The Whale trail is a feather in the cap of Cape Nature! We had the priviledge to hike for 5 days... read more
The Whale trail is a feather in the cap of Cape Nature! We had the priviledge to hike for 5 days... read more
Very well managed and maintained coastal route by Cape Nature. Incredible experience Hiking from... read more
We were a group of 12 friends, the hike was easy, the huts comfortable & adequately furnished/equipped (after all you're on a hike!), the nature absolutely stunning, we saw the most amazing variety of veld flowers. Then came the best - whales, whales and more whales as well as lots of dolphins! It was just the most incredible views. We never had to look for the whales, they were just there all the time! It is absolutely a MUST DO!!
Organised the trip with 5 complete strangers, 3 of which bailed out, then Cape Nature threw in 6 more strangers without telling until 4pm of the first night. Despite what was seeming like a disastrous start proved to be an amazing experience and a great group once we broke through the normal "get to know" period- amazing how a roaring fire at a beautiful beach can do that. As the oldest fart amongst the group I was pleasantly surprised at how well I coped and set the pace for my little group of 3 who were a good 10 years junior- their reward was my exhibition of monstrous snoring one evening- oops. At the end of the 58km we were all repeating similar variations of "so amazing" whether it be the views, the whales, the dolphins, the otters or the fynbos- it was all captivating and a pleasure.
This hike is for the family or bunch of good friends that Love nature. You book in at the 1st Hut around 16H00. It is bunk beds with a kitchen and braai. Bring your tjoppies and braai broodjies. Blitz a must as the wood is very wet and then also enough spare for the other days. You get briefed around 17H00 and they supply max 7 Plastic cases per group of 6 to transport your food, drinks and bedding. Each case around R520.00 for the week.
Your 1st morning you do a 600 meter climb up Potberg which you can climb at a steady pace and rest if you wish. Water in a bladder and enough snacks in a day pack works well every day.There is enough flowers and scenery on the way up. You walk in to the most awesome rock formations . Be alert as the shapes differ all over and awesome. You get to your hut in the valley around 15H00. Enough time to drink a nice red wine or 4. Braai or cook inside. Day 2 you start with an easy 400 meter plus climb, Rocks and flowers all over. Make use of water pools when descending. Don`t believe the 2 km marker it is a bit further. You arrive at a stunning hut at the sea with outside braai. From day 3- Now your trip starts with whales, dolphins and seals. To highlight this all you experience the pools, rocks and thundering sea. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Your hut again with an awesome view watching whales from the deck and have a sundowner on the dune. Every day the hike delivers whale watch while scanning the eco system that can not be described. Hiking all along the coast, just can`t be compared to other trails or hikes. Your last hut and evening is as the trail was - AWSOME! Fire and new friends clears your spirit and a new challenge to go back to the rat race. You Must Do This Hike!
5 days of stunning natural beauty, pristine bush, aqua seas, endless beaches, whales and dolphins! Accommodation is rustic but comfortable with beautiful views. The slack packing options with luggage portage is the way to go! Hiking is easily doable for adults and children alike. A wonderful experience!
I give the Whale Trail five stars ***** for the experience. To walk the trail across five days with a group of friends is simply unforgettable. If you like hiking then this is a must-do. I felt the actual hike was more strenuous than I expected and there were lots of people nursing sore muscles after the first days hike from Potsberg to Cupido's Kraal. Yes, the cottages are rustic and require some maintenance, and everything does not go off 100% but outdoor hiking trails are not supposed to be five stars glamour occasions. You stay every night in a functioning cottage with hot water, solar electricity and full catering services. Your ration of clothing and food is dropped off at your cottage daily. My advise is to plan well and have a good set of shoes, backpack and well organised food and clothing allowance.
We were a family spanning 3 generations hiking this route.
Trail was awesome, Enjoyed every nights cottages.
Will come back one day and do this with my kids, so much fun