The Kouga Camino
The Kouga Camino is an epic adventure across five farms in the Langkloof mountains of the Eastern Cape. Image: Ray Leathern

Home » Six lessons we learned from hiking the epic Kouga Camino

Six lessons we learned from hiking the epic Kouga Camino

The Kouga Camino in the Langkloof, Eastern Cape, offers one of South Africa’s many immersive multi-day hikes—here’s what the experience feels like.

By SAPeople Staff Writer
25-09-25 09:08
in Featured
The Kouga Camino
The Kouga Camino is an epic adventure across five farms in the Langkloof mountains of the Eastern Cape. Image: Ray Leathern

If you’re unsure about tackling the Kouga Camino, we strongly recommend it—and not for the reasons you might expect. Before setting out, we felt nervous since we had never attempted something like it before. We hike regularly on weekends, but we questioned whether we were fit and prepared enough for the four-day, five-night journey.

KOUGA CAMINO

Kouga Camino
You don’t get to experience this level of remote beauty without putting in the effort. Image: Ray Leathern

The Kouga Camino operates only during specific times of the year to avoid the freezing winters and scorching summers. We chose September, a month that had been fully booked throughout the year. The schedule is straightforward—you arrive on a Monday and leave on a Saturday. Hikers cover about 15 km per day, with the most challenging day extending to 21 km for those who want to push themselves.

1. ALL ARE WELCOME

Kouga Camino
We were treated to a rare thunderstorm on night two at the Sinkshack. Pure nature. Image: Ray Leathern

Kouga Adventures recommends forming a group of ten or more so you can enjoy the hike exclusively for the week. If your group has fewer than ten, they will pair you with others, which can be a hit or miss depending on personalities. On our trip, our group included people with varying fitness levels, yet everyone managed to complete the route.

2. COME PREPARED

Kouga Camino
En route to Bergkamp on night three, as you traverse the many elevations of the Langkloof. Image: Ray Leathern

Looking back, we probably packed more than necessary for the Kouga Camino. What you’ll definitely need, though, is a solid pair of hiking boots or shoes, plus wet shoes for the river crossings. A microfibre towel and a sleeping bag are essential for the one night of camping (night three). We also found a walking stick extremely useful for navigating slippery crossings and steep downhill paths.

3. DON’T BE AFRAID TO UNPLUG

Kouga Camino
Keith guides you every step of the way, doing an excellent job to gauge the pace of the group in general. Image: Ray Leathern

Before you even arrive in the remote Kouga Wilderness outside Joubertina, there’s a wonderful 30-km dirt road you must traverse by car first. Here already cell signal goes bye-bye. So, switch on your Out of Office reply and be ready to properly unplug. You won’t miss doom scrolling on your phone for the next week, trust us.

4. WHAT AWAITS ON THE KOUGA CAMINO

Kouga Camino
Guide Aidan is the resident expert and will dazzle you with the latin terminology for everything in sight. Image: Ray Leathern

Without giving too much away, because it truly is an adventure to be appreciated, here’s how the four days goes. The route is a collaboration between five neighbouring farms in the Langkloof. So, each night, your gear is sent ahead and you’re hosted at a new venue. From Kouga Wilderness, you end up in the wonderful Sinkshack. From there it’s an overnight at Semane Lodge on the river.

5. FIND YOUR ADVENTUROUS SIDE

Kouga Camino
Smors by the fireside at Bergkamp, naturally. Image: Ray Leathern

Each day’s terrain is different and exciting. All of which is a prelude to day three, the big 21-km hike to Bergkamp where you camp under the stars. Everyone in our group felt suitably challenged by this undulating climb with spectacular views. Mercifully, the weather was absolutely perfect on the day. And the overnight camping (your sleeping bag and 30l dry bag are portered by donkeys) is a highlight.

6. WELL LOOKED AFTER AT KOUGA CAMINO

Kouga Camino
Animal and plant life is extraordinary – including this rare gecko. Image: Ray Leathern

Finally, you’re brilliantly looked after. This was the real takeaway of the Kouga Camino. Each of the five nights is catered by a top-class chef. And believe us when we say the food tastes even more delicious after spending six to eight hours on your feet. You’re provided with snacks and lunch every day, too. So, you won’t be short on sustenance.

THE KOUGA CAMINO VERDICT        

At just R9 950 per person, the Kouga Camino represents incredible value for money. Considering the five nights’ accommodation, brilliant food and complicated logistics to move all your belongings around, your Rand goes mighty far each day on this adventure.

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