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. It is compulsory for all hikers to attend a security briefing the afternoon or the next morning before start hiking the trail.
DAY 2:
Potberg to Cupidoskraal
14,7 km – Moderate to strenuous ± 8 hours
Ascent 695 m
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. Look out for the Bush buck who is often spotted close to the hut.
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. Look out for the Bush buck who is often spotted close to the hut.
DAY 3:
Cupidoskraal to Noetsie
15 km – Moderate ± 8 hours
Cupidoskraal to Noetsie
15 km – Moderate ± 8 hours
Ascent 452m
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.
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 – Moderate to Strenuous ± 6 hours (4 hours of actual walking with 6 hours suggested for several break periods. Take enough water. No water on the way. Although the distance is short, it might be a long time before the next hut .
Noetsie to Hamerkop
8.5 km – Moderate to Strenuous ± 6 hours (4 hours of actual walking with 6 hours suggested for several break periods. Take enough water. No water on the way. Although the distance is short, it might be a long time before the next hut .
Elevation 378 m
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
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.
The Blow Holes, roughly 6 km from the start, is beautiful and the beach next to it offers ample shade and good swimming opportunity. Good stop for lunch.
DAY 6:
Vaalkrans to Koppie Alleen
7 km – Easy ± 6 hours (3 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.
Accommodation: Shared bedrooms. Four people per room. Bunker beds. Kitchens at all the huts are equipped with a frige/freezer, gas stove, pots pans as well as cutlery and crockery.
Meals: Fully catered when booked with us
DINNER SERVICE:
Wifi and Mobile network:
Potberg sometimes the wifi works but not guaranteed.No Cellphone coverage. Mostly one get Cellphone signal on the grass area at the office and at the gate, not great but at least possible.
On first morning going uphill there is good Cellphone signal.
Cupidoskraal there is no network at the hut. On the Hill just before going to hut there is Cellphone signal but not very good.
Night 3 Noetsie, wifi sometimes works. Cellphone signal at some spots
Night 4. Hamerkop . No wifi. Some signal a little walk up the road behind hut and at bench on hill at back of hut
Night 5 Vaalkrans. No wifi or Cellphone signal at hut. Sometimes there is Cellphone signal in front of the end bedroom window on the stoep. A short walk up hill from hut there is Cellphone signal
On the trail Cellphone coverage is indicated by piles of stones
Hope that helps those that still need to be in touch with the "outside world 🌎 " during the hike. It is however recommended to rather take a complete break if possible 😉
Electricity:
Potberg has Eskom electricity and are therefore has load shedding. They have a generator but it does not always works.
All other huts have solar power.
Cellphones, cameras etc can be charged but no hairdryers allowed.
Kitchens:
Equipped with pots, pans, crockery, cutlery, glasses etc.
Potberg only hut with a microwave.
No coffee percolator. Need to take your own or drink instant coffee.
Biodegradable dishwasher liquid. Cloths also supplied.
Fireplace: with wood supplied at each hut. Take fire lighters. Chop wood bit thinner to get fire going.
Bathrooms: Biodegradable soap & shampoo supplied at all the huts.
Toiletpaper supplied at huts but take own for trail & a bag to take paper with you. Please do not leave any rubbish behind.
No towels
Directions: The last 50km is a dirt road. Make sure to allow enough time for this.
Cost: Including Meals, Accommodation, Trail, Porterage. Only carry daypack.R11 500 Per person in Whale Season 2025 (June to December)
Out of Whale season 2025 R9 500 (January to May) Good chance to see dolphins all year round.
Wonderful Rockpools
Amazing Caves with stalactites & Stalagmites
As long term outdoorsman I have always avoided slack packing as I know I can carry and organize my own stuff and more. But I can vouch that doing the Whale Trail with Annie and Tinus was worth every cent! We had a complete holiday. They did all the planning and prepared wonderful meals. Annie's knowledge, enthusiasm and curiosity is infectious and inspirational. Tinus' quiet support and great sense of humour make them a great team!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great trail the Whale Trail was in particular because of our excellent guides Annie and Tinus who not only showed us the way but also pointed out so many interesting things and prepared such good meals for us as well. I highly recommend Anniestours.
ReplyDeleteJuanita Gleeson
ReplyDeleteThe sheer beauty & wonder of the whale trail is an experience I would recommend for everyone . From our first day we were treated to wonder upon wonder each day , taking in sights , sounds and the incredible views under the very unimposing but watchful eye of our mentors Annie & Tinus ; I couldn’t recommend Anniestours more ; These two, Annie & Tinus , know so much about their subject and are always eager to help, and assist and all of their meals were divine!!
November 2023…My first Whale trail…
ReplyDeleteWhat a spectacular route, inland for 2 days beautiful scenery across the escarpments to the sublime relaxing coastal walk.
Accommodation is in mixed cottages on the trail, comfortable shared bedrooms usually 4 to a room. Adequate shower facilities. Most with views and area to sit share stores of the day and get to know other travelers.
The Hike is not difficult, but it is over 5 days so its also not a walk in the park. Great views, swimming spots, interesting places and at one with nature.
Going with Annie… it’s a holiday not just a hike. You get superb food, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Dinners we had themed evenings 😊, Potjie, curry night, Mexican night, Italian certainly not your usually hiking fare. All prepared by Annie, fabulous food and great organization by Annie and her team.
Would love to hike with them in the future.