If you’re on the fence about doing the Kouga Camino, we’d highly recommend it. And not for the reasons you’d think. Never having done such a thing before, we were understandably nervous beforehand. Sure, we hike regularly on weekends. But were we fit enough and prepared enough for the four-day, five-night Kouga Camino?
KOUGA CAMINO
The Kouga Camino only runs in certain times of the year to avoid the chilly winter and hot summer months. Therefore, we went in September, which has been fully booked all year. You arrive on Monday and leave on Saturday – neat and tidy when booking leave. Each day is roughly 15 km of hiking with the toughest day stretching to 21 km for those who want to test themselves.
1. ALL ARE WELCOME
As such, Kouga Adventures recommends getting a group of ten or more together. That way you have the hike all to yourself for the week. Groups of less than ten will be paired up with others, which may or may not be great, depending on personalities. Our group for this particular adventure had a wide array of fitness levels and everyone completed the route.
2. COME PREPARED
In hindsight, we probably came over-prepared for the Kouga Camino. However, what you will certainly need is a sturdy pair of hiking boots/shoes. And a pair of wet shoes for the water crossings. A microfibre towel and sleeping bag is needed for the lone camping night (night three). And we can report that a walking stick came in very handy over the slippery water crossings and downhill sections.
3. DON’T BE AFRAID TO UNPLUG
Before you even arrive in the remote Kouga Wilderness outside Joubertina, there’s a wonderful 30-km dirt road you must traverse by car first. Here already cell signal goes bye-bye. So, switch on your Out of Office reply and be ready to properly unplug. You won’t miss doom scrolling on your phone for the next week, trust us.
4. WHAT AWAITS ON THE KOUGA CAMINO
Without giving too much away, because it truly is an adventure to be appreciated, here’s how the four days goes. The route is a collaboration between five neighbouring farms in the Langkloof. So, each night, your gear is sent ahead and you’re hosted at a new venue. From Kouga Wilderness, you end up in the wonderful Sinkshack. From there it’s an overnight at Semane Lodge on the river.
5. FIND YOUR ADVENTUROUS SIDE
Each day’s terrain is different and exciting. All of which is a prelude to day three, the big 21-km hike to Bergkamp where you camp under the stars. Everyone in our group felt suitably challenged by this undulating climb with spectacular views. Mercifully, the weather was absolutely perfect on the day. And the overnight camping (your sleeping bag and 30l dry bag are portered by donkeys) is a highlight.
6. WELL LOOKED AFTER AT KOUGA CAMINO
Finally, you’re brilliantly looked after. This was the real takeaway of the Kouga Camino. Each of the five nights is catered by a top-class chef. And believe us when we say the food tastes even more delicious after spending six to eight hours on your feet. You’re provided with snacks and lunch every day, too. So, you won’t be short on sustenance.
THE KOUGA CAMINO VERDICT
At just R9 950 per person, the Kouga Camino represents incredible value for money. Considering the five nights’ accommodation, brilliant food and complicated logistics to move all your belongings around, your Rand goes mighty far each day on this adventure.
WOULD YOU CONSIDER DOING A MULTI-DAY HIKE LIKE THE KOUGA CAMINO?
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