Location

• 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, 60km to the North.
• Garies lies 163 km to the East.

Trail details

• Guided – FGASA Level I, Marine Level I, First Aid Level III, DEAT accredited guide.
• Three-day, self-carrying hike.
• Self-Catering.
• Physical fitness is essential: soft sand, low shrubbery, beach walking, sections of harder surface, rocky terrain.
• No shade on trial, but temperate climate and Atlantic Ocean breeze even things out.
• No drinking water on trial.
• Use general ‘bush toilet ethics’ on trial.
• Possible dangers that could be encountered: venomous snakes, spiders, scorpions, thorny vegetation, uneven terrain, heat exhaustion and exposure to wind, sun and cooking on open fire.

Trail plan

Day 0

• Arrival at Kleinzee
• Overnight options: Houthoop Guest Farm, Camping, Basic Wendy Houses, and luxury Accommodation.
• Please make reservations beforehand.

Day 1

• Hike from Die Houthoop through the farms to the Buffulsrivier, Molleneux Reserve and the Kleinzee Museum.
• 12-15 km, 5-6 hours
• Difficulty rating: 8
• Pick –up at the Museum and transported back to the Houthoop overnight site.

Day 2

• Drive to Kleinzee Museum, and pak vehicles at the Museum.
• Hike from the Museum, Through the Zkleinzee golf course, to the Buffulsrivier Estuary, swing left to the South, and Hike along the coast, towards the old Kleinzee Yatch Club.
• 12km, 5-6 hours
• Difficulty rating: 8
• Pick –up at the Yatch Club and transported back to the Vehicles.
• Overnight at the Houthoop

Day 3

• Drive to the Kleinzee Yatch Club.Parked vehicles.
• Hike from the Yatch Club, Towards Goraapkop, the border of Brazil, and down to the Coast.
• Hike from South to North along the unspoilt pristine coastline of the Diamond Coast.
• 17-19 km, 6-8 hours
• Difficulty rating: 7.5
• Owners of vehicles are transported on open vehicles back to their vehicles at the end of the hike to collect vehicles.

Important info

• Travel arrangements to and from Kleinzee/Koingnaas are hikers’ responsibility.
• Accommodation for days 0 and 3 can be arranged through the reservation office, For hikers’ account.
• No drinking water available on trial.
• Cooking facilities are limited to an open fire.
• Bathroom facilities are available at HOUTHOOP overnight site.
• Refrigeration facilities are available.
• Very limited cell phone reception on trial. Guide will be in contact with support team.
• Limited medical services available in Kleinzee and Komaggas
• It would be preferable for gear to be packed in sturdy crates/ammo boxes-easier transporting, less risk of damage
• Please limit gear to essentials-transporting space is limited.

Please provide your own

• Snacks, and drinks for the hike.
• Torch/light for inside the tent.
• Eating/drinking utensils.
• Insect repellent, sunblock.
• Drinking water.
• Additional kit (camera/binoculars/first aid etc.) you may require.

Recommendations / suggestions

• Hiking pole.
• Head cover 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.
• Wrap vacuum packed/frozen meat in newspaper, pack in cooler boxes with ice bricks and seal.
• Mark each meal clearly, first days on top, last days at the bottom.

Rates:

Camping facilities – sleeps 30

R5130.00 pp – Single
R4930.00 pp – Sharing

• 4 x dinners
• 4 x breakfasts
• 4x nights

Pertinent Information:

• A minimum of 4 pax is required.

Admin Fee:

• R55.00 once off per reservation.