life-giving water to a range of farming practices as well as the three Moravian communities all along the foot of the Piketberge.

The Berg River source is in Franschoek and flows into the sea at Velddriff. It was named ‘Rio de Santiago’ by Vasco da Gama when he arrived in St Helena Bay in the 1400’s. The river was named after the patron Saint James, who walked The Way to Santiago in Europe. Camino de Santiago, the popular pilgrimage route we all love and know, was born of his journey. Cape Camino is proud to have this religious and historical link to Camino de Santiago.

This is a unique and diverse section to explore. Tulbagh town and wines, four working farms on or near the river, and two of the Moravian Church settlements still home to communities of the church.

This route begins near Aurora; the harsh and beautiful Sandveld. Not for the faint-hearted, these long stretches provide passage over the hills and into Redelinghuys and to a wild camp beyond.

This route begins in Elands Bay and travels south all the way to Veldriff – the mouth of the Berg River. It starts with significant Khoi art and caves. The museum in the village is worth a visit and offers expeditions in the area into archaeologically significant caves. Then long stretches of shoreline with little human settlement or activity, apart from an artist and his bull. Until Dwarskersbos where coastal holiday resorts have mushroomed.
On the other side of the Berg River mouth, the route hugs the shoreline from village to village. St Helena Bay, the famous Paternoster, Trekoskraal, Jacobs Bay and Saldanha Bay. There are many local activities and small businesses to enjoy and support. The West Coast is known for its down to earth people and ways. There is very little pomp and ceremony. Just the basics- and of course the abundance of the sea. If you would like to visit the West Coast National Park- which is advisable in August and September, in wildflower season, there is a boat transfer into Langebaan.
14 different sacred ways practiced, historical and architectural wealth. Social diversity. Culture and music and Cape Town vibes! And yet STILL with huge natural wildernesses: mountain tops, deep wild waters, beaches, forests, fynbos, birds, whales, dolphins, baboons. Prices are high in the city and we have sourced value for money accommodation which can be upgraded on request if you are looking for a little more comfort.
Routes - Pilgrim sections