Klein Krakadouw Trail

About Klein Krakadouw Trail

Start: Pakhuis Pass
Finish: Jan Dissels River valley
Duration: 12 to 24 km, 2 or 3 nights
Fitness: moderate to difficult
Our tip: this is a great hike for those who don't want to do too much walking, particularly as day one offers a donkey cart ride instead of a walk

The Klein Krakadouw Trail is one of several community-based slackpacker hiking trails that form part of the Cederberg Heritage Walk. All the hikes are guided by those who live locally, and include accommodation, meals, visits to see rock art and donkey cart drives.

The trails are anything from two night to eight night routes that can combine into multiple route hikes. There are also optional bonus days to add to some of the routes.

The Klein Krakadouw is one of the easiest of the trails. You journey to Clanwilliam where you are met.

Day one: 12km, roughly 5 hours
The walk is optional as the alternative donkey cart ride is something of a novelty and well worth experiencing first hand. But for those after more than one day's hike, you can walk the relatively easy Donkey Cart Trail to Heuningvlei from the Pakhuis Pass where you will overnight in a homestay.

Day two: 12 km, roughly 8 hours
Follow the guide up to Krakadouw Nek and down the Krakadouw Pass trail. This area in the heart of the Wilderness has incredible views. Overnight in guest cottage in the Jan Dissels River valley.

Day three: home
There is the option of an extra day and night from Heuningvlei up to the summit of Krakadouw Peak. It is strenuous and perfect for seasoned hikers. For those after a more sedate extra day there is a circular day hike into the hills east of Heuningvlei that includes a rock pool.

The other hikes include: Wupperthal Trail, Groot Krakadouw Trail, Pakhuis Trail, Gabriel Trail, and the Cederberg 100 Trail.