The Whale Trail is a 55km slack-packing 5 Night / 6 Days multi-day hike.

Book Your Hiking Adventure Of A Lifetime Traversing Across One Of The Best Land-Based Whale-Watching Spots In The World!

Whale Trail Expedition: EXCLUSIVE Hike Package

LIMITED SPOTS REMAIN FOR 2024 ..

Offer Ends When The Tour Is Booked...

The Whale Trail is a 55km slack-packing 5 Night / 6 Days multi-day hike.

Book Your Hiking Adventure Of A Lifetime Traversing Across One Of The Best Land-Based Whale-Watching Spots In The World!

Whale Trail Expedition: EXCLUSIVE Hike Package

LIMITED SPOTS REMAIN FOR 2024 ..

Offer Ends When The Tour Is Booked...

Expedition Highlights:

Let's have a whale of a time!

Expedition Highlights:

Let's have a whale of a time!

What Our Previous Guests Have To Say:

What Our Previous Guests Have To Say:

Everything You Need To Know For The Whale Trail Hike:

Whale Trail Expedition PACKAGES:

Please Note:
10% Discount for Once Off Full Payments

Payment Plans Accepted

1. BASIC PACKAGE

- Hike Permit

- Conservation Fee

- Admin Fees

- Slackpack

- Hut Accommodation

- CPT Int Airport Transfer To / From

- Shuttle from finish to start

- Planning assistance

R8 000pp (Jan - May / Off Peak)

R9 500pp (June - Dec / Peak)

2. CATERED PACKAGE

- Everything From The 'Basic Package'

+

- Dinners / Breakfasts On The Hike

- Coffee / Tea

R9 500pp (Jan - May / Off Peak)

R11 500pp (June - Dec / Peak)

3. FULL PACKAGE

- Everything From The 'Catered Package'

+

- B&B Accommodation Night Before & After Hike

- Somerset West Wine Tour (Min 4)

R13 500pp (Jan - May / Off Peak)

R14 500pp (June - Dec / Peak)

Take A Look At Our Available Dates:

8-13 December 2023

3 SPOTS LEFT

9-14 December 2023

2 SPOTS LEFT

5-10 January 2024

FULLY BOOKED

21 March to 26 March 2024 FULLY BOOKED

31 March to 5 April 2024
FULLY BOOKED
26 April to 1 May 2024
FULLY BOOKED

6-11 May 2024
FULLY BOOKED

16-21 May 2024
8 SPOTS LEFT

12-18 June 2024 -

8 SPOTS LEFT

13-18 August 2024 -

3 SPOTS LEFT

16-21 August 2024 -

FULLY BOOKED

September 2024 -

FULLY BOOKED

October 2024 -

Bookings opening soon

Everything You Need To Know For The Whale Trail Hike:

Whale Trail Expedition PACKAGES:

Please Note:
10% Discount for Once Off Full Payments

Payment Plans Accepted

1. BASIC PACKAGE

- Hike Permit

- Conservation Fee

- Admin Fees

- Slackpack

- Hut Accommodation

- CPT Int Airport Transfer To / From

- Shuttle from finish to start

- Planning assistance

R8 000pp (Jan - May / Off Peak)

R9 500pp (June - Dec / Peak)

2. CATERED PACKAGE

- Everything From The 'Basic Package'

+

- Dinners / Breakfasts On The Hike

- Coffee / Tea

R9 500pp (Jan - May / Off Peak)

R11 500pp (June - Dec / Peak)

3. FULL PACKAGE

- Everything From The 'Catered Package'

+

- B&B Accommodation Night Before & After Hike

- Somerset West Wine Tour (Min 4)

R13 500pp (Jan - May / Off Peak)

R14 500pp (June - Dec / Peak)

Take A Look At Our Available Dates:

13-18 January 2024 - 8 SPOTS LEFT

New Bookings Opening Up Soon!

Meet the Owner & Your Expert Tour Guide:

Sandra Goodchild

CO-FOUNDER | OWNER | TOUR GUIDE

Guide for 6+ Years

Level 3 Emergency Assistance

Wilderness First Responder

All round happy adventurer

A Letter From Your Guide Sandra:

Are you ready for an amazing adventure? Join me on the breathtaking Whale Trail in the beautiful De Hoop Nature Reserve on South Africa's stunning East Coast.

Imagine walking through stunning landscapes, from pretty mountains covered in plants to orange cliffs with incredible ocean views. And don't forget the long stretches of white sandy beaches with unique rock formations and pools filled with sea creatures. The Whale Trail is a trail full of diverse scenery that will make your heart skip a beat.

We'll start at Potberg Hut, where you'll receive a warm welcome and important information about the trail. Pack your food and stuff in the containers provided, so you can enjoy the hike without carrying heavy loads!


Throughout our journey, you'll face challenges that test your limits, but the rewards will surpass your wildest dreams. Picture yourself climbing to the highest point of the trail, surrounded by mist and rain, and seeing the beautiful flowers covering the landscape.

The cozy huts along the way will provide for shelter and a great place to reminisce about the excitement experienced during the day.

Every day will bring new wonders. You'll be amazed by the grandeur of the ocean, especially during whale-watching season. Take time to explore secluded coves with their peaceful tidal pools.

The final part of the trail will challenge you as we walk on soft sandy beaches. Our journey will end in remarkable places, perched on cliffs with views of crashing waves and breathtaking sunsets.

The Whale Trail is an opportunity to embrace the beauty of nature and experience something out of the ordinary. Watch whales, admire the colorful flowers, and make connections with fellow adventurers.

Come with me on the Whale Trail and unlock the secrets of this incredible coastal paradise. Let nature's magic surround you and create memories that will last a lifetime. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure along the South African coastline. I can't wait to stop telling you and start showing you!

Meet the Owner & Your Expert Tour Guide:

Sandra Goodchild

CO-FOUNDER | OWNER | TOUR GUIDE

Guide for 6+ Years

Level 3 Emergency Assistance

Wilderness First Responder

All round happy adventurer

A Letter From Your Guide Sandra:

Are you ready for an amazing adventure? Join me on the breathtaking Whale Trail in the beautiful De Hoop Nature Reserve on South Africa's stunning East Coast.

Imagine walking through stunning landscapes, from pretty mountains covered in plants to orange cliffs with incredible ocean views. And don't forget the long stretches of white sandy beaches with unique rock formations and pools filled with sea creatures. The Whale Trail is a trail full of diverse scenery that will make your heart skip a beat.

We'll start at Potberg Hut, where you'll receive a warm welcome and important information about the trail. Pack your food and stuff in the containers provided, so you can enjoy the hike without carrying heavy loads!


Throughout our journey, you'll face challenges that test your limits, but the rewards will surpass your wildest dreams. Picture yourself climbing to the highest point of the trail, surrounded by mist and rain, and seeing the beautiful flowers covering the landscape.

The cozy huts along the way will provide for shelter and a great place to reminisce about the excitement experienced during the day.

Every day will bring new wonders. You'll be amazed by the grandeur of the ocean, especially during whale-watching season. Take time to explore secluded coves with their peaceful tidal pools.

The final part of the trail will challenge you as we walk on soft sandy beaches. Our journey will end in remarkable places, perched on cliffs with views of crashing waves and breathtaking sunsets.

The Whale Trail is an opportunity to embrace the beauty of nature and experience something out of the ordinary. Watch whales, admire the colorful flowers, and make connections with fellow adventurers.

Come with me on the Whale Trail and unlock the secrets of this incredible coastal paradise. Let nature's magic surround you and create memories that will last a lifetime. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure along the South African coastline. I can't wait to stop telling you and start showing you!

Can't Travel To The Whale Trail On These Dates?

No worries. Click the button below to view our other upcoming hikes throughout South Africa.


Got More Questions? We're Here to Help!

Where does the whale trail start and end?

The trail starts at Potberg Hut in the De Hoop Nature Reserve. 30km from Bredasdorp in the Western Cape.

How fit do you have to be to do the whale trail?

The trail is suitable for medium-fitness hikers, you do not need any Mount Everest aspirations but they are most welcome. It is a five day, 56-kilometre slack-packing trail through the De Hoop Nature Reserve that introduces you to some of the most beautiful scenes along the Western Cape coastline

When is the best time to do the whale trail?

Best time is when you get a spot. It depends on which conditions you prefer: December to February tend to be the hottest, May to September the cooler months. Whales are active from June to October. Proteas flower from May to June.

What accommodation is on the whale trail?

There are five overnight stops with 3 dorm rooms at each camp. Sleeping 4 per room. 2 bunker beds per room. Mostly bunk beds with utilitarian foam mattresses. Own pillows and sleeping bags need to be provided.

What facilities are available on the whale trail at each camp?

All the cottages are solar poweredSolar operated fridgesSolar and gas geysersGas stoveEnviro toiletsCutlery and crockeryKettleBraai gridWood for braaiBring own sleeping bag/pillows

Luggage transport

This is slack-packing at its finest. Your extra luggage is transported every day to the next cottage, so all you need to carry on the trail is a day pack. The 70-litre transport containers are waiting for you at Potberg cottage.

Is there water on the whale trail or huts?

No water on any of the trails but safe drinking water at each hut.

What is the min age allowed to do the whale trail hike?

Unfortunately, children below the age of eight are not allowed on the trail. The route is fairly strenuous, varying in intensity.

Which is the closest airport and town to the whale trail?

The closest major cities is Cape Town and Cape Town Int Airport. We provide a shuttle service.

Do you have payment terms for your whale trail packages?

We do. For our guided trips, we require a min deposit of R 2000pp to confirm your booking (Balance paid off over 6 months in
monthly payments). For our self guided bookings we require full payment once off.

Can I bring my own group and self-guide to the whale trail?

Sure please get in contact with us and we will assist.

If you book within 6 months of the start of the hike then full payment is required.

Can't Travel To The Whale Trail On These Dates?

No worries. Click the button below to view our other upcoming hikes throughout South Africa.


Got More Questions? We're Here to Help!

Where does the whale trail start and end?

The trail starts at Potberg Hut in the De Hoop Nature Reserve. 30km from Bredasdorp in the Western Cape.

How fit do you have to be to do the whale trail?

The trail is suitable for medium-fitness hikers, you do not need any Mount Everest aspirations but they are most welcome. It is a five day, 56-kilometre slack-packing trail through the De Hoop Nature Reserve that introduces you to some of the most beautiful scenes along the Western Cape coastline

When is the best time to do the whale trail?

Best time is when you get a spot. It depends on which conditions you prefer: December to February tend to be the hottest, May to September the cooler months. Whales are active from June to October. Proteas flower from May to June.

What accommodation is on the whale trail?

There are five overnight stops with 3 dorm rooms at each camp. Sleeping 4 per room. 2 bunker beds per room. Mostly bunk beds with utilitarian foam mattresses. Own pillows and sleeping bags need to be provided.

What facilities are available on the whale trail at each camp?

All the cottages are solar poweredSolar operated fridgesSolar and gas geysersGas stoveEnviro toiletsCutlery and crockeryKettleBraai gridWood for braaiBring own sleeping bag/pillows

Luggage transport

This is slack-packing at its finest. Your extra luggage is transported every day to the next cottage, so all you need to carry on the trail is a day pack. The 70-litre transport containers are waiting for you at Potberg cottage.

Is there water on the whale trail or huts?

No water on any of the trails but safe drinking water at each hut.

What is the min age allowed to do the whale trail hike?

Unfortunately, children below the age of eight are not allowed on the trail. The route is fairly strenuous, varying in intensity.

Which is the closest airport and town to the whale trail?

The closest major cities is Cape Town and Cape Town Int Airport. We provide a shuttle service.

Do you have payment terms for your whale trail packages?

We do. For our guided trips, we require a min deposit of R 2000pp to confirm your booking (Balance paid off over 6 months in
monthly payments). For our self guided bookings we require full payment once off.

Can I bring my own group and self-guide to the whale trail?

Sure please get in contact with us and we will assist.

If you book within 6 months of the start of the hike then full payment is required.

Our Trusted Partners:

Our Trusted Partners:

Start Hiking Today (Pty) Ltd - @2021 All Rights Reserved

Physical Address - 73 Olifantsfontein Rd, Glen Austin AH, Midrand, 1685

Start Hiking Today (Pty) Ltd - @2021 All Rights Reserved

Physical Address - 73 Olifantsfontein Rd, Glen Austin AH, Midrand, 1685