Outeniqua Fastpack

Embark on the legendary Outeniqua fastpack that’s not for the faint of heart. Whether you dive into the full epic route, complete with a bit of wild bundu bashing, or start at Platbos to sidestep the slight chaos, you’ll experience an unforgettable Outeniqua fastpack. This a true test of fitness and endurance, leaving you with a deep sense of achievement.

Summary

• Difficulty: 7/10, some bundu bashing and 2 long days
• Danger: Low, no cliffs or scrambling but some really overgrown trail on Day 1
• Start and End: Suggested – Park at the end, Harkerville, and arrange a taxi to the start which is Beervlei for the full trail, or Platbos for a shorter version.
• Water: Plenty of water. I suggest carrying 1.5L
• Distance: 108km and 4,600m vert or 80km.
• Time: Can be done in 3 days as the 4th day is short.
• Route: Day 1, Day 2. Day 3, Day 4. GPX Downloads below.
• Sleeping options: Serviced Huts except for Hut 1 (Windmeulnek) but it has incredible views.
• Special gear: None, See our general recommendations for all Fastpacking
• Permits: San Parks – email Grace.
• Peaks: None

Overview

The first day of the original Outeniqua trail is not officially open but San Parks were happy for us to pass through. We traversed a natural labyrinth of fallen trees and overgrown paths for the first 10km. Keep your GPX handy; the turn down towards the river isn’t obvious, and a hidden overgrown ascent only clears once you reach a jeep track. We chose to start here rather than at the Platbos hut for one simple reason: the stunning Windmeulnek hut. With its grand fireplace and sweeping valley views, it’s a beaut.

Day 2 pushed us to cover 42km over 10 hours, complete with plenty of breaks and rejuvenating swims in crystal-clear rivers. After passing Platbos (hut 2), we even caught a glimpse of the elusive Kynsna elephant’s traces, adding a twist to this Outeniqua trail. A long, leisurely lunch at Millwood (hut 3) offered a welcome respite from the heat before we continued our journey to Rondebossie (hut 4) for the night. Just 500m from the Rondebossie hut, a refreshing dip in a nearby river helped shake off the day’s fatigue, while Rondebossie’s fire pit provided the perfect backdrop to wind down with a sip of whiskey.

Our next day brought a few unexpected luxuries. At Diepwalle Hut (hut 5), we enjoyed a refreshing escape from the heat with a satisfying lunch and some ice cold Fanta Pineapple, courtesy of the on-site restaurant. The stretch from Diepwalle to Fisanthoek Hut (hut 6) quickly became my favorite part of the trail, cruising through lush forests and cooling off with a swim in a big pool just before the climb to the hut. The day’s crown jewel was a pre-arranged wine tasting at Packwood Wine Farm, conveniently right next door.

Our final day was a breezy 13km, short enough to have been wrapped up the day before, but we wanted to savor every moment at Packwood. That extra time meant a slow, relaxed morning (and a few heavy heads), until some of the crew decided it was time to pick up the pace. We charged through the forest to hit Harkerville in time for a hot shower, enjoyed a hearty breakfast in Kynsna, and then cruised back to Cape Town with plenty of time to spare.

Choosing where to start

We were all in for the full original trail, and we’d already braved the overgrown forest and thick bush to reach Windmeulnek on a previous adventure, so we knew exactly what we were signing up for. The stunning views and unbeatable vibes at Windmeulnek made it a no-brainer to spend the night there. This worked perfectly with our schedule, as we only had about 3 to 4 hours on Day 1 after a long drive from Cape Town to Harkerville and a taxi ride to the trail.

There’s something truly special about trekking through wild, slightly overgrown land, it brings you closer to nature, especially when you know the trail will open up soon.

If you’re pressed for time, consider starting at Platbos instead. Kick off your adventure there, spend the first night at Millwood after an 18km stretch, and then tackle the remaining 62km over the next 2 days.