Lepeord Trail

"In the quiet footsteps of the Leopard Trail, we remember what it means to move with the earth not against it. Here, in the vast stillness of the Baviaans, every step return to ourselves."

ITINERARY

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL AT CEDERFALLS BASE CAMP

Arrival at Cederfalls Base Camp from 14:00 onwards. After a warm welcome and arrival introduction, each participant will receive a crate to organize their luggage for the slackpacking journey. In the evening, unwind and enjoy a hearty meal.

DAY 2 - HIKING (DISTANCE: 9.75 KM, ESTIMATED DURATION 3 - 5 HOURS)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before the day's adventure begins. Willem, the farm manager, will provide a briefing on the Leopard Trail. The hike starts with a challenging ascent up Kick-Start Hill, leading to a scenic plateau. Along the way, we’ll take a detour to Gabriel’s Pools, a breathtaking kloof with inviting pools for a refreshing swim. It depends on the rainfall the area has received. From there, the trail winds into a valley, guiding us to our first overnight stop. In the evening, unwind and enjoy a hearty meal.

DAY 3 - HIKING (DISTANCE: 18 KM, ESTIMATED DURATION: 5 - 8 HOURS)

We will begin the day with coffee and rusks in the early morning, preparing for the long journey ahead. Breakfast will be enjoyed in the mountains, with each hiker responsible for packing their own breakfast. The trail starts with a gentle 5,5 km walk through Rhebok Valley, providing a pleasant warm-up. From the old Cedar View detour turn-off, the climb begins, leading to the top of the saddle, where breathtaking views of the Kouga Baviaans foothills await. A descent on the other side brings us to Reflection Pools-an inviting spot for a refreshing swim. It depends on the rainfall the area has received. The rest of the day's hike traverses open landscapes before ascending two small saddles toward the end, ultimately reaching the overnight huts. In the evening, unwind and enjoy a hearty meal.

DAY 4 - HIKING (DISTANCE: 22 KM, ESTIMATED DURATION: 6 - 9 HOURS)

We will begin the day with coffee and rusks in the early morning, preparing for another long but rewarding journey. Breakfast will be enjoyed in the mountains, with each hiker responsible for packing their own breakfast. The trail starts by leading you across the undulating landscape before reaching the most challenging section of the hike - three climbs known as Honeybush Hill, Inconvenient Truth, and Ain't So Bad. This stretch is demanding, but the effort is well rewarded with breathtaking views of untouched wilderness, stretching deep into the Baviaans and Kouga mountains, with no sign of human impact. The second half of the day takes you through the stunning Kasey Kloof, a descent into nature's raw beauty. In the evening, unwind enjoy a hearty meal.

DAY 5 - HIKING (DISTANCE: 13 KM, ESTIMATED DURATION: 3 - 5 HOURS)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before setting out on the final stretch of the trail. The day begins with an easy walk through the picturesque Birdsong Valley, a serene kloof filled with the sound of nature. After 4 km, the challenge begins at Fond Farewell-a steep climb leading up to the plateau. Once at the top, you'll navigate The Cauldron, a series of two small valleys, before making a steep descent into the breathtaking Cedar Falls Valley. As you approach base camp, a refreshing swim in the reservoir's crystal-clear mountain water awaits-a perfect way to celebrate the journey. Reaching the trail's end, you'll leave with a deep sense of accomplishment and a newfound appreciation for the untouched wilderness of the Baviaans. In the evening unwind and enjoy a hearty meal.

DAY 6 - DEPARTURE

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departing, taking in the last moments of the serene surroundings before heading home. This is where we say goodbye, until we meet again.

End of tour