De Hoop Whale Trail
De Hoop Whale Trail
4.5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
101 reviews
Excellent
77
Very good
20
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Susan D
2 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
The Whale trail is a feather in the cap of Cape Nature!
We had the priviledge to hike for 5 days through the most scenic part of the Overberg.
The briefing was professional, the huts were neat and well equipped, the matresses were in good condition, the showers were hot, trails were well kept and marked.
We could not have asked for more.
We had the priviledge to hike for 5 days through the most scenic part of the Overberg.
The briefing was professional, the huts were neat and well equipped, the matresses were in good condition, the showers were hot, trails were well kept and marked.
We could not have asked for more.
Written 10 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
27trip123
Harare, Zimbabwe20 contributions
Nov 2022 • Friends
Very well managed and maintained coastal route by Cape Nature. Incredible experience Hiking from one location to the next while your things are transported to each evenings location . All you need is a daypack.
No lens can adequately capture the beauty and magnificence of the flora fauna rugged mountains beach and the hike itself. A once in a lifetime experience that I would gladly do again!
Cape Nature should revisit the markers which help hikers keep on the right track. The last cottage is infested with bees and flies so that needs to be cleared up before someone with an allergy gets stung etc..
Other than that it’s hats off for a splendid offering for any Nature lover !
No lens can adequately capture the beauty and magnificence of the flora fauna rugged mountains beach and the hike itself. A once in a lifetime experience that I would gladly do again!
Cape Nature should revisit the markers which help hikers keep on the right track. The last cottage is infested with bees and flies so that needs to be cleared up before someone with an allergy gets stung etc..
Other than that it’s hats off for a splendid offering for any Nature lover !
Written 18 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hajirasmiles
Pretoria, South Africa45 contributions
Jan 2022 • Solo
Did this hike with Frank Dwyer, absolutely fantastic hike and doing it with Frank was the best. He is very accommodating. Being Muslim Frank went the extra mile with preparing my meals. One of the most beautiful hikes that I have been on. Once again thanks to Frank Dwyer
Written 15 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
coetzer_family
Stellenbosch, South Africa82 contributions
Dec 2021
we hiked the whale trail in december 2021, a group of good friends and family. this is one of the most beautiful pieces of coastline in our country. the huts are very neat and comfortable.
Written 30 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Becky Daniel
Durban, South Africa19 contributions
Sep 2021 • Friends
An amazing Whale Trail week with AfricanSunroad! This hike was beyond my wildest expectations! The care and detail in every aspect from Africansunroad from first enquiring to saying our goodbyes were simply the best! We were taken on the most beautiful hike for 5 days with inland and coastal scenery that takes your breath away. Gillian and Ralph gently imparted their abundant knowledge of flaura and local history. We were blessed with so many Whale sittings we couldn't believe it! We were fed the most delicious meals throughout the hike and spoilt with wine every evening. It was a real privilege to do this hike and we highly recommend it!
Written 7 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TimbavatiTrent
Durban, South Africa26 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
We had a fantastic hike with Gill and Ralph. They catered spectacularly and gave us insights into the birds and plants we encountered. We spent many happy hours absorbing views and finding pleasure in the natural detail that surrounded us. The accommodation was rustic but worked. It was such a pleasure to be catered for, let alone eat so well!
Written 31 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pieterse-Kruger
Worcester, South Africa6 contributions
Sep 2021 • Friends
We were on our trip as from the 9th - 14th Sept 2021.Gilly and Ralp were devoted excellent tour guides that made our experience a happy memorable event.They were always ready to share their knowledge of the sea , the whales,the history of the area,fynbos and even birds.
The food that was prepared was 5 star.
Gilly is not only a "feeder" but also a caring ,patient humble person.
We were 10 ladies.
Poor Ralp didn't know where to look at times but he is a real gentleman and took care of us ladies and we always felt safe.
Highly recommend.
I will do it again.
Thank you so much.
The food that was prepared was 5 star.
Gilly is not only a "feeder" but also a caring ,patient humble person.
We were 10 ladies.
Poor Ralp didn't know where to look at times but he is a real gentleman and took care of us ladies and we always felt safe.
Highly recommend.
I will do it again.
Thank you so much.
Written 7 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nasihasurtee
Johannesburg, South Africa11 contributions
Dec 2020
Recently renovated, the Whale Trail is a dream slackpacking trail in De Hoop Nature Reserve, and a must-do for all nature lovers.
The Trail combines both mountain and coastal walking, The first 3 days hike is fairly strenuous, varying in intensity with some tricky hills; you will need endurance to complete 5 days. It has the most breathtaking scenery, panoramic views, amazing landscapes and rock formations. The fauna is exquisite. The inter-tidal pools on the wave-cut rock platforms and coral reefs are remarkable sights. The azure blue colour of the sea and unspoilt beaches simply spectacular.
We did not see whales but large schools of resident dolphins made up for that.
Each overnight cottage is mildly rustic and it's own unique character. Each with a well-appointed kitchen, clean bathrooms, hot water and electricity. It is by no means roughing it. Each room is dormitory-like with bunk beds. The setting of each overnight cottage just gets more scenic each day.
Well worth the money spend and 1 year waiting list.
The Trail combines both mountain and coastal walking, The first 3 days hike is fairly strenuous, varying in intensity with some tricky hills; you will need endurance to complete 5 days. It has the most breathtaking scenery, panoramic views, amazing landscapes and rock formations. The fauna is exquisite. The inter-tidal pools on the wave-cut rock platforms and coral reefs are remarkable sights. The azure blue colour of the sea and unspoilt beaches simply spectacular.
We did not see whales but large schools of resident dolphins made up for that.
Each overnight cottage is mildly rustic and it's own unique character. Each with a well-appointed kitchen, clean bathrooms, hot water and electricity. It is by no means roughing it. Each room is dormitory-like with bunk beds. The setting of each overnight cottage just gets more scenic each day.
Well worth the money spend and 1 year waiting list.
Written 12 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark v
Krugersdorp, South Africa73 contributions
Aug 2019
We have walked the trail as a family and I have also had the pleasure of running the trail on 6 occasions. This year the trail was very overgrown as it has been closed for renovations to the cottages and which open again in Sept 2020. Trail was still magnificent and we will definitely be back to experience the new accommodation
Written 5 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gina Schroeder
Johannesburg, South Africa46 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
The Whale Trail is a wonderful slackpackers experience. You can carry the pack if you want.
It is not for the unfit - you need to be able to hike 16km in difficult terrain. My 17 year old is not fit enough.
The scenery is astounding. You are able to swim in the azure sea. Having recently been to Thailand (Hua Hin) and a regular KZN visitor - this is the best and most beautiful beach I have ever seen. Unspoilt and no litter.
Worth the 1 year waiting list
It is not for the unfit - you need to be able to hike 16km in difficult terrain. My 17 year old is not fit enough.
The scenery is astounding. You are able to swim in the azure sea. Having recently been to Thailand (Hua Hin) and a regular KZN visitor - this is the best and most beautiful beach I have ever seen. Unspoilt and no litter.
Worth the 1 year waiting list
Written 24 December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adrienne E
Plettenberg Bay, South Africa107 contributions
Can food be marked and left in fridges or freezers at the office to come out to the huts each day?
FellowTraveler625951
1 contribution
We will visit De Hoop in December. Will it still be possible to see the whales? Thank you!
Gillian L
Hermanus, South Africa53 contributions
We have seen whales there in December, if you miss them come to Hermanus😉
Bloubergholiday
Bloubergstrand, South Africa41 contributions
What is the best way to keep meat and drinks cold on 5 day whale trial slackpacking. Dry Ice? Keep one cooler box with frozen meat closed all the time with normal ice at bottom and only open quickly when nescesary? and then maybe put all drinks in another box. Any Suggestions?
andreg0uws
Windhoek, Namibia17 contributions
We freeze the bottom with 30 mm of ice - Keep it closed NB!!
Tom Larney
2 contributions
What is the age restriction for hikers - is the minimum age still eight years?
Charal3
1 contribution
Hi
Would like to know what to pack for Whale trail hike. Ideas for meals, since one can't keep anything cold.
Do we share rooms? Can we use hiking walking stick?
Is water available to drink, refill bottles along the way?
Thanks
Charmaine
Is there cell fone reception - and if so can one charge batteries?
annibell28
George, South Africa19 contributions
Yes on both questions. Also free wi-fi.
Guest G
Bela Bela
how do the meals work?
Angus Begg
Johannesburg, South Africa51 contributions
Oops, I didnt see this or any other questions i see stacked here...apologies. Irritating that you have to be on the TA site to see them?
We took out own food. Self-cater. Loved it. Always travel light. It's hot and dry in peak summer...Dec can be moderate or hot. I'd guess the former, but with the drought.....? I am also a specialist (photography politics and wine!) guide - but my mate Greg (its how i met him) was leading it then. Check out Greg Dassie Andrews on FB.
moiramcm2017
Nelspruit, South Africa5 contributions
Hi Fiona please can you give me the contact details of the guides you used on the Whale Trail.
Kind regards
Moira
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Claim your listingDE HOOP WHALE TRAIL: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about De Hoop Whale Trail
- De Hoop Whale Trail is open:
- Sun - Sat 08:00 - 17:00
- Hotels near De Hoop Whale Trail:
- (0.22 km) Morukuru Family De Hoop
- (10.04 km) De Hoop Collection
- (12.03 km) Lekkerwater Beach Lodge at De Hoop
- (12.21 km) Potteberg Guest Farm
- (10.10 km) De Hoop Collection - Opstal Houses