Project Description

Compassberg Hike

Time: 4 hours each way from Kompasberg Farm (8 hours return). The farmstead is an hour’s drive from Nieu-Bethesda
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult. The route is exposed and poorly marked. There is no water on the mountain. The last hour is a scramble. Do not attempt in bad weather.
More information: Permission is needed from landowners. Get directions from the Karoo Lamb Restaurant.

The Compassberg (2502m) is the highest peak in the Sneeuberg range and second highest in the Eastern Cape. From the farmstead, follow the jeep track to the foot of the mountain. Head straight up the gulley to a ledge from where cairns indicate the way to the summit.

The vegetation along the climb is montane grassveld. There are 360° views of the Karoo from the summit. Apparently during the Anglo Boer War the heliograph world record was set here by British troops who managed to send a message to the Cockscomb mountain near the coast.

Click here to download a map for the walk.