This is one of the most beautiful gems of the Garden Route, Western Cape and definitely one for all enthusiastic hikers’ bucket list.

This is a 4 – 6 days Back Pack Trail – no slack pack available.

SITUATION:

The Outeniqua Hiking Trail starts in the west, 25km`s from Sedgefield and ends in Harkerville which lies between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay in an Easterly direction.

Set in the heart of the famous Garden Route, thismagnificent trail leads through indigenous forests and fynbos, majestic mountain scenery, views ofthe coastal plateau, relics of the gold rush nearMillwood, bird and animal life of the forest and fynbos, mountain streams and pools.

The forest and the wet fynbos depend on high rainfall.Most of the trail pass through river systems andthere are alternative routes should there be heavy rains, causing rivers to be too dangerous to cross. Hikers should take this into consideration especially between Millwood, Rondebossie, and Diepwalle.

HIKERS NEED TO KNOW:

  • This trail is not recommended for beginners, not so fit, and young children 12 and under. Your feet will hurt (and some other spots too) and you will be tired after each day’s hike. You will however be rewarded with unsurpassed scenery which the Outeniqua Mountains are famous for.
  • NB: Not all the huts are accessible by car/ vehicles and hikers are expected to take distance to walk from the place of departure to next hut, into account.
  • The start and finishing points are not at the same spot and hikers need to make traveling arrangements, extra vehicles e.g. at the starting and finishing points. There are some shuttle services available – more info to be obtained from Anvie Ventures.
  • The trail can only be followed and may only be done in one direction from west to east.
  • The huts offer shelter, firewood, grids, water and mattresses on bunk beds, no pots.
  • There is only electricity at Diepwalle & Harkerville huts.
  • Minimum of two and maximum of 24 hikers allowed on the trail.
  • Park your car at Goudveld Gate and hike about 8km to Millwood hut, where you will overnight your first night. (There are 2 extra day trails one can incorporate on this first day).
  • There is ample, good and safe drinking water at huts and streams on route.
  • At Millwood there is “Mother Holly`s” Tea Garden and they also offer refreshments and food. (Bring some cash)
  • At Diepwallle there is a community Tea Garden and other refreshments.
  • Throughout the trail there is good cellphone reception however, whenever you are in a valley or a deep kloof there will not be.
  • There are power points for charging cell phones in the ablution block at Millwood and Diepwalle only.
  • The Route Markers are Black signs with white boot prints in.
  • Ask Anvie Ventures about accommodation options available, before and after this beautiful hike. Spend some more time and visit all other stunning sites and more adventures the Garden Route offers.

THE 3 – 5 DAY HIKE:

DAY ONE: (Goudveld to Millwood):

The hike starts from the Goudveld Entrance. Vehicles can be parked here.  

Hikers then hike in +- 9km to Milwood hut.

There are 2 more extra “circles in the forest” loops that can be followed on the 9 km stretch that will give hikers a total of +- 14km for the first day on to Millwood.

DAY TWO:  (Millwood to Rondebossie):

This is +- 17km and is quite hilly. Although you walk in the forest, it can become extremely hot. Take adequate water and nutrition to help kerb exhaustion. Don’t miss the swimming spot on the Knysna River. Just when you think you have really had enough, the hut suddenly appears in a clearing in the forest.

 

DAY THREE: (Rondebossie to Diepwalle)

About 13km and passes on old forestry machine shortly after the start, but don’t spend too much time taking photos because a hill awaits you and after that another HILL. The top offers a spectacular view. The rest of the route you just cruise to Diepwalle hut where electricity and a warm shower awaits you. Diepwalle hut is also a great start/stop point for shorter route options.

 

DAY FOUR: (Diepwalle to Fisantehoek):

Other hiking trails criss-cross this 16km route near the start so be alert not to follow the wrong indicators. The route crosses two rivers which offer refreshing resting spots.

Day four ends then at Fisantehoek.

At this point hikers have the option to be picked up here and finish the 4 day trail here.

Hikers need to book accordingly and arrange transport back to the starting point.

 

DAY FOUR: (Diepwalle to Fisantehoek):

Those who would like to do the 5 days, will carry on from Fisantehoek to Harkerville.
This is the shortest distance, +-12km, on the trail and quite easy-going. It is worth while taking your back pack off your weary shoulders and taking a stroll through the Garden of Eden as the trail crosses the N2 national road near here. After that it’s just 5km to the Harkerville, from where they can be picked up / make use of shuttle service to their starting point.

THEN:There is the option for the very experienced hikers to extend/ incorporate the 2 Day Harkersville hike and make this a 6 Day back Pack Trail. See more info on the Harkerville Hiking Trail Info pack.

Distances:

 Goudveld Gate to Millwood: 8km

  • Day 1 – Millwood to Rondebossie: ​17km

  • Day 2 – Rondebossie to Diepwalle: ​13km

  • Day 3 – Diepwalle to Fiesantehoek: ​16km

  • Day 4 – Fiesantehoek to Harkerville:​ 12km

  • OUTENIQUA HKING TRAIL RATES:

    FROM R185.00 PER PERSON PER NIGHT (Including Conservation fees).

Rates:

Trail Segment/Service Distance Additional Info
Goudveld Gate to Millwood (Day 1) 8 km (+-14km with loops) Start point, parking available. Mother Holly's Tea Garden nearby.
Millwood to Rondebossie (Day 2) 17 km Hilly terrain, bring sufficient water. Swimming spot on Knysna River.
Rondebossie to Diepwalle (Day 3) 13 km Hilly terrain, views, electricity and showers at Diepwalle hut.
Diepwalle to Fisantehoek (Day 4) 16 km Crosses rivers, various trail intersections, be aware of markers.
Fisantehoek to Harkerville (Day 5) 12 km Shortest distance, Garden of Eden passes near this section.
Outeniqua Hiking Trail (Per Person Per Night) N/A From R185.00 (Including conservation fees).