Caracal Eco Route is within Namaqua National park, Northern cape province of South Africa. This trail covers a distance of approximately 176-200km depending on the tracks taken. It takes around 6-8hrs to complete. The route grading is easy to moderate and there are occasional sandy patches along the way and steep sections with dongas which make 4x4 vehicles essential. The route takes hikers through mountains and coast. Hikers start at Skilpad rest camp and park office next to the gate. The tracks then goes down through Soebatsfontein pass, then turn off to Kookfontein, one of the best game viewing area. There is a road which leads to the palm trees an abandoned settlement around a permanent fountain, camping is allowed here. Turnoff to Witboois river until reaching the small town of Soebatsfontein. Then the river road split. Turn left towards Wildeperdehoek pass, if you turn right the road will take you to Springbok. From Wildeperdehoek then turn off to Luiperdskloof cottage where leopards can be spotted. At the bottom of the pass the road split, take the road to Koingnaas and cross the Kommagas road further, one of the grassy areas in Namaqua. Travel for 29km then turn left to Soebatsfontein and then turn right where you will see the old farmstead with red roofs. Follow the caracal signs where you will pass through an unique quarts fields, then through into the coastal area to Hondeklip bay road crossing. From there you will see Swartfontein house, a temporary office park and beginning of the Groen Spoeg coastal section. Turn off to Spoeg river estuary and caves, great birding spot. Follow the open tracks as some may be closed and under rehabilitation. There is a fresh water fountain. Here there is spectacular rocky shores and white sandy beaches. Hike through to Bitter river dunefield, still unspoilt area. Then the eco route ends at Groen river mouth where the Groen river estuary and Groen river Lighthouse are situated but closed to the public. Only the estuary is only occasionally opened by wave action, causing sea water to flood the estuary. A conservation fee is payable for hikers of this route.

Best time to travel is all year but in wet season (June -September), certain sections may be closed and routes changed.

Be the first to leave a comment.

Be the first to submit a link or media file

Be the first to submit a link