Kammanassie Camino Slackpacking Trail – This is your journey, make time for yourself and nature – Walk ± 50 km in 3 days.  3-Days, 4-Nights fully catered slackpacking

Between the Swartberg and the Outeniqua mountains in the Little Karoo, Western Cape, lies the Kammanassie Mountain Range. The Mountain of Water as it was called by the Khoisan is known for its pristine nature and is home to the endangered Kammanassie Blue Butterfly.

Our Dates for 2026

• 11 – 15 March (3 spots left)
• 08 – 12 April (fully booked)
• 29 April – 03 May (fully booked)
• 12 – 16 Aug (fully booked)
• 16 – 20 Sept (8 spots)
• 14 – 18 Oct (8 spots)

This unique all-inclusive slackpacking Trail will take you through various habitats, private farms, a private game reserve (Kammanassie Blue Private Game Reserve) and the State owned Kammanassie Cape Nature Reserve. The Kammanassie Camino experience will surprise you with an unforgettable combination of nature, spectacular sightings of wildlife and diverse bird species.

Kammanassie Blue Private Game Reserve, 12 km outside De Rust is the starting point of the Camino trail. An established luxury bush camp will be your basecamp for the duration of the Camino from where you will explore the 3 different routes into the Kammanassie Mountain. At the end of each day, you will return to the exclusive and charming Bush Camp where friendly fires and farm style cooking will welcome you.

Included in your package are the following:

All meals:

Self – packed breakfast and lunch for your daily routes.

We start each morning with coffee/tea and a light breakfast snack. You will be provided with a lunchbox to pack your own breakfast and lunch from a buffet every morning.
Dinner will be prepared on site at the bush camp and every evening will have a different menu. You can look forward to mouthwatering traditional potjie kos (stews), barbeques and authentic Klein Karoo home cooked meals and desserts.

Please note any food allergies or dietary needs on your Personal Information form. We will communicate directly with you about adaptations and alternatives. If necessary, an extra fee will be added.

Accommodation:

The Bush Camp at Kammanassie Blue Game Reserve will be your host for the duration of your stay, and you will be hosted in shared luxury accommodation with all modern amenities. During the warmer months you will have full access to the onsite swimming pool.

Stargazing:

The karoo nights are famous for stargazing. An evening of stargazing with an experienced astronomer will be offered to those interested (if weather permits).

Parking:

On-site parking is available for all private transport while staying at Kammanassie Blue Game Reserve. The exclusivity of the Bush Camp guarantees the privacy of each Camino group.

Please note:

It is not allowed to do private driving/sightseeing during your stay or to use drone photography, but camera photography is allowed.

Excluded from your package:

Fridges are available on site, and you are responsible for your own refreshments/alcoholic beverages.

A small tuckshop will be available at the bush camp to buy snacks, but it is advisable to bring your own favourite snacks.

Bring your own water bottles, we will provide the water and ice.

General 

Trail information

This Camino is limited to a maximum of 10 walkers/hikers and a minimum of 5 walkers/hikers. Not recommended for children under the age of 13 and no pets are allowed.

Day 1: Meet and Greet

Check in time at the Kammanassie Blue Game Reserve Bush camp between 15h00 and 17h00. GPS coordinates will be provided upon confirmation of booking.

On arrival, we will settle in, have some welcome drinks and enjoy an evening of general information, route and safety briefings.

A farm style supper will be provided, and we spend the evening around the campfire under the stars, preparing ourselves for the next day.
Starting time of each Camino route will be 08h00.

Day 2: Zebra Climb ± 22km

07h30 – A buffet consisting of coffee/tea, muffins, bread, roosterkoek, vetkoek, cheese, yoghurt, boiled eggs, cold meat and fruit will be available to enjoy and for packing your own breakfast and lunch.

Lunch boxes will be provided.

Supper – A farm style Karoo supper will be prepared on site at the Bush Camp.

Day 3: The Route of Ruins – ± 13.5 km

07h30 – A buffet consisting of coffee/tea, muffins, bread, roosterkoek, vetkoek, cheese, yoghurt, boiled eggs, cold meat and fruit will be available to enjoy and for packing your own breakfast and lunch.

Lunch boxes will be provided.

Supper – A farm style Karoo supper will be prepared on site at the Bush Camp.

Day 4: Lookout Point – ± 17.5 km

07h30 – A buffet consisting of coffee/tea, muffins, bread, roosterkoek, vetkoek, cheese, yoghurt, boiled eggs, cold meat and fruit will be available to enjoy and for packing your own breakfast and lunch.

Lunch boxes will be provided.

Supper – A farm style Karoo supper will be prepared on site at the Bush Camp. A relaxing evening awaits, sharing our experiences and enjoying our last meal together under a starry Karoo evening.

Day 5: Departure

A full sit-down Farm style breakfast will be served at 08h00.

Depart from the Kammanassie Blue Game Reserve Bush Camp at 10h00.

Feel free to visit the charming town of De Rust with its quint coffee and gift shops where time takes on a different meaning.

Important Information about the Kammanassie Camino

The Kammanassie Camino gives you access to a Private Game Reserve, a State-owned Nature Reserve and private farmlands. This incredible opportunity allows you to experience your days in protected unspoilt nature, therefor be aware of wild animals and do not disturb the wildlife or vegetation.

Show respect for the other hikers and don’t leave the official trail. Staying on the trail will allow you to observe and enjoy the wildlife sightings from a safe distance.

You will have cell phone coverage at the Bush Camp, but along the route, the reception is limited.  For safety reasons and comfort stops, regular regrouping with fellow walkers will take place along the route.  Each walker will receive a whistle upon arrival and must be always kept with them along the walk.

Things to bring along

• Walking stick and whistles are compulsory – Custom made walking sticks will be on sale at The Bush Camp. Whistles will be handed out free of charge for those who don’t have whistles.
• Small first aid kit – Bush Camp will also have a First Aid Kit. The Management Team has a medical officer that will be on standby for each group in case of emergency.
• Clothing – Pack quick-drying lightweight clothes and jackets for the mornings and the evenings.
• Extra hiking snacks
• Beverages / Alcoholic beverages
• Insect repellent
• Swimming costume during the warmer months
• Sunglasses
• Own medication
• Torch
• Sunscreen
• Hat, beanie or buff
• Good hiking shoes
• Own toiletries
• Small daypack
• Camera and Binoculars
• Small Flask if you want to fill it with coffee/tea
• Own water bottle

Accommodation

You will be staying in an established fully equipped luxury Bush Camp (Kammanassie Blue Game Reserve) that will also be your basecamp for the Camino period.

Accommodation will be shared; therefor single rooms will not be available.

2 En-suite thatched chalets accommodating 4 people, 2 guests per chalet

3 Double rooms serviced by an outdoor ablution block accommodating 6 people, 2 guests per room

Route information

Take time to breath and appreciate the uniqueness of each route, from awe inspiring vistas, free roaming wildlife and mysterious ruins. The terrain varies from gravel roads, jeep tracks and single tracks. The elevation varies, please refer to the elevation profile of each route. All routes will be guided and requires a moderate/medium fitness level.

Zebra Climb (Kammanassie Blue Private Game Reserve) ± 22 km

The winding jeep track will take you through an ever-changing landscape with captivating scenery and sightings of free roaming wildlife in their natural habitat. Sightings of the endangered Mountain Zebra and the vibrant fauna and flora will contribute to an inspiring walk.

The Route of Ruins

(Kammanassie Blue Private Game Reserve) ± 13.5 km

Transport will be provided from the Bush Camp to the starting point. After completion of the route, a support vehicle will transport you back to the Bush Camp. A route that is steeped in myth and mystery. Nestled against the hills are the preserved ruins of two dams and other structures. The origins of the ruins are unknown, but speculation dates back the ruins to the middle 1900 when Italian prisoners of war assisted in the construction of catchment dams.

The Lookout – The Camino Celebration Route ± 17.5 km

The celebration route takes you through Kammanassie Blue Game Reserve, private farmland and Cape Nature Conservation. On this unique journey you will walk in the shadows of majestic rock formations until you reach the protea forest lookout point where you have unsurpassed views of the Swartberg Mountains to the North and the Kammanassie Mountain range to the South. The views combined with the altitude are breathtaking. Prepare yourself for a jeep track at a steady incline. The terrain is rocky, but not technical or difficult and no climbing is required. Once you reach the lookout point, it is time to relax and a surprise will await you. After a relaxing time on the mountain, transport will take you back to the Bush Camp. It is compulsory that all walkers and hikers stay on the jeep track provided by Cape Nature Conservation.

Rates:

• R8,500.00. pp
• Each group consists of maximum 10 people and a minimum of 5 people.
• Private groups are welcome to make a booking. Group size will determine availability for added individual bookings

Admin Fee:

• R55.00 once off per reservation.