Part 2: Packing List, Route Maps & How to Plan Your Own Gifberg Adventure
Thinking of hiking Gifberg Holiday Farm? Here’s everything you need to know to plan your own unforgettable adventure — from gear to routes, terrain tips to trail snacks. This is your ultimate guide to hiking Gifberg like a pro.
Where is Gifberg Holiday Farm?
Gifberg is tucked away in the mountains just above Vanrhynsdorp in South Africa’s Western Cape.
A 4.5-hour drive from Cape Town, it’s the kind of destination that feels worlds away from city life.
Think: rugged sandstone cliffs, hidden caves, natural rock pools, and a sky full of stars.
How to get there
From Cape Town, head north via the N7. Just past Vanrhynsdorp, you’ll take a steep pass (with epic views) up to the plateau where Gifberg Holiday Farm is located.
Tip: Stop in Piketberg, Klawer and/or Vanrhynsdorp for fuel, snacks, and last-minute essentials. There’s little to no signal once you’re on the farm.
The Trails at Gifberg Holiday Farm
Gifberg is famous for its red rock formations, San rock art, and dramatic mountain scenery.
Trails are uncommercial, semi-wild, and lightly marked with painted footprints — perfect for hikers looking for a real adventure.
Spoelgat Route
Distance: ±2.5km loop
Time: 1–2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Ancient potholes, San rock art, cave systems, sunset views
Pro tip: Do this on Day 1 as a warm-up. Sandals are okay if you’re careful, but take water.
Boesmans Roete (Not for the faint-hearted)
Distance: 20+ km loop
Time: 10–13+ hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Highlights: Fertility Cave, steep rope-assisted descents, hidden canyon, riverside hike
Trail challenges: Heat, route-finding, uneven terrain, no water points
Tip: Start early (like sunrise), carry at least 3L water, bring a map or GPS, and make sure someone in your group has done it before.
NB: Jansu will give you a Slingsby map of the route. Don’t do what I did and leave it behind. This trail is NOT on Alltrails. Take the map.
Do not underestimate the ruggedness of the terrain in the canyon.
Gifboom Route
Distance: ±6–8km
Time: 3 – 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Sandstone ridges, bushveld flora, views over the valley
Tip: Perfect recovery hike after Boesmans. Walk slow and take photos.
This is easily the most scenic trail.
Hamerkop Route
Distance: ±4–6km
Time: 1.5–2 hours
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlights: Deep gorge, dramatic descent
Reality check: May be dry depending on rainfall — but still worth the walk for the views and the scramble to the top.
Ultimate Gifberg Hiking Packing List
Whether you’re planning a relaxed weekend or a full-on multi-trail mission, here’s what you’ll want in your bag:
✅ Hiking Essentials:
Comfortable, broken-in hiking boots (with soles intact!)
Daypack with hydration system or water bottles (2–3L minimum)
Headlamp or flashlight (crucial for late finishes)
Hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen
Lightweight rain jacket or windbreaker
Hiking poles (optional but helpful on the Boesmans descent)
🍎 Snacks & Fuel:
Electrolyte sachets or sports drinks
Trail mix, nuts, dried fruit
Energy bars
Lunch wraps or sandwiches for longer hikes
Emergency stash: sweets, biscuits, biltong etc
🧰 Trail Survival Extras:
First aid kit
Blister plasters
Power bank
Gaiters (helpful in overgrown canyon areas)
Duct tape or shoelaces (in case your boots become “sole-less”)
🛏️ Accommodation Gear:
Tent (if camping) or comfy clothes for house stays
Toiletries
Towels (for the pool) if you are staying in the chalets
Flip-flops for post-hike lounging
Mosquito repellent
The chalets are fully equipped with everything you could possibly need for the weekend.
Nice-to-Haves
Hiking poles (for the long canyon section)
Duct tape (!!!)
Extra shoelaces
Lightweight towel or buff
Mosquito spray
Swimsuit for the potholes
Hiking buddy who can MacGyver a repair with shoelaces and socks
Where to Stay
We stayed at Gifberg Holiday Farm, which has:
Self-catering houses
Campsites
Braai facilities
Epic sunrise views from the ridge
Top tip: Cell reception is limited, so make your calls and send your “we’re alive!” messages while you can.
Route Planning Tips & Safety Info
Navigation:
Gifberg trails are well marked — painted white footprints are your best guide — but the markings are faded in some places on the Boesman Route.
Take a hard copy of the map they have at reception.
☀️ Weather:
It gets hot in the canyon — temps can hit 35°C even in April.
Start long hikes early (at first light) and avoid the midday sun.
Rain can make the rope descents dangerous, so check forecasts.
📶 Signal & Support:
There is very little signal on the trails.
Inform the farm manager of your route and expected return time.
Take a whistle, signal mirror, or bright clothing in case of emergency.
Our Take: Why Hike Gifberg?
Gifberg isn’t your polished hiking destination. It’s rugged, wild, and raw. The kind of place where your boots fall apart, your group splits three ways, and somehow—everyone still ends the day laughing.
You’ll bushwhack, boulder-hop, and possibly find Shirley Bassey.
You’ll find cave art older than most nations. And you’ll walk away with trail names, campfire stories, and a weird craving to do it all again.
Quick FAQ for Planning Your Gifberg Trip
Is Gifberg suitable for beginner hikers?
Yes — but choose the Spoelgat and Gifberg trails. Boesmans Roete is for experienced hikers only. For a hella adventure go read our experience of the Boesman Route here.
Best time to hike at Gifberg?
Autumn (March–May) and Spring (Sept–Nov). Avoid peak summer heat unless you enjoy feeling like biltong.
Is accommodation available?
Yes! Gifberg Holiday Farm offers houses, chalets, and camping. Book in advance for long weekends.
Contact Jansu on 078 614 6484 or visit their official website.
Can kids hike the trails?
Spoelgat and Gifberg Trail are kid-friendly. Boesmans and the Waterfall Trail are better for teens and adults with hiking experience.
On point and beautifully written…loved the experience…..
Beautiful Written. My 3rd experience. Very different to my 1st and 2nd
Definitely on point. 👌🏽
Loved the experience despite the little hurdles
Will I do it again? Most likely…. having learnt a lot from this experience