South Africa Itinerary
Trek South Africa - Cape Challenge
South Africa is amongst the most beautiful and unique countries in the world – a huge variety of landscapes, climates and cultures. Your challenge is centred along the Western Cape, perfect for trekking, a region of stark contrast with mountains, lush valleys and dramatic coastlines – beautiful areas which teem with wildlife. Experience nature reserves, whale watching, a seal colony, hot springs, and what is claimed by many to be the most beautiful city in the world. The Highlight - climbing to Maclears Beacon, the highest point on Table Mountain at 1085m.
Day 1: London Heathrow – Cape Town
Depart London Heathrow Airport early evening for your overnight scheduled economy class flight to Cape Town.
Day2: Cape Town –Hermanus
Arrive into Cape Town early morning and transfer (approx 1.5hrs) to Hermanus. Known as the heart of the whale route, the seaside resort of Hermanus in Walkers Bay offers some of the best land-based whale watching in the world. There will be plenty of time for whale watching before dinner and the welcome briefing.
Overnight: Hotel – Hermanus or similar (D)
Day 3: De Hoop Nature Reserve – Potberg trail
Transfer (approx 2 hrs) from Hermanus to De Hoop National Park, your home for the next two nights.
De Hoop Nature Reserve forms part of the world's smallest and most threatened plant kingdom - the Cape Floral Kingdom. The reserve has 86 mammal species and is famous for its variety of resident and migratory birds - more than 260 species have been recorded on the reserve. Our first day trekking takes us in a northerly direction to the top of the Potberg from where there are great views of the Breed River Valley and a chance to catch a glimpse of the rare Cape Vulture – the only remaining breeding colony in the western cape. Initially there is a steep climb then a relatively flat plateau before making your way down a river gorge. You walk directly from and back to the campsite so there is plenty of time to complete the trail, giving you a chance to enjoy the views and acclimatise on this first day trekking.
Overnight: Campsite-Dormitories or tents–the choice is yours! (B,L,D)
Trek Distance: 10km
Estimated Trekking time: approx 4-5hours
Day 4: De Hoop National Park –Unspoilt nature trek
Today is a full day in the reserve. The trek is relatively flat along the lagoon edge and then you head to the coast, climbing dunes to reach the Indian Ocean.
De Hoop has one of the largest marine protected areas in Africa. Marine mammals such as dolphins and seals occur in the waters off the coast and there is a good chance to see whales. Along with the plentiful birdlife there is a possibility of seeing antelope, baboons and ostriches today.
Overnight: Campsite-Dormitories or tents–the choice is yours! (B,L,D)
Trek Distance: 12km
Estimated Trekking time: approx 7-8 hours
Day 5: Marloth Nature Reserve
An early morning transfer (approx 1 hr) takes us to Swellendam. Today’s trek is on a challenging route but don’t worry you have plenty of time to complete it. The circular route starts at the reserve office and leads through fynbos veld and patches of indigenous forest in the ravines.
Watch out for the diversity of birds and small animals along the way and you will be rewarded with incredible views over Swellendam and the Ruensveld. In the afternoon transfer (approx 30mins) to Montagu for a chance to enjoy a well deserved soak in the soothing natural warm water of the local hot springs.
Overnight: Chalets - Montagu Hot springs or similar (B,L,D)
Trek Distance: 8.5km
Estimated Trekking time: approx 4 hours
Day 6: McGregor to Greyton - Boesmanskloof trail
Transfer (approx 45mins) to McGregor, and the start of your trek on the Boesmanskloof trail to Greyton. Today is another challenging trek but again with plenty of time to enjoy the rewards along the way.
The 14km trail leads through the spectacular Riviersonderend Mountains with steep gorges, large rock pools, waterfalls and lovely Cape wildflowers. At either end lie the lush Greyton and Mcgregor valleys. The trail ascends, descends and contours the slopes of Boesmanskloof throughout. A series of waterfalls and pools known as the Oakes Falls provide a cool resting place for lunch and the opportunity for swimming before continuing to the end of the trail.
Here you will transfer (approx 30mins) to your accommodation nestled in the mountains – a welcome rest from a long day on foot!
Overnight: Hotel – in the mountains of Grabouw or similar (B,L,D)
Trek Distance: 14km
Estimated Trekking time: approx 4-6hrs
Day 7: Cape Town – Seal Colony Trek
Transfer to Hout Bay in Cape Town (approx 2hrs) for an afternoon trek to a seal colony. The trek takes you on a steep downhill path to a coastal viewpoint from where you can see the seals on the opposite islands. Return following the shoreline back round the mountain and along Hout Bay Beach, finishing at your accommodation. Enjoy a BBQ dinner overlooking the sea and relax in preparation for a big day tomorrow.
Overnight: Hotel – Flora Bay or similar (B,L,D)
Trek Distance: 7 km
Estimated Trekking time: approx 4hrs
Day 8: Table Mountain – Highest Point
Today is the final challenge and a highlight of the trek!
Table Mountain is a sandstone plateau rising high above the Cape Flats. The top is approximately 3km wide, and its highest point, Maclears Beacon, rises to 1085m. The steep cliffs and rocky outcrops of the mountain are home to a number of plants and animals. In fact the famous Table Mountain is home to approximately 1470 species of plants; more than the entire British Isles! We will stop at the top for lunch to enjoy the selection of stunning views in every direction. If the skies are clear, you can see the city and Robin Island (home to Nelson Mandela for many years), the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean, mountain ranges, ravines, the inland Plains and, all the way down to Cape Point. After lunch, begin your final descent to the foot of the mountain where you will be transferred back to the hotel ready for your Gala dinner – a chance to celebrate your achievements over the last week!
Overnight: Hotel – Cape Town (B,L,D)
Trek Distance: 16km
Estimated Trekking time: approx 8hrs
Day 9: Cape Town
Free day to enjoy and explore Cape Town before transferring (late afternoon) to the Airport for your evening flight back to the UK. (B)
Day 10: London Heathrow
Arrive into London Heathrow in the morning
B = Breakfast L= Lunch D = Dinner
N.B This is a complicated itinerary and is subject to change. Therefore timings will be confirmed daily by the Expedition Leader. Trekking duration will also vary according to the group’s ability. Flight timings/airlines are provisional.
Challenge Grade: MODERATE
(see DESTINATIONS homepage for a general guide)
This trek is graded as ‘Moderate’ and requires a good standard of fitness. It is imperative that participants follow a reasonably serious course of training in order to get the maximum benefit.
During the course of the trek you will cover a huge variety of terrain; climbing up and down mountains, through valleys, gorges, over sand dunes and along coastal trails. You will be briefed daily on the type of terrain to be expected the following day.
Over 6 days you will cover approximately 65kms, trekking for between 4-8hours a day (average approx 6 hours a day), Table Mountain is your final Challenge climbing to the highest point, Maclears Beacon, at 1085km.
