Namaqua National Park

4×4 Trails

Caracal Eco Route

This is an easy to moderate trail, with occasional sandy sections along the coast. Some sections are steep with dongas. The route allows you to experience a wide range of Namaqua habitats, from mountains to coast.

The route starts at the world famous Skilpad Wildflower Reserve – now part of the Namaqua National Park – where the parks’ offices are situated. The road then descends down the Soebatsfontein pass, before turning north to the Wildeperdehoek grass plains. An interesting detour is possible to include the Wildeperdehoek pass. From here the road goes through the Namaqua flatlands.

This area is renowned for its ‘Riethuis quartz’ and the dune areas, which has a dry fynbos type growing here. Crossing the main Hondeklip bay road you will enter the Namakwa Coastal section of the park, which consists of 50km spectacular coastline, before ending at Groen river mouth.

Distances

The distances range from 176km – 200km, depending on which tracks you select. The complete route can take 6 – 8 hours. Add another 2 hours from Groen river back to Skilpad if you are a chalet resident. The route can either be done in sections or completely.

When To Go

Good all year round. In wet/flower season certain sections may be closed. Route may be closed or changed after heavy rains. Please contact the park in advance during the wet season (June – September).

Contact

• Skilpad Rest Camp Office, Namaqua National Park
• Person: Elanza van Lente
• Telephone: +27 (0)27 672 1948
• Email: [email protected]

Directions

There are numbered and unnumbered ‘caracal’ signs to indicate the route. It is essential to obtain a booklet at the office for following the route. The booklet also contains grid reference points.

1. The trail starts at the Skilpad Rest Camp Office. The disturbed farmlands are famous for their annual wildflower blooms in the flower season. Out of season the area attracts game, particularly hartebeest and smaller antelope.
2. From Skilpad the route goes towards Soebatsfontein, past the viewpoint and down the cement road as you decent down the Kamiesberg mountains. Continuing along this road you will get to the Ecoroute turnoff. The section between the turnoff and Kookfontein is one of the best game viewing areas during certain times of the year. You will also have to cross the Swartlintjies river, which may be impassable in the wet season.
3. The track passes Kookfontein, which is an abandoned settlement based around a permanent fountain. There is a swimming hole (occasionally filled with water) and some shady palm trees.
4. The route then takes you into the Kamiesberg uplands and its spectacular vistas and plants. It will also take you over the Wildeperdehoek pass. The Wildeperdehoek pass was constructed in the late 1800’s, for transporting Copper Ore from Springbok to Hondeklip Bay. The road was constructed under the supervision of Patrick Fletcher, who used convicts as his labor force. The method used is similar to Bain’s methods. If you turn East the road will take you to Springbok, turning West will take you further on the Ecoroute and/ or to Koingnaas and Hondeklip Bay.
5. From the Wildeperdehoek pass the route will take you through one of the few grassy areas in Namaqua; pass the ‘Riethuis quartz,’ and rare Arid fynbos elements.
6. Following the Ecoroute will bring you to the Hondeklip bay road. Cross the Hondeklip Bay road to get to the coastal area. Please remember to close the gates! If you turn towards the coast at this crossing you will get to the small town of Hondeklip bay. It used to be a port for copper ore exports and later a crayfish factory, but both these activities has long since ceased. The bay is pretty, there is an old shipwreck (the Aristea) and the beaches to the south of the town are stunningly beautiful.
   There are various private accommodation options in Hondeklip Bay.
7. After you have crossed the Hondeklip Bay road you will enter the Groen- Spoeg coastal section of the park. In 2008 this section was made available for National park purposes by De Beers Consolidated Mines. The vegetation type is the Namaqualand Coastal Duneveld, and is one of the few unspoilt sections of this vegetation type left. The whole coast provides excellent viewing of vygies in the flower season. The scenic Spoeg river estuary is an excellent birding spot, particularly for waders. The caves are a historical and cultural landmark, where signs of sheep farming, 2000 years ago, was found.
8. The tracks south to Groen river splits continuously and join up again. Some tracks are currently being rehabilitated. Strictly no driving is allowed on closed tracks or on any beach.
9. The Groen-Spoeg coast is relatively untouched by human activity. Apart from one fountain there is no fresh water along this 50km stretch of coastline. The cold Benguella current causes regular mist, which in turn nourishes the unique plant communities of this section. The intertidal zone has an exceptional high biomass of various organisms, in particular mussels, limpets and rock lobster.
10. Rocky shores and white sandy beaches seem to continue forever, with countless beautiful little bays along this whole coast. Look out for Heavisides’ dolphins in the bays. This specie is endemic to the west coast.
11. You will also cross the Bitter river dunes (sand movement corridor). This is a good example of a dynamic, moving dune system. This particular system is in pristine condition, and the only unspoilt and properly functioning system left on the South African coast. The system is protected in its entirety and is a major conservation feature of the park.
12. Groen river mouth: This is the end of the Eco Route, or alternatively the start if you want to do the route ‘in reverse’. Turning to the coast you will get to the Groen River estuary and Groen river lighthouse (not open for visitors). Turning inland will take you to the N7 and the town of Garies, and back to the Skilpad chalets if you are a resident. The Groen river estuary is one of the saltiest on the South African coast. The estuary is often visited by pelicans and flamingoes.
13. Groen River estuary can be reached from either Garies along a 70km gravel road, or along a coastal track from Lutzville. (This route is outside the jurisdiction of SANParks).