Description
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity from the 15th of February to the 20th of February 2025 to experience the Whale Trail Hike, a six-day, five-night journey through the stunning De Hoop Nature Reserve in the Western Cape, South Africa. You’ll be amazed by the diversity and beauty of one of the world’s richest floral regions, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean and the wildlife. This is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that you’ll never forget!
DAY 1 – ARRIVAL AT POTBERG
You have arrived at Potberg, the starting point of the De Hoop Whale Trail. You will check in at the Potberg Hut, where you can relax and enjoy the views of the mountains and the fynbos. In the evening, you will join your fellow hikers and your guide for a delicious South African braai. You will also receive a detailed briefing of the trail and what to expect in the next few days.
DAY 1 – POTBERG to CUPIDOSRAAL
14,7km
What a way to start our De Hoop Whale Trail adventure! We get up early and enjoy a delicious breakfast, ready to tackle the Potberg climb. The fynbos along the way is amazing, with so many unique and beautiful plants like ericas and proteas. We may also spot some Cape Vultures soaring in the sky. When we reach the top, we are rewarded with a stunning view of the Ocean to the South, the Breede River entering the Ocean in the East and endless views to the North. Enjoy some tasty snacks. We feel excited for the rest of the trail.
HIKE DAY 2 – CUPIDOSRAAL TO NOETSIE HUT
14,5km
The De Hoop Whale Trail follows the crest of the Potberg through mountain fynbos with unrivalled views of the Indian Ocean and the Breede River. The route finally exits Potberg and leads onto limestone hills with strikingly different fynbos, then descends to the enchanting bay of Noetsie as we arrive at the coast.
HIKE DAY 3 – NOETSIE to HAMERKOP
7.8km
Day 3 of the De Hoop Whale Trail, the breathtaking views of dolphins and whales (in season) from the cliffs, ancient shell middens and caves, make this stretch of coastline an adventurers’ paradise. We lunch along the way and take time out to cool off in the rock pools & explore the caves at Stilgat.
HIKE DAY 4 – HAMERKOP to VAALKRANS
10.5km
On day 4 of De Hoop Whale Trail some time of the day is spent walking on the white beach sand. Spot the shy oyster catchers and white-breasted cormorants as they bask in the sun and observe the remarkable inter tidal pools, calcrete formations and blow holes. The last stretch to Vaalkrans ambles through diverse coastal vegetation before we reach our accommodation situated on top a cave.
HIKE DAY 5 – VAALKRANS to KOPPIE ALLEEN
7km
Day 5 of the De Hoop Whale Trail is a short final day walk. We have ample time to admire the scenery, swim and explore the stunning Hippo Pools. In whale season anything up to 50 whales can be seen in this vicinity. From Koppie Alleen we are taken by shuttle back to Potberg Hut at the start of De Hoop Whale Trail, where we collect our luggage and say goodbye to the jewel of Cape Nature’s Floral Kingdom– The De Hoop Nature Reserve.
Requirements: Sleeping bag, day pack, breakfast and hiking boots & clothing.
What is the trail going to cost me?
Whale trail price from R4890.00 per person.
You may choose to do the slackpacking option and let Cape Nature transport your belongings from hut to hut in an 80-litre crate for only R560 per crate. (Only payable when we finish the trail.)
What is Included.
- Hiking permit and Cape Nature Conservation fee.
- Transport from Mossel Bay to Potberg and back at no extra cost!
- 5-Nights’ accommodation in luxury fully equipped huts along the way.
- All evening meals will be provided.
- Accommodation on the trail is in a series of fully equipped cottages with mostly 3 bedrooms with 4 bunk beds each.
- A Western Cape Tourism guide who has done the trail before with intimate knowledge of the area and a trained snake handler.
- A 45-minute shuttle back to our vehicles at Potberg.
