- Number of days: Four
- Distance of trail: 46 km hiking; 4 km kayaking
- Difficulty: Average to easy, but the first day is rather long and challenging
- Number of hikers allowed: Minimum of 8, maximum of 14
- Accommodation: Four nights’ comfortable holiday house type, with bedding supplied
- Meals: All meals and snacks along the trail supplied
- Cost: Between R6 800 and R7 800 per person
- More Info & visuals: https://alikreukeltrail.co.za/
Be fascinated by the mysteries of the past, while experiencing the delights of the present
The Alikreukel Trail is a four-day guided, fully catered slackpacking trail along the coastal area of Stilbaai, Jongensfontein and Blombos. Part of the trail is a kayak paddle up the scenic Goukou River. Comfortable accommodation is used – two nights in the small holiday town of Jongensfontein and two nights in Stilbaai, right on the beach.
This trail offer hiking enthusiasts the opportunity to see all the beauty and natural diversity of this sparsely developed stretch of coast. The area is also renowned for the historic treasures left by the early inhabitants, particularly the Blombos Cave and the stone fish traps at Stilbaai. Hikers will learn more about these fascinating legacies, as well as a host of natural features – from sea life to flora to geological.
Hikers will also visit the excellent Blombos Cave exhibition at the Stilbaai Museum, where many original artifacts from the cave can be seen.
The difficulty grading of the trail is average to easy, with only the first day being rather rough and challenging. The underfoot terrain varies from footpaths to rocky areas to loose sand.
ITINERARY: ALIKREUKEL TRAIL
ARRIVAL DAY: (arrive by 17:00 to 18:00)
18:30: Welcoming and briefing at "Krummels" holiday house in Jongensfontein
19:00: Dinner at the Drie Pikkewyne Restaurant in Jongensfontein
DAY 1: “Once upon a cave”
07:00: Breakfast at Krummels house
07:30: Transport from accommodation to start of hike near Blombos
- Hike from Blombos to Jongensfontein.
Distance: 16,3 km; Grading: somewhat difficult and rather rough, rocky terrain and loose sand
Features along the route:
A rugged but beautifull stretch of coast; pass the Blombos cave, where stone-age people lived more than 70 000 years ago; the impressive Blombos rock arch; lovely bays with safe places to swim; good vantage points to spot whales and dolphins
± 16:30: Arrive back at your accommodation.
19:00: Dinner at Krummels house
DAY 2: “Whales and walls”
07:30 Have you luggage ready for the transport to Stilbaai
08:00 Breakfast at Drie Pikkewyne restaurant
08:40 Hike from Jongensfontein to Stilbaai.
Distance: 12 km; Grading: easy to average.
Features along the route:
Scenic coastline with a nice variety of natural and cultural features; whale and dolphin vantage points; learn more about the sea life and inter-tidal sea creatures; swimming spots along the way; see the ancient fish traps, built with stones by Khoi people more than 2000 years ago; walk through a milkwood tree forest; have some spare time during the afternoon
±14:00: Arrive in Stilbaai and relax in your accommodation, right on the beach!
14:30: The car owners get transported to Jongensfontein to bring the cars to Stilbaai
19:00: Pizzas on order at your accommodation
DAY 3: “Up the River”
07:30: Breakfast at your accommodation
08:00: Walk along the banks of the Goukou River and to the Stilbaai Museum (2,5 km)
09:00: View the Blombos Cave exhibition at the Museum, with a talk by an expert on the topic
10:00: Transport from the museum to Bosbokkloof for a short walk to huge milkwood trees. Then further along the Goukou River to the kayak launching site. Paddle in kayaks to Kransfontein Olive Estate (4 km).
±13:00: A talk on olive production, olive tasting and luncheon.
±14:30: Transport back to accommodation in Stilbaai. At leisure in Stilbaai
Features:
Walk past the famous Stilbaai stilt beach houses and Goukou River mouth; view the excellent display on the Blombos Cave and early development of Homo sapiens; paddle in a kayak up the most scenic part of the Goukou River; have an olive lunch at Kransfontein, a productive olive farm; enjoy some free time during the afternoon
18:00 – 19:30: Alikreukel Hors D'oeuvres and Braai at your accommodation
DAY 4: “The sands of time”
07:00: Breakfast at your accommodation. Pack your luggage.
07:40: Transport to Stilbaai East. Hike from the Preekstoel along the Geelkrans coast. Return via the same route.
Distance: 11 km (or 16 km if you have the time); Grading: rather easy beach walking.
Features:
Fascinating scenery, totally different from the first two days; a wild and pristine stretch of coast – you will love this walk; semi-petrified dunes, eroded into cliffs with fascinating textures and shapes; Aeolianite formations from the last ice-age, with explanations of its’ origin
±13:00: End of hike and transport back to Stilbaai. Get your luggage.
► Good byes and departure for home.