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Dates06 Feb – 11 Feb 2027
Duration5 Days
DifficultyModerate
Spots left10
Meeting pointDe Hoop Nature Reserve
PriceR11900 pp
About this hike
The Whale Trail is a beautiful trail in de Hoop Nature Reserve. Arguably one of the most popular trails in South Africa.
The trail is suitable for medium-fitness hikers. It is a five day, 56-kilometre slack-packing trail through the De Hoop Nature Reserve that introduces you to some of the most beautiful scenes along the Western Cape coastline. The reserve is part of the Cape floral region and is a World Heritage Site that hosts one of the largest marine protected areas in Africa. Famous for the large pods of whales that congregate during breeding season annually. The dolphins are all year round. We often see large schools of resident dolphins & also seals playing in the water. An absolute feast.
Expanses of fynbos, grasses and proteas lie before you every step of the way. The landscape is constantly changing as is the vegetation. The first two days are mountainous and as you move along the coast on the third, fourth and fifth day, the coastal scenery is breathtaking. De Hoop is part of the Cape floral region, which is one of the planet's smallest, and most threatened floral kingdoms.
The reserve is essential in conserving rare lowland fynbos. De Hoop has an estimated 1,500 plant species of which 108 are threatened.
The trail is suitable for medium-fitness hikers. It is a five day, 56-kilometre slack-packing trail through the De Hoop Nature Reserve that introduces you to some of the most beautiful scenes along the Western Cape coastline. The reserve is part of the Cape floral region and is a World Heritage Site that hosts one of the largest marine protected areas in Africa. Famous for the large pods of whales that congregate during breeding season annually. The dolphins are all year round. We often see large schools of resident dolphins & also seals playing in the water. An absolute feast.
Expanses of fynbos, grasses and proteas lie before you every step of the way. The landscape is constantly changing as is the vegetation. The first two days are mountainous and as you move along the coast on the third, fourth and fifth day, the coastal scenery is breathtaking. De Hoop is part of the Cape floral region, which is one of the planet's smallest, and most threatened floral kingdoms.
The reserve is essential in conserving rare lowland fynbos. De Hoop has an estimated 1,500 plant species of which 108 are threatened.
Photos
Getting there
Drive through Caledon and then continue on the R316 to Bredasdorp, via Napier. At the 3rd 4-way stop street in Bredasdorp, turn left into All Saints Street (Engen garage on left corner). Travel approximately 8 km on the R319 to Swellendam (past the silos on right hand side). Turn right onto the gravel road signposted Wydgeleë, Infanta, Malgas and De Hoop. Travel for approximately 50 km straight on to Potberg. (Do NOT turn right at the sign post De Hoop Pad.) Go past Ouplaas School. Potberg gate is approximately 10 km from the school. Once you enter the reserve, follow the public entrance signs at the Y-junction to the office. Whale Trail hikers can go straight to their first overnight hut (Potberg hut).
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