The Diamond Discovery Trail meanders along approximately 50km, from east to west along what is known as the Diamond Coast between private farming settlements of Kleinzee in Namaqualand in the Northern Cape.Springbok lies 110km to the east.  Port Nolloth is 60km to the North. Garies lies 163 km to the East.

THIS A 3 DAY /4 NIGHT GUIDED SLACK PACK HIKING TRAIL ONLY:

Hikers will be accompanied and guided by expert guides (FGASA Level I, Marine Level I, First Aid Level III, DEAT accredited guides.)

Hikers will do 3 separate day hikes/ excursions from a “Base Camp” – Houthoop Guest Farm each day. Houthoop Guest Farm is 90km from Springbok via Komaggas.

  • There are 3 different overnight options: Own tents/ (campers /camping), basic wooden Huts(popular) and or luxury Accomodation (Holiday flats/ guest rooms). See the tariff list at the end.

  • This package includes 4 x night accommodation, 4 x dinners and 4 x breakfasts.
  • Physical fitness is essential: hikers will experience soft sand, low shrubbery, beach walking, sections of harder surface, rocky terrain.
  • There is very little / no shade on the trails, but temperate climate and Atlantic Ocean breeze even things out.  (Come prepared).
  • There is No drinking water on trail, hikers must carry at least 2-3L water with each day that can be filled every day/ morning at the Base camp.
  • Hikers are responsible for day packs and own snack packs/ lunch packs each day.

  • Scrumptious breakfasts and dinners are included in the package. (See the list/ options further on).

  • Hikers will experience some of the most beautiful parts of the West/ Diamond Coast, Namaqualand with its world renowned flours, landscapes, abundant bird and wild life.

     

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS:

Option 1:

  • Wooden Houses – sleeps 24

  • There are 12 X 2 Bed Huts, hut 1 & 2 share a bathroom.

  • 4 x dinners, 4 x breakfasts, 4x night accommodation included.

Option 2:

  • Camping facilities – Tent sites – max 30 pers.

  • 4 x dinners, 4 x breakfasts, 4x night accommodation included.

Option 3:

  • Luxury accommodation – sleeps 16

  • Fully equipped Holiday Flats, en suit bathrooms bring only own towels.

  • 4 x dinners, 4 x breakfasts, 4x night accommodation included.

Option 4:

  • Self Catering 

  • Camping with own tents, ** Use the bush kitchen, hot & cold water in ablutions, bring all own camping gear, own camping beds/ mattresses, sleeping bags etc.
  • 2 Bed Wooden Huts,
  • 4.3 Lux Accommodation (when available) Holiday Flats.

TRAIL PLAN/ ITINERARY:  

This is weather permitted and can be changed to suite the conditions and the group’s level of fitness.

  • Day 0 (Night 1)
  • Hikers arrive at KLEINZEE – HOUTHOOP GUEST FARM
  • (This is our Base camp for the next few days). Hikers will be shown to accommodation as booked. A good dinner will be served.
  • Trail guides will meet you here for a briefing on what lies ahead.
  • Day 1 (Night 2)
  • After breakfast, guides will meet the group and start the hike.
  • Hike from De Houthoop through the farms to the Buffelsrivier, Molleneux Private Reserve and on to the Kleinzee Museum. This is 12-15 km, 5-6 hours; (moderate hiking)
  • The group will be picked –up at the Museum and transported back to the Houthoop.
  • Dinner – and enjoy our wonderful starlight skies around a fire pit.
  • Day 2 (Night 3)
  • After breakfast hikers are taken/ or self -drive to Kleinzee Museum, from where we hike past the Z-Kleinzee golf course, to the Buffelsrivier Estuary. Hike along the coast, towards the old Kleinzee Yacht Club. 12km, 5-6 hours, Difficulty rating: 8
  • Picked –up at the Yacht Club and transported back/ self-crive to the base camp.
  • Dinner and camp fire.
  • Day 3 (Night 4)
  • After breakfast hikers are taken to the Yacht Club. From here we hike towards Goraapkop, the border of “Brazil”, and down to the beautiful Coast. Hike from South to North along the unspoilt pristine coastline of the Diamond Coast. 17-19 km, 6-8 hours; Difficulty rating: 7
  • Back to Base camp, the last dinner is served and hikers can enjoy a big bon fire for the last night. Share all memories and reflect back on all the joys of the last 3 days!!
  • Day 4:
  • Breakfast is served and hikers depart. BON VOYAGE!!

IMPORTANT INFO

  • Travel arrangements to and from Kleinzee/Koingnaas are hikers’ own responsibility.

  • Ask your booking agents (Anvie) for more info.

  • Bathroom facilities are available at Houthoop Guest Farm overnight site – Ablution blocks with hot & cold water showers, flush toilets, hand basins for campers.

  • Separate Bathrooms and en suit facilities for wooden huts and holiday flats.

  • Refrigeration facilities are available for your own snack packs/ lunch packs/ water.

  • There is very limited cell phone reception on trail.

  • NB: The guides will always be in contact with a support team all the time. (24/7)

  • Limited medical services available in Kleinzee and Komaggas

  • Please limit day pack/ gear to essentials-transporting space is limited.

  • This hike is open all year round, best weather is usually from March to December, January and February can be very hot.

PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR OWN

  • Snacks and drinks/ lunch packs for each days hike;
  • Torch/light for inside the tents/ and in case of load shedding.
  • Eating/drinking utensils;
  • Insect repellent, sunblock;
  • Extra Drinking water; (bottled water)
  • Additional kit (camera/binoculars/first aid etc.) you may require.
  • Remember your own sleeping bags & pillows for camping.

RECOMMENDATIONS / SUGGESTIONS

  • Head cover/ hats that protects ears, face and neck and is ‘wind resistant’;
  • Sturdy hiking boots, sandals for walking on the beach;
  • Layered clothing – hot dune streets, cool/windy beach walks;
  • Protection against thorny vegetation – short pants may not be preferable;

DIRECTIONS TO KLEINZEE

  • From Johannesburg, follow N14 west to Springbok
  • From Cape Town/Namibia, follow N7 north/south to Springbok
  • From Springbok, follow R355 to Kleinzee. Turn left where tarred road ends, to Komaggas, continue through Komaggas to the Houthoop
  • NB: When making use of the self catering options, all visitors and hikers take note:

  • NB: NO Hiking, game viewing, mountain biking or 4 x4 driving allowed without official registered guides.

  • + R780.00 Per person: 3 Days guided hikes, all entrance fees for parks and reserves included.

PERTINENT INFORMATION

  • A minimum of 4 persons is required per booking.

  • The package rates include all entrance fees to parks, reserves, transport on the hikes and the guides’ rates.

  • There are more activities/ excursions available for those who want to stay longer and explore the rest of our beautiful area.

  • All extra activities must be booked in advance.

  • E.g. Diamond mine tour, 4X4 Ship wreck tour, Game drives, Flower tours.

  • (All guided with our expert guides) Availability/ costs etc. will be confirmed with enquiries.

  • For any extra days before and after the hike, you can book accommodation and meals at own extra costs HOUTHOOP GUEST FARM: Contact our office for details.
  • There is a big lapa with braai facilities, tables, chairs, cutlery and crockery available.
  • TAKE TIME AND COME EXPLORE OUR BEAUTIFUL DIAMOND COAST!!
  • You will be surprised and will not be disappointed.

RATES:

Accommodation/Service Price Additional Info
Wooden Houses (12 x 2 Bed Huts) Rates available on request Includes 4 nights accommodation, 4 dinners, 4 breakfasts.
Camping Facilities (Tent Sites) Rates available on request Includes 4 nights accommodation, 4 dinners, 4 breakfasts.
Luxury Accommodation (Holiday Flats) Rates available on request Includes 4 nights accommodation, 4 dinners, 4 breakfasts.
Self-Catering Camping (Own Tents) Rates available on request Bring all own camping gear.
Self-Catering Wooden Huts (2 Bed) Rates available on request
Self-Catering Luxury Accommodation (Holiday Flats) Rates available on request When available.
Guided Hikes (3 Days) R780.00 per person Includes all entrance fees for parks and reserves.
Extra Activities (Diamond Mine Tour, 4x4 Shipwreck Tour, Game Drives, Flower Tours) Costs confirmed upon enquiry Book in advance.