The Farmer's Footsteps
That's the promise behind The Farmer's Footsteps, a guided hiking experience that offers visitors a taste of life on a working Namibian farm. Armed with a kierie and wearing his well-worn vellies, Jaco Bonthuys is usually heading out to check on sheep or cattle somewhere on the farm. It's a routine he enjoys and one that often involves his dogs accompanying him across the veld. Although he describes himself as "not an avid hiker at all", Jaco is the host and driving force behind The Farmer's Footsteps, which offers guided hikes through landscapes rarely seen by outsiders. It was these unique views, usually accessible only to those who know the farmer, that inspired the idea. "I wanted people to experience these places and at the same time get a glimpse of everyday farm life," he says. Jaco also saw a gap in Namibia's hiking market. "I felt hikers in Namibia are quite limited when it comes to options. There aren't many trails and most organised hikes are expensive. Not everyone can afford to spend more than N$20,000 on a hiking trip." The concept was created largely with Windhoek residents in mind, offering city dwellers an opportunity to step away from urban life and reconnect with nature. The Farmer's Footsteps takes place on Farm Hatsamas near Dordabis, about 83 kilometres from Windhoek. Another goal was to challenge perceptions about camping food. "I wanted to show people that camping and hiking don't mean living on energy bars and peanuts," Jaco says. "We make proper food, and about 80% of what we serve is produced right here on the farm." Over the course of a weekend, hikers cover about 24 kilometres across terrain that Jaco describes as varied and suitable for beginners to moderately experienced walkers. Guests arrive on Friday afternoon before hiking to Koedoeberg Camp, where they spend the first night. Saturday begins with coffee and rusks before a short walk back to the farmhouse for a traditional farm breakfast. From there, hikers continue to Kamp Vrede Bush Camp for their second night. On Sunday morning, after breakfast, the route returns to the farmhouse. Before heading home, guests can stroll through the gardens where a variety of organic vegetables are grown. Looking ahead, Jaco hopes to expand the concept to other farms. "I've been in contact with a few farmers towards the Kalahari, although nothing has worked out yet," he says. "Hopefully we'll soon be able to establish routes on different farms while still keeping it affordable for ordinary Namibians."
F: The Farmer's Footsteps; WA: 081 318 1175; E: [email protected]
