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Hiking the arid Karoo
Karoo Erdvark Trail, Northern Cape
The Karoo Erdvark Trail.
© Jacana Travels Marketing & Reservations
Did you know?
An erdvark is also known as an aardvark (earth pig) or antbear.
The Karoo Erdvark Trail starts approximately 80km from Beaufort West, in the Northern Cape's Nuweland Mountains. This green flag accredited hiking trail is located on a working sheep farm, offering a variety of hiking terrain.
Participants start from the same point each day, but complete four different hiking trails in as many days. Accommodation options on the farm include a traditional Karoo farmhouse or a shed, both of which come with all the basic amenities.
The first section of the trail, Tafelkop, is 13.3km and will take you between six and eight hours to complete. The sections then get shorter each day, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the scenery.
The Aar Trail on day two is approx. 9km, requiring around five hours of hiking. Day three's Piekniekval Trail is 6.2km, while the Bulhoek Trail on day four is just 5.8km, allowing a leisurely conclusion to your Karoo Erdvark Trail adventure.
The Karoo Erdvark Trail has received rave reviews from those who've hiked it. Fiona McIntosh, writing for Getaway Magazine, explainbed that 'there are incredible views of flat-topped koppies and wide open plains and the trail options are designed to give hikers of all abilities a chance to appreciate the tranquility of this spectacular wilderness'.
The road trip to the Nuweland Mountains will be a scenic adventure all on its own, with an abundance of natural beauty and an absence of concrete counterparts.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Karoo Erdvark Trail
Tel: +27 (0)23 4121669
Email: pmvivier@telkomsa.net
How to get here
The trail is found approximately 80km from the town of Beaufort West. The best bet is to fly to Cape Town and drive to Beaufort West on the N1.
Around the area
Beaufort West, 80km from the Karoo Erdvark Trail, is home to many fantastic artists, and the local art galleries are well worth a visit.
Length of stay
The Karoo Erdvark Trail takes 4 days to complete.
What to pack
All the usual hiking gear, including sturdy walking boots, sunscreen and a hat.