The Details
The physical hiking of The Stone Folk guided Slackpacking Trail actually starts on the morning of the second day. On Day 1 all our hikers need to do, is arrive at the farmstay, get settled in, and start relaxing into the tranquility of the Karoo Landscape.
Day 1
Guests arrive at Weltevreden farmstead and check in.
Our hiking begins the next morning, so once settled in, guests can simply relax on the stoep, or take a stroll down to the rock pools in the Gats River.
A relaxing and pleasant evening is spent meeting each other and being given an introduction about the trail and the adventure we are about to embark on.
Day 2
And we are off: Hiking south, we start with a gentle climb up onto a grassy plateau with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Crossing over the unique ‘Vyf-Baken’ property boundary, the route crosses over an ancient fossil seabed. At an altitude of 1490m, this is a remarkable feature.
From there we descend into an ancient canyon before traversing a scalloped slope to our accommodation at Riverdene.
Day 3
Today the hike starts with a brisk walk to the lower reaches of a canyon and heads upstream.
With steep cliffs, tumbled rocks and Acacia thicket, we follow game trails till it opens into a gentle valley.
Ascending out of the valley, we traverse a plateau, passing the ruins of a historical farmstead.
In a vast, seemingly featureless landscape (with some surprising details), we rest in a boma for a refreshment break before the final stage to our overnight stay at Doornberg.
Day 4
Our Last day commences along a sheep track from the farmstead. We reach a valley where the Stone Folk art installation are located.
Exiting the valley, the route passes geological piles that are scattered across a narrow plateau. We then descend to Weltevreden for the final night of the trail.
Our last evening all together will be a joyful celebration, soaking up the Karoo hospitality, reminiscing and reliving moments from the past few days and cementing our friendships from our wonderful adventure together.
The Accommodation
Your accommodation during the Karoo Stone Folk Slackpacking Trail is spent in family run farmsteads. This ensures you of a peaceful and comfortable nights sleep after spending your days exploring the untamed wilderness of the Karoo landscape.
Nights 1 and 4 - Weltevreden Farm
The first evening and the forth evenings are spent at Weltevreden Farm.
Weltevreden is tucked away in the folds of the Sneeuberg mountains and close to Nieu Bethesda.
This historic Karoo sheep farm also has an intact water mill used to stone grind wheat in years gone by. It is still standing on the same site as 150 years ago
The panoramic view of Compassberg and the Sneeuberg mountain range, the abundance of birds and small game plus the spectacular night skies of the Karoo add to the beauty of this Karoo Farmstead.
Night 2 - Riverdene Lodge
The second night is spent at Riverdene Lodge, once an old shearing shed, situated on a working farm.
Whilst filled with plenty of charm, it has been restored to feature many modern comforts. Guests also get to enjoy the sights and sounds of farm life during their stay.
The Gats River meanders through the breathtaking kloof, a section of which your hike travels through during the Karoo Stone Folk Trail.
Night 3 - Doornberg Guest Farm
The third night is spent at Doornberg Guest Farm, an old established working Karoo guest farm.
The guest farm has been operated for many years and Peet and Hanna are the fifth-generation owners of this magnificent family farm.
Doornberg Guest farm is the picture-perfect dwelling to relax and revitalise.
The farm house is hidden among 200-year-old oak trees, with huge gardens creating a true oasis in the Karoo. In September 2025, Doornberg celebrated 150 years in the van Heerden Family!
