Gecko Trail

The Gecko Trail a 2–3 day wilderness hiking trail was established in 2003. This unique hiking trail is shaped like a Triskelion with Simonskloof Mountain Retreat as the centre hub. The combined total length of all three independent routes is ±47km.

The concept

You to pick any one or two of the routes, You choose where to start and where to end and You choose in which direction you wish to hike. In short three linear day routes with three stop/start points.

Type of Trail

Wilderness routes, marked by rock cairns with occasional scrambling, bushwhacking and river crossing in “knee-deep” water or over boulders.

The 3 Routes of the Gecko Trail

Route A – 17 km / 780m ascent / ±8 hours:

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 final ascent.

Route B – 16 km / 1100m ascent / ±8 hours:

Simonskloof to Langdam via a nice hiking trail to the summit of Naudesberg (1644m) and scrambling along the ridge line of the Langeberg and a final trail down to Langdam guest farm in the Koo valley.

Route C– 14 km / 1250m ascent / ±8 hours:

Simonskloof to Penhill. The first 3km follows Route B, but then descends via a rough scrambling route into Paardekloof and up to Penhill’s ridge, from there down a steep hiking trail to Penhill Guest Farm.

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 on our website. At Simonskloof we recommend Camping (or a cottage for stays of 2 or more nights).

Restrictions

No Dogs allowed, minimum 2 hikers or GPS tracker if single

For more detailed info, route description and maps please contact us…

YOUR life was meant to be an Adventure!

How to get there

Well signposted off the scenic R318, halfway (±40km) between N1 and Montagu, then 10km gravel (no 4×4 or high clearance needed)

GPS waypoint: S 33°37.015′ E 19°43.700′ (Simonskloof)