De Hoop Whale Trail

Due to its immense popularity ,the De Hoop Whale Trail is very difficult to secure. Bookings are made 1 year in advance through Cape Nature.

Below is a list of the De Hoop Whale Trail hike’s that we have secured for your convenience.

Whale Trail Price. R10 500.00 per person

R10 500.00 includes 3 meals, 1 X cold beverage at the end of each day and one glass of wine. Professionally guided by FGASA qualified guides with the experience of 15 Whale Trails. At R1750 per person per day – including accommodation, fully catered and guided, its a steal.

Information Request

DATES:

~~26 September to 1 October 2016~~ Successfully completed

26 Sept Video

~~29 October to 3 November 2016~~ Successfully completed

29 October Video

21 November to 26 November 2016 Successfully completed

Whale Trail 7 to 13 October 2018

Unfortunately this trail is Fully Booked.

Information Request

Whale Trail 12 to 16 August 2019

We have just managed to secure this sought-after booking. This one will fill up quickly, so book now. August to November are the best months for both whale and flower viewing. With 8 confirmed bookings, we only have 2 slots left, don’t wait.

Information Request

Whale Trail 03 to 08 September 2019

We are very excited about or latest booking although August to November are the best months for both Whales and flower viewing, Spring is very special because of the freshness and abundance of new growth. Secure you booking now remember its ‘first come first served”

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Or select a date of your choice

We will try to accommodate your date request

De Hoop Whale Trail Experience

Whale Trail Experience

The Whale Trail Hike is a 6 day 5 night coastal wilderness hiking trail in one of the planets most beautiful & ecologically diverse floral kingdoms, the De Hoop Nature Reserve in the Western Cape, South Africa. Professionally guided by FGASA Field and Marine and Cape Tourism guides husband and wife team Ralph and Gill. Both with 9 years of guiding experience, we have done 11 Whale Trails for local and international guests with great success. At R1750 per person per day – including accommodation, fully catered and and guided, its a steal.

De Hoop Whale Trail

TOUR DAY 1

Potberg

De Hoop Whale Trail start is at Potberg – Welcome to De Hoop! Your adventure begins .We all meet at Potberg Hut in the De Hoop Nature Reserve at around 14h00 on the set date. After checking –in, you will have some time to orientate yourself and soak up the setting of the Potberg Hut. Sitting under the Southern Cross, enjoying the night sky you will treated to a traditional SA braai (barbecue) paired with regional wines. Thereafter a thorough briefing of the hike and what can be expected on the trail will be given by the guide.

HIKE DAY 1

Potberg to Cupidoskraal 15km

We rise early for a hearty breakfast, fueling for our Potberg ascent on the first day of De Hoop Whale Trail. The climb to the highest point of the trail is fragranced with fynbos of the Erica and protea species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. Keep your eyes peeled for the gliding Cape Vultures and at the top we take time out to marvel at the view over some well deserved refreshments.

HIKE DAY 2

Cupidoskraal to Noetsie 15km

The De Hoop Whale Trail follows the crest of the Potberg through mountain fynbos with unequaled 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 viewing of whales & dolphins from the cliffs, ancient shell middens and caves , make this stretch of coastline an adventurers’ paradise. We lunch at Stilgat and take time out to cool off in the rock pools & explore the caves.

HIKE DAY 4

Hamerkop to Vaalkrans 10.5km

On day 4 of De Hoop Whale Trail most 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

Because 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.

General information regarding the trail

De Hoop Nature Reserve is 230 km from Cape Town International airport.(Transfer to & from Potberg for your own cost, can be arranged) Please ensure that your flight arrives in the morning and get to Potberg at around 14h00.
The route stretches over 58km from Potberg to Koppie Alleen and includes 5 overnight stops.
Trail limit is 12 people per trip (10 guests) and is termed “slack-packing”, a term used when one has the convenience of a portage facility. Hikers need only to carry a small day-pack with water, camera, rain jacket, sun screen etc.
The trail is exclusive in that you will not meet other hikers on the trail.
The trail will be fully catered for and special dietary requirements met as far as possible.
Requirements: sleeping bag, day pack, hiking boots & clothing.

(Hiring of equipment can be arranged)

Accommodation on the trail is in a series of cottages with mostly 3 bedrooms with 4 bunk beds each.
A 60 liter container is issued to each person for personal belongings and this is transported to the next overnight stop.