Gabriël Trail

About Gabriël Trail

Start: Driehoek farm
Finish: Wupperthal
Duration: 4 nights, 40 km
Fitness: moderate to difficult
Our tip: September to the end of November is the best time to see flowering fynbos

One of six hikes in the Cederberg Heritage Route's collection of slackpack trails, the Gabriël Trail is named after Gabriël's Pass. Most of the Cederberg Heritage Route's trails explore the northern Cederberg. Gabriël's Trail is more central.

Despite walking 40 kilometres over four days you are privy to some of the most gorgeous scenery, you won't have to put up and dismantle a tent daily, cook your meals, or carry more than a day pack. And you will enter the homes of villagers, travel by donkey cart and get to explore some of the Cederberg's rock art.

Local guides, who live in the Moravian villages set in amongst the folds of the Cederberg Wilderness, lead the hike. Overnight in farmers' cottages in the villages of Langkloof, Eselbank and Wuperthal.

Day one:
To begin the hike, drive to Clanwilliam where you overnight.

Day two:
12 km, roughly 7 hours over Gabriël's Pass from Driehoek farm to the Moravian village of Langkloof. You may add the leg to the Wolfberg Arch, a detour from the top of the pass.

Day three:
11 km, roughly 7 hours over the mountain from Langkloof to the little village of Eselbank. The path is not a cleared path, even though it is clearly marked, so it can be a tough walk. There are alternatives to the rock scrambling near the top. There is also a lower route that takes less time and includes a visit to the Eselbank Waterfall.

Day four:
13 km, roughly 6 hours walk up the Eselbank River to a series of rock formations and rock art in a cave. Head north alongside rooibos tea fields and down into a valley to Kleinvlei.

Day five:
4 km, roughly 2 hours a lovely walk through a kloof to Wupperthal. Transfer back to Clanwilliam after a guided rock art tour.