Gecko Trail
The Gecko Trail is our triple-day wilderness hiking trail established in 2003. This unique hiking trail is shaped like a Triskelion with Simonskloof in the centre and a combined total length of ±47km. The concept allows you to pick any one or two of the routes, choose where to start, where to end and in which direction you wish to hike. In short three linear day routes with three stop/start points.
For more detailed info please contact us. . . . YOUR life was meant to be an Adventure!
The 3 Routes of the Gecko Trail
Route A: Nuy valley near Worcester, via the Nuy River Gorge to Simonskloof. This is a combination of flat farm tracks and difficult scrambling route with ±14 river crossings and a steep ascent.
Route B: Simonskloof to Langdam via a moderate scramble to Naudesberg summit and along the ridge of the Langeberg to Langdam guest farm or Tolbos farm in the Koo valley.
Route C: Simonskloof to Penhill. The first 2.5km follows Route B, then descends via a rough scrambling route into Paardekloof and up to Penhill’s ridge, from there down a steep hiking trail to Penhill.
Where do you sleep? The end and starting point of each route offers an array of accommodation options. Those need to be booked independently and well in advance, see details in Fact file below. At Simonskloof we recommend Camping. Cottages for stays of min. 4 people or 2 nights (Long weekends need to be booked in full).
Gecko Trail Directions
With your Hiking Permit you will receive written Trail Directions, the latest Hiking Map and a GPS file of your Gecko Trail route.
Fact File
Length of routes:
Route A (Nuy-Sim): 17 km / 8 hours
Route B (Sim-Lan): 16 km / 8 hours
Route C (Sim-Pen): 14 km / 8 hours
Difficulty:
Route A: Strenuous, challenging scrambling sections
Route B: Strenuous, summit climb, scrambling sections
Route C: Challenging, wild, bushwhacking & scrambl. sections
Type of Trail:
Wilderness routes, marked by rock cairns with occasional scrambling, bushwhacking and river crossing in “knee-deep” water or over boulders.
Vegetation: Mountain Fynbos, Succulent Karoo, Renosterbosveld
Game: Rhebok, Leopard, Baboons and … Geckos!
Attractions: Superb views, Wilderness, Rock formation & Rock paintings, Mountain peak, total solitude
Water: Springs, Mountain Streams and a River, except for Route C which is mostly dry!
Highest point: Route A: 885m – Route B: 1644m a.s.l. – Route C: 1430m a.s.l.
Lowest point: 310m a.s.l.
Best time: March to November – Very HOT in Summer!
Direction of hike:
Any direction – Please state when making a reservation!
| Western Point: | 33°39.469′ S 19°37.993′ E at 310m a.s.l. | Nuy Valley Guest House |
| Centre Point: | 33°36.953′ S 19°43.649′ E at 770m a.s.l. | Simonskloof Mountain Retreat |
| Eastern Point: | 33°39.947′ S 19°48.469′ E at 970m a.s.l. | Langdam Guest Farm |
| Southern Point: | 33°40.324′ S 19°40.890′ E at 447m a.s.l. | Penhill Farm |
Map reference:
3319DA NUY & 3319DB KOO
Hiking Maps, GPS route files and Trail Description will be send with Hiking Permit.
Accommodation: At Simonskloof, we recommend Camping (Tents for rent) or Self-catering cottages (2 nights on weekends and 3 nights on long weekends or subject to availability)
Permits:
+27 23 614 1895 or click here – NO PETS ALLOWED
Rates
R 75.00 per person per day per route (A, B or C)
Min. 2 people. No pets allowed.