1 Day Hiking Trails close to Capetown

Groot Winterhoek

The beautiful Groot Winterhoek is known for its rugged, wild landscape & "Rock formations. 

Die Hel is nestled in the Groot Winterhoek mountains which is one of the largest rock pools in the Western Cape, a secluded piece of paradise.

Hiking to the peak is tough but absolutely incredible. Best to plan to sleep over somewhere on the route (Wilderness permit). It so beautiful and very little people will manage to reach the peak and come down in one day. 

Haarkapper Hiking Trail 

The Haarkapper Hiking Trail offers you a chance to walk in the footsteps of the famous Tesselaarsdal Barber crossing the Klein River Mountains between Phillipskop near Stanford and Tesselaarsdal. The route can be walked starting from either side and can be done as a figure of eight starting and finishing at the same point, or just one way if you have transport arranged on the other side. 

Jannie Willemse was a farmer from Tesselaarsdal who used to walk 20km over the Klein River Mountains to Stanford every Saturday, to cut the townsfolk’s hair, before returning to his Tesselaarsdal farm the same day. He did this each and every Saturday for over 20 years without fail, clocking up more than 42,000km on foot, faithfully serving his Stanford custom on foot – more than the distance all the way around the earth!

Whale Trail

 Whale Trail 

The Whale Trail is located in the De Hoop Nature Reserve between Cape Agulhas and Cape Infanta. The trail is a little under 60km over 5 days. 

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Potberg - Overnight at accommodation there before the start

DAY 2: Potberg to Cupidoskraal

 14,7 km – Moderate to strenuous ± 8 hours

This is the toughest stretch of the trail and an early start is recommended. It will take you to the top of Potberg at 611 metres with breathtaking panoramic views of Swellendam in the north, unequalled views of the Indian Ocean and the Breede River, Cape Infante in the east and Cape Agulhas in the west. You will also have a good chance of sighting the rare Cape vulture. The trail descends towards Cupidoskraal where a swim in the dam offers a refreshing end to the day.

DAY 3: Cupidoskraal to Noetsie
15 km – Moderate ± 8 hours

The trail follows the crest of the Potberg through mountain fynbos with unequalled views of the Indian Ocean and the Breede River. The route finally leaves the Potberg and leads onto limestone hills with strikingly different fynbos, then descends to the enchanting bay of Noetsie at the coast.

DAY 4  Noetsie to Hamerkop
8.5 km – Easy ± *6 hours (4 hours of actual walking with 6 hours suggested for several break periods

This short distance allows a leisurely start to the day and ample time for exploring the coastline. Stilgat, with its clear tidal pools and abundant marine life will provide an unsurpassed opportunity for snorkeling and swimming. Several whale watching points lie ahead until you reach a lovely sandy beach stretching all the way to Hamerkop.

DAY 5: Hamerkop to Vaalkrans

10,5 km – Moderate ± 6 hours

It is well worth the long walk on the beach as the views and turquoise rock pools that you eventually reach are splendid. Please stay clear of the sensitive calcrete formations and look out for interesting seabirds like the shy oystercatchers and whitebreasted cormorants basking in the sun. Hikers are requested to respect the privacy of the guests staying at the remote Lekkerwater Lodge which is on this route.

DAY 6: Vaalkrans to Koppie Alleen

7 km – Easy ± *6 hours (2 hours of actual walking, with 6 hours suggested for several break periods)

This is a short hike through coastal thickets with ample time to soak up the last of the scenic landscapes, there are two alternative routes for high and low tide. Hippo Pools offers great swimming before the path leads up to Koppie Alleen where the trail ends

The group are collected by bus for the 45 minute journey to the start at Potberg where the vehicles are parked.