De Hoop Whale Hiking Trail

Description

It's more than just a retreat - it's total surrender The Whale Trail is only three hours from Cape Town and promises to be the ultimate hiking experience. The trail meanders through the breathtaking De Hoop Nature Reserve where the fragrance of fynbos intermingles with salty sea air. You will marvel at the abundance of endemic plant species and enjoy the company of a variety of rare and endangered animals. Click on the image for maps >>>

The 54 km trail is renowned for its diverse fynbos vegetation, magnificent dunes and whale watching opportunities. On the trail you will experience breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and Breede River Valley. After two days of challenging hiking, you descend to the coast to explore the pristine south-eastern coastline, one of the largest marine protected areas in Africa.

The five-day, unidirectional trail stretches from Potberg to Koppie Alleen and has five overnight stops. Vehicles are left at Potberg, and a shuttle service returns you from Koppie Alleen to Potberg. The trail is clearly marked with footprints imbedded in clay tablets.

Travel along the N2 to Caledon and take the turn-off to Bredasdorp where you can do your last-minute shopping. Travel through Bredasdorp along the Swellendam road and turn right at the signpost onto a gravel road to De Hoop and Potberg. If you have to go to De Hoop, take the signposted turn-off approximately 40 km along the gravel road, otherwise continue to Potberg.

Summary

Rating: Moderate fitness required; varied terrain and difficulty levels

Distance: 54km

Duration: 5 days

Climate:

Elevation: highest peak is Potberg (611m) on the first day; the last three days follows along sea level

Accommodation: The comfortable cottages can accommodate a maximum of 12 people. All the cottages except for Noetsie have a built-in braai that is suitable for all weather conditions. Warm water, mattresses, firewood and solar power batteries for lights only, are available. There are no fridges, and cutlery and crockery is not supplied.

Group limit: Only group bookings of either 6 hikers or 12 hikers are accepted.

Features:
Up to 50 whale have been counted in the sea off De Hoop at one time. The southern right whales arrive in July, mate and calve, and return to the cooler Antarctic waters in December. The flower season that is dependent on the climatic conditions, usually peaks during August and September. Birding is best between September and April.

Possible hazards: There are no water points between overnight stops except during day one. Remember to fill water bottles before leaving for the day's hike. It is recommended that day five be walked at low tide. There is an alternative but less scenic trail for high tide. Horseflies are a problem in season. Take special care when swimming along this coast, as the rip currents can be dangerous.

Bookings: Cape Nature Conservation Tourism Desk - (021) 426-0723 or cncinfo@cape_town.org
De Hoop Nature Reserve - (028) 542-1126 or dehoopinfo@sdm.dorea.co.za

Permit needed: yes

Cost: R430 per person

Day 1: Potberg to Cupidoskraal - 14,7 km - Moderate to strenuous ± 8 hours
Day 2: Cupidoskraal to Noetsie - 14 km - Moderate ± 8 hours
Day 3: Noetsie to Hamerkop - 8 km - Easy ± 6 hours
Day 4: Hamerkop to Vaalkrans - 11 km - Easy ± 6 hours
Day 5: Vaalkrans to Koppie Alleen 9 km - Easy ± 3 hours (but do allow extra time for exploring)

Fauna:
De Hoop is home of 260 bird species, and Potberg is the site of the most southern breeding colony of the Cape vulture. The rare bontebok and Cape mountain zebra count among the 86 mammal species found on the reserve.

Flora: De Hoop is an important fynbos conservation area, where 1500 plant species are found. Of these, 50 are found nowhere else in the world. The hiking route follows through mountain fynbos, limestone fynbos and coastal vegetation.

For more information, go to Cape Nature Conservation's website.

Updated Thu, 11 October, 2001 http://www.rocksport.co.za