21 Days on the Camino : Camino Lite
This option over 360km is for those walking independently. You’ll carry your own gear, arrange your own meals and chaperones if needed, and manage your day-to-day logistics. Accommodation is pre-booked, but everything else is up to you, giving you the freedom to shape the journey your own way. We provide a directory for you to pre-book your logistics other than accommodation.
"Once I started walking from Blou Porselein near Hermon I just felt at home on the farm roads and the other roads. All the hosts at all the venues were so kind and generous in their care and advice. All the venues were really wonderful...All my food arrangements worked out perfectly with restaurants and some meals arranged with the hosts." Terry Dowling
Camino Lite – R 16,000 pp sharing
• Pre-booked rest house accommodation with bedding only (21 nights)
• Route development fee
• Daily directory and itinerary
• Camino passport (Credencial) & t-shirt
Camino Itinerary
Winelands
Day 0: Arrival at Blou Porcelien Guest Farm
Meet fellow pilgrims in Hermon and settle in. Arrive anytime after 4pm and before dark.
Day 1: Hermon ➝ Riebeek Kasteel (14km)
Today is 14km through local farms. Either pomegranate or plumbs, depending on the time of year. You arrive in Riebeek Kasteel, a charming town where agriculture meets modern flair. We utilise many rest houses in Riebeek Kasteel. They are all nearby local eateries and galleries.
Day 2: Riebeek Kasteel ➝ Gouda (22km)
Today’s walk takes you through wide agricultural lands, crossing the Berg River at Zonquasdrift. The village of Gouda was founded in the early 1800’s. It is named after the Dutch city of Gouda, probably because of a Dutch immigrant settling here.
We use three rest houses in Gouda:
1.Die Workshop - a quirky rest house filled with motorbikes and the easy going warmth of the Smuts family, who own the local butchery. So meaty dishes are on the menu (they do have an option for vegetarian).
2. Stoepstories – A home stay in the village with friendly hosts and dogs.
3. Gouda Hotel – A real, old fashion establishment, with a pub and a few rooms.
Day 3: Gouda ➝ Tulbagh (16km)
The route follows the Nuwekloof pass into Tulbagh. There are two options into Tulbagh, one where you may need to walk barefoot through shallow crossings after heavy rains. The other involves a stretch of tar into Tulbagh.
The rest house in Tulbagh is Wittedrift Manor House. Don’t be surprised by the sense of familiarity you’ll experience upon arrival. There’s something special to resonate with everyone in the eclectically decorated house.
Day 4: Tulbagh ➝ Oudekloof Wine Estate (5-13km)
You can choose your distance today. There are many options in and around the town; Cape Dutch architecture, quiet lanes and much to explore. Ask Carol your host for a map. Nestled amidst breathtaking panoramic views of the Tulbagh Valley, lies Oudekloof Wine Estate. Steeped in history, the estate, and its neighbouring mountain pass, were once a vital gateway for early settlers venturing into the fertile valley.
Farmlands and Community
Day 5: Oudekloof Wine Estate ➝ Sandvlei (26km)
This is one of the longest legs on the route. It follows footpaths up to viewpoints. Then over the saddle, down to the canal, through farmlands, across the Berg River and into Sandvlei School. The track is overgrown in parts and can provide a challenge.
Isobel Hanekom, your host at Sandvlei provides wonderful rural hospitality in shared pilgrim accommodation.
Day 6: Sandvlei ➝ Nuwefontein (16km)
The mostly flat gravel route passes through private farms. Nuwefontein Farm offers pilgrim accommodation in converted stable blocks with private and shared rooms.
Marina van der Westhuizen cooks up a storm with local ingredients and traditional recipes.
Day 7: Nuwefontein ➝ Soutkloof (25km)
Long stretches of gravel road can provide space to think, reflect, and settle into the rhythm of walking.
Soutkloof is a farm stay; peaceful and comfortable.
Day 8: Soutkloof ➝ Koringberg (10km)
An easy walking route on gravel roads, with a well-equipped padstal stop, Desert Rose, on the way, perfect for refreshments. In Koringberg, the rest house offers chalets and campsites and the special hosting skills of Bregda Mostert.
Day 9: Koringberg ➝ Wittewater (20km)
The route follows farm roads through open farmlands, ending at a home stay. Wittewater is the least resourced community on the route, but there is no shortage of heart, generosity and hospitality.
Day 10: Wittwater ➝ Goedverwacht (14km)
Just over the hill from Wittewater is Goedverwaght. This hidden gem thrives on its own produce, offering a true sense of self-sufficiency and hospitality. Your rest house is a community stay, part of a tourist initiative that the locals are very proud of.
Day 11: Goedverwacht Rock Shelter (8km)
There is no route to Sterkfontein/Kapteinskloof so we invite pilgrims to spend the day walking to the rock shelter and learn about the indigenous history. Transport will take you to Kapteinskloof or Sterkfontein depending on your itinerary. Both are farm stays.
Day 12: Kapteinskloof or Sterkfontein ➝ Aurora (23km)
Walk through private farm lands, with a chaperone to the small town of Aurora. This area is special in wildflower season. Your rest house in Aurora is with a local family who offer home stay accommodation.
Day 13: Aurora ➝ Klein Tafelberg (24km)
Gravel roads lead you through rooibos plantations to Klein Tafelberg - holiday type accommodation. The last few kms is along thick sand and can be quite challenging.
Day 14: Klein Tafelberg ➝ Redelinghuys (9km)
You revisit the previous day’s straight gravel road, taking you directly into Redelinghuys which is famous for the art murals and artists who live in the town. The natural setting is unique and special.
Day 15: Redelinghuys ➝ Wild West Coast (24km)
A sandy path over hills takes you to a very special rest house out of town. You stay in eco-cabins. A wild experience during the week only.
Day 16: Wild West Coast ➝ Sunset Lodge (26km)
Leaving Wild West Coast you head towards Elands Bay but will need transport to take you to the coast, as the distance is too far (Diepkloof Rock Shelter is working on their rest house). Transport can be booked using the preparation page.
West Coast
Day 17: Sunset Lodge ➝ Lampiesbaai (14km)
This coastal route follows footpaths and sandy tracks along the quiet St Helena Bay coastline, an area famous for fishing, both local and commercial. Madoda, a local chaperone, will help you experience the land through local eyes.
Day 18: Lampiesbaai ➝ Paternoster (24km)
Beach walk to Paternoster, one of the oldest fishing villages on the west coast of South Africa with many dining options.
We have several rest houses in Paternoster, from the local Hotel to seaside eco-cabins and local home stays.
Day 19: Paternoster ➝ Afsaal (17km)
Some sections are tough, with loose stones and uneven paths, sturdy shoes are essential. Chaperones from Pelgrims Place Rehabilitation Centre walk with you. Tides and terrain shift often, so stay alert and open to the unexpected.
Alta Nel from Afsaal, crafts artisanal cheese every day from their one cow and sells it, and other delights, from her padstal.
Day 20: Afsaal ➝ Jacobs Bay (20km)
The route follows quiet gravel roads and mostly flat ground, making for an easy going walk through wide open landscapes. In wildflower season, the area bursts into colour- fields and road edges alive with blooming daisies, succulents, and fynbos. End in the holiday resort of Jacobs Bay. Rest house options are a backpacker and home stays.
Day 21: Jacobs Bay ➝ Saldanha Bay (14km)
The route heads inland through a local community before reaching Saldanha Bay. The town is rough around the edges, shaped by industry and fishing, but it’s a real part of the coastline’s working life. Chaperone is essential. End your Camino here.
What's Next?
Ready to begin your Camino?
Choose your preferred dates at checkout. Or check the Join Others page to join other dates.
We'll send you a confirmation email with everything you need to prepare for your journey.
Prefer to pay a deposit?
A 50% deposit payment is available when you choose the EFT (bank transfer) option at checkout. This will secure your dates. The balance is due 30 days before your Camino begins.
Need transport?
Transport options can be found on the Preparation Page