Slackpacking the Whale Trail

TOUR  DAY 1     

Potberg

Slackpacking the Whale Trail – The trail starts at Potberg Hut in the De Hoop Nature Reserve!

This is where 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. The first evening, 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 your guide. Ralph will give you a briefing every night, covering the finer points of what to expect on the following days section of the trail. Ralph will also do a ‘night sky’ presentation every evening and after dinner Gill will talk about the local history of the area.

The Whale Trail – a booking on this trail is very difficult to secure, all bookings are made 1 year in advance. Please contact us with a date of your choice and we will try to secure a booking for you?

Cape Nature Reserves

HIKE DAY 1

     Potberg to Cupidoskraal   15km

We rise early for a hearty breakfast, fueling for our Potberg ascent on the first day of  The 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

Slackpacking the 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 The 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 3    Noetsie to Hamerkop   7.8km

Day 3 of the The 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  Slackpacking the 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 explore 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 Slackpacking the Whale Trail, is a short hike on the final day of the trail, through coastal thickets with ample time to admire the scenery and swim in 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 baggage and say goodbye to the jewel of Cape Nature’s Floral Kingdom– The De Hoop Nature Reserve.

Khoisan

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.

Requirements and assumptions:

• It is a requirement that all hikers have adequate medical cover to facilitate any potential medical emergency, and relevant evacuation that may arise or be required while on a Whale Trail guided and provided for by Africansunroad. This assumption also applies to individual family members of family groups.

Includes the following:

• Professionally Guided (FGASA Field Guides and Marine, Cape Tour & Wine Guide)
• First Aid & back-up assistance

Excludes:

• Any medical costs relating to a medical emergency, and relevant evacuation that may arise while on a Whale Trail.
• Any additional accommodation either before or after the trail, or as advertised by Africansunroad.
• Accommodation and meals should a hikers leave, or be removed from the trail for any reason including medical.
• Drinks at restaurants.
• Unscheduled taxi transfers and other transportation to or from the De Hoop Reserve.
• Loss or damage to Africansunroad client vehicles parked at Potberg, before, during or after the hike.
• Cost of removal or evacuation of persons on the Whale Trail Hike guided by Africansunroad.
• Loss or damage to equipment used on the trail.