While the Trail itself was amazing I was really disappointed in the state of the cottages. We only had electricity in 3 of them (apparently batteries are not replaced?) and NO water at all at Noetsie, then eventually a small trickle, but alas, only cold. Cleaning was inefficient and there was a very prominent stench of sewerage outside the Noetsie hut. Maintenance seems to be low on the priorities of Cape Nature.

This stunning slackpacking trail is 5 nights with 4,5 days of hiking.The views of the Breede River Valley and the sea from the top of Potberg are stunning.The fynbos and rock formations amazing and some great birding with plenty of oyster catchers dotted along the coastline.The overnight huts at Noetsie,Hamerkop and Vaalkrans are wonderfully located and we saw numerous whale sightings with the cherry on the top being a pod of dolphins cavorting around a whale.Our 12 person party had a 'whale of a time' but the trail is not designed for peaceful undisturbed nights with bunk beds and mattrases in shared rooms.The many other attributes of the hike more than make up for this.
Constructive inexpensive improvements to the cottages would make catering,showering etc better but once again in the scheme of things that's not crucial.
The 55km hike is only really a bit tough on Day1 and part of Day 2 otherwise pretty easy walking with stunning views and many places to stop for picnics.There are not as many opportunities to swim in the sea or rockpools as one might have thought so don't miss out when the chance presents itself.It is preferable to put a party of 12 friends/relatives together as overnight huts are fairly 'cheek by jowl'.
All in all -highly recommended for young and old with a reasonably good level of fitness required.

When we booked the Whale Trail a year ago, I did not expect to break my left shoulder in February and my left knee in August. So to say i was a little hampered, although certainly not unfit, would be to put it mildly. I was wearing a leg brace to support my knee, a knee support on my right knee to prevent undue stress and my left shoulder screamed through the walking pole, especially going downhill. It was such a wonderful experience, I spent the whole 5 days thoroughly elated. The fynbos and wildflowers on days 1 ant 2 were spectacular. As we arrived at the cliff above Noetsie, we saw our first whales and from then on it was whales and occasionally dolphins all the way. This is a spectacular hike. Huts are comfortable and well-equipped. Hot showers and flush toilets are a luxury compared to what we are used to on a trek. This is a must for anyone who enjoys wildlife, the outdoors and hiking.