About

Background

The oldest history of the Christian faith in South Africa can be found in the Boland and Overberg region. In a way, this history encapsulates this country’s interesting story. It speaks of the bitter conflict but also close contact between Westerners and Africans.

The Pilgrimage of Hope routes currently start either in Stellenbosch or in Robertson and tell stories of pioneer farmers and their slaves, of prisoners of war building roads, and of the region’s first inhabitants living in caves along the coast.

Long before the convenience of modern technology, people settled here to build a new future based on their unwavering faith. The names of various places in this region bear testimony to the religious underpinning of its past – names such as Genadendal (Valley of Grace), the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley (Heaven and Earth Valley), Babilonstoringberge (Tower of Babel Mountains) and Elim.

Poignant stories of people’s faith can be found along the way. Pilgrims reflecting on their own journeys will resonate with many of these stories. There are accounts of tragedies and failures and also of amazing endurance – like Bernard and Joan’s quiet struggle against apartheid at the retreat centre with the meaningful name Volmoed (filled with courage) in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley near Hermanus.

At Robertson, one of the two starting points of the Pilgrimage of Hope, there is the story of the first reverend of Robertson, Rev CH de Smit, who died of fever together with other members of the congregation shortly after establishing the congregation. Stellenbosch, the other starting point of the route, is the second oldest town in South Africa. At Genadendal, Elim and Pniel, moving stories are told about slavery and the emancipation of slaves in South Africa. At Die Galg (the gallows) between McGregor and Greyton, pilgrims encounter the story of the unfinished road and of the Italian prisoner of war who hanged himself in desperation, most probably after the war had ended.

At Boontjieskraal there is the tragic story of the De Wet family and the so-called curse put on them. The graveyard of the farm bears silent witness to this. Gansbaai has a myriad of stories from the fishing community, while the people from Baardskeerdersbos have various accounts about the name of their village. The people from Brandfontein will tell you about the lantern waivers who used their lanterns to lure ships, hoping they would run aground. The Pilgrimage of Hope has specifically been designed to take pilgrims past churches and other places of spiritual and cultural significance, allowing us to be inspired by the stories of these faith communities, to learn from their mistakes and to find hope for the future.

This pilgrimage, which has the southernmost tip of Africa at Agulhas as its final destination, can also be called a journey of hope and serve as a prayer for our continent. Pilgrims are asked to pray Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika (God bless Africa) upon reaching the southern tip of Africa, committing themselves to bringing hope for Africa.
The Pilgrimage of Hope is also a tribute to Prof Russel Botman who passed away on 27 June 2014, the year in which the first pilgrims walked the Pilgrimage of Hope. The week of the first pilgrimage coincided with his birthday on 18 October. During his term as rector and vice-chancellor of Stellenbosch University, Prof Botman introduced the HOPE Project. The overarching purpose of the HOPE Project is to find sustainable solutions for some of South Africa and Africa’s most pressing challenges.

Our Ethos

  • We are pilgrims on a journey to seek inner peace and find hope.

  • We will offer space to fellow pilgrims to walk the journey at their own pace and to find their own hope.

  • We will follow the marked route of the pilgrimage and will not trespass on the property without the consent of the owner.

  • We respect and obey road regulations.

  • We respect the rich and diverse and sometimes conflicting history of the region with an attitude of openness and teachability.

  • Our intention is to respect the local community and our hosts on the journey through deep listening.

  • We respect the rich and sensitive biospheres of the region and will not bring harm to plants or any fauna and flora.

  • We will not litter, our intention is to leave the area in a cleaner shape.

  • We agree to use the water resources of the region with care in acknowledgment that water is a scarce resource in this region.

  • We respect the churches and other religious facilities as sacred to their communities and will be sensitive not to disrupt any worship services.

More Than a Walk – A Camino Experience with Hope

Hope Camino is about more than walking from one destination to another. Our South African Camino routes combine meaningful walking with good food, warm hospitality, community and the support you need to enjoy the journey.
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    Meals Along the Way

    Enjoy nourishing meals as part of your Camino experience. From farm-style hospitality to locally prepared food, meals are an important part of slowing down, connecting and sharing the journey with fellow pilgrims.
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    Warm Farm Hospitality

    Our routes connect walkers with welcoming farms, guesthouses and rural communities. Experience South Africa beyond the usual tourist paths and enjoy genuine hospitality in beautiful countryside settings.
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    Walk with Community

    Camino is about people as much as places. Our small groups of 4–8 walkers create an opportunity to meet others, share experiences and build connections while walking together.
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    Supported Walking

    You don’t have to carry everything yourself. Selected Hope Camino routes offer support such as luggage transfers, accommodation arrangements and route assistance, allowing you to concentrate on the walking and the experience.
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    Walk with Confidence

    We understand that planning a multi-day pilgrimage can feel daunting. Hope Camino provides structured routes, organised accommodation and practical support to help you walk with greater confidence while exploring South Africa’s remarkable landscapes.

Walk further. Connect deeper. Experience South Africa differently.

Explore Our Camino Routes