Trails: Overberg Region, Western Cape, South Africa

De Mond Nature Reserve
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Arniston
Description: Various day routes; easy; in nature reserve
Enquiries: Southern Point Publicity Association
Tel: + 27 (0)28 4-2584
Fax: + 27 (0)28 5-1019

De Hoop
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Bredasdorp
Description: Various routes along footpaths in the De Hoop Nature Reserve and along the coast; return; easy; cottages and camp site at base; camping R30 per night (6 persons); entrance fee at gate.
Enquiries: De Hoop Nature Reserve
Tel: + 27 (0)28 542-1126
Fax: + 27 (0)28 542-1679
Web: http://www.capenature.org.za

De Hoop
Trail Type: For disabled persons
Closest Town: Bredasdorp
Description: Short routes from base on roads in the De Hoop Nature Reserve; easy to average; huts and cottages; one hut is wheelchair accessible; R72 for four persons sharing per night; entrance fee at gate; trail is free
Enquiries: De Hoop Nature Reserve
Tel: + 27 (0)28 542-1126
Fax: + 27 (0)28 542-1679
Web: http://www.capenature.org.za

De Hoop / Engen
Trail Type: Mountain bike
Closest Town: Bredasdorp
Description: 2-3 days needed; various routes from farm house at base (not accessible by vehicle); in De Hoop Nature Reserve; difficult; 12 cyclists max; entrance fee at gate
Enquiries: De Hoop Nature Reserve
Tel: + 27 (0)28 542-1126
Fax: + 27 (0)28 542-1679
Web: http://www.capenature.org.za

Whale Trail
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Bredasdorp
Description: The trail is designed for nature lovers with a moderate degree of fitness. No children under the age of eight years are allowed. Reservations are limited to group bookings of a minimum of six or a maximum of 12 people. The optimal time for Whale Trail is during September and October.
Enquiries: Bredasdorp Reservation Office
Tel: +27 (0)28 425 5020
Fax: +27 (0)28 425 5030
e-mail: capenature@tiscali.co.za
Web: http://www.capenature.org.za

The Wine Route Canoeing and Rafting
Trail Type: Canoe trail
Closest Town: Breede River [Back to Top]
Description: 1 day; guides; all equipment food and wine provided; mid October to mid March
Enquiries: Felix Unite
Tel: + 27 (0)21 683-6433
Fax: + 27 (0)21 683-6488

Meiring
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Caledon
Description: 10km/1 day; easy; circular;
Enquiries: Caledon Municipality
Tel: + 27 (0)281 2-1090
Fax: + 27 (0)281 4-1289

Meiring
Trail Type: Mountain bike
Closest Town: Caledon
Description: 10km/1 day;
Enquiries: Caledon Municipality
Tel: + 27 (0)281 2-1090
Fax: + 27 (0)281 4-1289

Lebanon
Trail Type: Mountain bike
Closest Town: Elgin
Location: Take the Valley Road turnoff on the N2 after Grabouw.
Description: Four fully-marked mountain biking trails traversing the Elgin Valley farms, Lebanon Forest Reserve and the Kogelberg biosphere. Roads and Jeep tracks, orchard and wooded areas, dams and streams. Situated on the Kromme River Farm in the Elgin Valley and offering quaint, self-catering cottages ideal for mountain bikers, families and friends. Less than an hour's drive from Cape Town Oak Lane is an ideal weekend or overnight getaway. Mountain biking permits are included in the cost of overnight accommodation. The trails offer a unique riding experience that combines rolling orchard farmland, forested pineslopes and mountainous fynbos with breathtaking views of the Elgin Valley and Overberg surrounds. All trails are clearly marked from Oak Lane where permits and maps are available.
Enquiries: Michelle Loos
Tel: + 27 (0)21 844 0248
Cell: + 27 (0)83 461 8940
e-mail: info@oaklane.co.za
Web: http://www.oaklane.co.za/mountain.htm

Genadendal
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Genadendal
Description: The genadendal hiking trail is a two day trail with a total distance of 25,3km, day 1 being 14,3km and day 2 being 11km. The trail can be considered to be fairly strenuous. The trail starts and finishes in the historic settlement of Genadendal which dates back more than 200 years to when a Moravian mission was established. For those wishing to overnight before setting out on the trail, accommodation can be arranged through the church. Group size is restricted to two groups of 12 each.
Comments: Situated in the Riviersonderend mountains. Rapidly changeable weather. There is no water for most of Day 2. Best during March to June and September to December.
Enquiries: Bredasdorp Reservation Office
Tel: + 27 (0)28 425 5020
Fax: + 27 (0)28 425 5030
e-mail: capenature@tiscali.co.za
Web: http://www.capenature.org.za

Boland: Hottentots-Holland section
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Grabouw
Description: 43km/3 days; shorter and other options available; average; circular or some options linear; in nature reserve; huts; 24 persons max;
Enquiries: Hottentots-Holland Nature Reserve
Tel: + 27 (0)21 886-6543
Fax: + 27 (0)21 886-6575
Web: http://www.capenature.org.za

Buys se Pad
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Grabouw [Back to Top]
Description: 20km/ 6 hours; average; circular; accommodation in Grabouw
Enquiries: The Forestry Office
Tel: + 27 (0)21 886-5858

Grabouw Plantation
Trail Type: Mountain bike
Closest Town: Grabouw
Description: 14km.circular. Permits needed, this fee includes a map. Steep terrain. Accommodation at Houwhoek Inn
Comments: Shady Plantation. Mountain pools. Scenic views. Braai facilities. Country club.
Tel: + 27 (0)21 859 2606

Hottentots- Holland: Suicide Gorge
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Grabouw
Description: 18km/9hours; circular; kloofing; strenuous; no accommodation and no camping allowed in in reserve
Enquiries: Hottentots-Holland Nature Reserve
Tel: + 27 (0)21 886-6543
Fax: + 27 (0)21 886-6575
Web: http://www.capenature.org.za

Hottentots-Holland Reserve
Trail Type: Mountain bike
Closest Town: Grabouw
Description: Various cycling routes; guide available; in nature reserve; 15 persons max;
Enquiries: Hottentots-Holland Nature Reserve
Tel: + 27 (0)21 886-6543
Fax: + 27 (0)21 886-6575
Web: http://www.capenature.org.za

Hottentots-Holland Reserve
Trail Type: Horse trail
Closest Town: Grabouw
Description: Various routes on horseback; guide available; in nature reserve; 15 persons max;
Enquiries: Hottentots-Holland Nature Reserve
Tel: + 27 (0)21 886-6543
Fax: + 27 (0)21 886-6575
Web: http://www.capenature.org.za

Hottentots-Holland Reserve - Riviersonderend
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Grabouw
Description: 15km/ 6hours; difficult; circular; kloofing; in nature reserve; no accommodation or camping in reserve; 15 persons max; (closed 30 June to 1 Sept)
Enquiries: Hottentots-Holland Nature Reserve
Tel: + 27 (0)225 4826
Fax: + 27 (0)225 4457
Web: http://www.capenature.org.za

Hottentots-Hollands: Boesmanskloof - Orchard route
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Grabouw [Back to Top]
Description: 30km\2 days; circular; hut
Enquiries: Hottentots-Holland Nature Reserve
Tel: + 27 (0)225 4301
Fax: + 27 (0)225 4457
Web: http://www.capenature.org.za

Hottentots-Holland: Boegoekloof
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Grabouw
Description: 24km/ 8 hour; average; return; in nature reserve; no accommodation or camping in nature reserve; 15 persons max;
Enquiries: Hottentots-Holland Nature Reserve
Tel: + 27 (0)21 886-6543
Fax: + 27 (0)21 886-6575
Web: http://www.capenature.org.za

Hottentots-Holland: Groenland
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Grabouw
Description: 22km/ 7 hour; average; return; in nature reserve; no accommodation or camping in nature reserve; 15 persons max
Enquiries: Hottentots-Holland Nature Reserve
Tel: + 27 (0)21 886-6543
Fax: + 27 (0)21 886-6575
Web: http://www.capenature.org.za

Hottentots-Holland: Palmiet
Trail Type: For disabled persons
Closest Town: Grabouw
Description: 6km/2hours; in nature reserve; easy and safe for blind persons and persons with disability; not suitable for wheelchairs;
Enquiries: Hottentots-Holland Nature Reserve
Tel: + 27 (0)21 886-6543
Fax: + 27 (0)21 886-6575
Web: http://www.capenature.org.za

Jonkershoek
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Grabouw
Description: 28km/2 days; one way; in nature reserve; huts
Enquiries: Hottentots-Holland Nature Reserve
Tel: + 27 (0)225 4301
Fax: + 27 (0)225 4457
Web: http://www.capenature.org.za

Landroskop
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Grabouw
Description: 18km; 2 days; circular; lodge
Enquiries: Hottentots-Holland Nature Reserve
Tel: + 27 (0)225 4301
Fax: + 27 (0)225 4457
Web: http://www.capenature.org.za

Palmiet
Trail Type: For disabled persons
Closest Town: Grabouw [Back to Top]
Description: 6km / 2hours; in the Hottentots-Holland Nature Reserve; easy and safe for blind persons; not suitable for wheelchairs; has tapping rails of pine logs;
Enquiries: Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve
Tel: + 27 (0)21 886-6543
Fax: + 27 (0)21 886-6575
Web: http://www.capenature.org.za

Boesmanskloof Trail
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Greyton
Description: Boesmanskloof Trail is a linear trail of 17km and stretches from Greyton to McGregor through the beautiful Riviersonderend conservation area. Transport needs to be arranged from the end of the trail unless a decision is taken to hike the trail in both directions over two days which is a popular options. There is plenty of excellent overnight accommodation to be had in both towns. It should be noted that the McGregor end finishes at Die Galg which is approximately 14km outside McGregor. The trail can be considered fairly strenuous and hikers should be fit and well equipped. Accommodation in fully equipped but very basic cottages is available at Die Galg; for details contact BJ Oosthuizen on (02353)735 or for more comfort Whipstock farm 023 625 1733. Whipstock will also pick you up from the end of the trail if required.
Enquiries: Bredasdorp Reservation Office
Tel: +27 (0)28 425 5020
Fax: +27 (0)28 425 5030
e-mail: capenature@tiscali.co.za
Web: http://www.footprint.co.za/

Boesmanskloof (one way)
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Greyton
Description: 14km/1 day; one way; average; between Greyton and McGregor; includes an interpretive trail; 50 persons max;; private accommodation available in town
Enquiries: Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve
Tel: + 27 (0)23 625-1621
Fax: + 27 (0)23 625-1674
Web: http://www.capenature.org.za

Boesmanskloof (return)
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Greyton
Description: 28km/2 day; average; return; between Greyton and McGregor; includes an interpretative trail; 12 persons max; R13 per person for the trail; private accommodation available
Enquiries: Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve
Tel: + 27 (0)23 625-1621
Fax: + 27 (0)23 625-1674
Web: http://www.capenature.org.za

Heron Trail
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Greyton
Description: This trail is 3km long and should be suitable for most people. It winds through succulent Karoo vegetation and takes you to two lovely dams with bird hides. There have been 175 bird species recorded in the reserve
Enquiries: Bredasdorp Reservation Office
Tel: +27 (0)28 425 5020
Fax: +27 (0)28 425 5030
e-mail: capenature@tiscali.co.za

Rooikat Trail
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Greyton
Description: The Rooikat trail is 19km long and should take about 8 hours to complete. The trail is circular and winds up and around the Elandsberg mountains. The route is fairly strenuous and an early start is necessary. The trail is quite rugged and good hiking boots should be warn. Springbok grazing is a common sight. No water is available along the route
Enquiries: Bredasdorp Reservation Office
Tel: +27 (0)28 425 5020
Fax: +27 (0)28 425 5030
e-mail: capenature@tiscali.co.za

Grootvadersbosch
Trail Type: Mountain bike
Closest Town: Heidelberg [Back to Top]
Description: 25-28 km. Moderate to difficult. Permits needed. Map supplied. Groups of 12 people. Accommodation available.
Comments: Rough, enjoyable Jeep track. Ablaze with floral delights in Spring. Stream crossings.
Enquiries: The Southern Africa Hiking Trail Owners
Tel: + 27 (0)14 717 5812
Fax: + 27 (0)14 (0)86 682 0244
Cell: + 27 (0)82 677 6999
e-mail: info@waterberg
Web: http://www.stamvrugtrails.co.za

Fernkloof
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Hermanus
Description: Network of 40km of trails; easy to average; overnight facilities available
Enquiries: Hermanus Municipality
Tel: + 27 (0)283 2-1122
Fax: + 27 (0)283 2-1894

Hermanus Coastal
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Hermanus
Description: 13km/1 day; easy; one way
Enquiries: Hermanus Municipality
Tel: + 27 (0)283 700-300
Fax: + 27 (0)283 700-305

Highlands
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Kleinmond
Description: 37km/2 days; average; circular; in Kogelberg Nature Reserve and a farm; no facilities at base; overnight hut on trail; 10 persons max;
Enquiries: Kogelberg Nature Reserve
Tel: + 27 (0)21 886-5858
Fax: + 27 (0)21 886-6575
Web: http://www.capenature.org.za

Houwhoek Trail
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Kleinmond
Description: Houwhoek Trail - 8km (3 hours) This is a moderate walk with views over Houwhoek and the Groenlandberg Conservancy area. It leads through diverse fynbos vegetation
Enquiries: Western Cape Nature Conservation Board
Tel: +27 (0)21 659 3500
Fax: +27 (0)21 659 3409

Kogelberg Highlands Trail
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Kleinmond
Description: The Kogelberg Nature Reserve is situated near Kleinmond in the Western Cape Province. It is well known for its diversity of fynbos species that occur within its borders.The easiest way of doing this trail is to book the Frank Robb hut in the Kleinmond Municipal caravan park as the overnight hut and then drive up to the start of the trail at Iona farm. The first day of the trail is 21km (6-7 hours) long and the second day is 16km. (8 hours) This is a trail that is worth doing, especially if your travels take you to the Hermanus/Kleinmond area. The trail can be classed a moderate to long. The Frank Robb hut is well equipped but needs to be booked separately from the trail. This is situated in the municipal caravan park at Kleinmond. It can be booked as an overnight hut or alternatively you can camp. The hut is well equipped with bunk beds and mattresses, fridge, electricity and microwave. The hut is booked through Pietie Fredericks (028 271 8124
Enquiries: Western Cape Nature Conservation Board
Tel: + 27 (0)21 659 3500
Fax: + 27 (0)21 659 3409
e-mail: hcassels@capenature.co.za
Web: http://www.capenature.org.za

Kogelberg Trail
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Kleinmond [Back to Top]
Location: This is a trail that is worth doing, especially if your travels take you to the Hermanus/Kleinmond area.
Description: The Kogelberg Trail is a circular route takes you right through the heart of the Kogelberg Nature Reserve and provides a wilderness experiece. The trail is graded moderate to long. It is therefore advised that hikers start off before 10:00. The reserve is known for its diverse fynbos - more than 1700 plant species have been recorded. The route also passes through shale forests, and along the Palmiet River where hikers can cool off with a swim.
Enquiries: Western Cape Nature Conservation Board
Tel: +27 (0)21 659 3500
Fax: +27 (0)21 659 3409

Oudebosch
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Kleinmond
Description: 12km/1 day; average; circular; accommodation nearby; 12 persons max;
Enquiries: Cape Nature Conservation
Tel: + 27 (0)21 886-5858
Fax: + 27 (0)21 886-6575
Web: http://www.capenature.org.za

Palmiet River Valley Walk
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Kleinmond
Description: The Palmiet River day walk: Trail Distance: 9-18km (3-7 hours) Group size maximum: 10. Trail description: This easy trail hugs the Palmiet River, then takes you deep into the Kogelberg reserve to the Stokoe bridge and back again. The scenic hike through diverse fynbos has been graded as easy. Various distances are possible, ranging from 9 to 18km. It is advised that you start off on the hike before noon.
Enquiries: Western Cape Nature Conservation Board
Tel: +27 (0)21 659 3500
Fax: +27 (0)21 659 3409
e-mail: hcassels@capenature.co.za
Web: http://www.capenature.org.za

Perdeberg Trail
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Kleinmond
Description: The Perdeberg day trail Trail Distance: 16km (5-6 hours). Trail description: This moderate out and back walk leads through diverse fynbos, and provides vistas over the coastline and Palmiet River valley. Flowering time is between August and October
Enquiries: Western Cape Nature Conservation Board
Tel: +27 (0)21 659 3500
Fax: +27 (0)21 659 3409
e-mail: hcassels@capenature.co.za
Web: http://www.capenature.org.za

Three Sisters
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Kleinmond
Description: 9km/1 day; difficult; circular; hut available
Enquiries: Kleinmond Municipality
Tel: + 27 (0)2823 2-9263
Fax: + 27 (0)2823 2-9221

Three Sisters Trail
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Kleinmond
Description: Three Sisters Trail - 8km (4 hours). Trail description: This moderate out and back walk leads through diverse fynbos, and provides vistas over the coastline and Palmiet River valley. Flowering time is between August and October.
Enquiries: Western Cape Nature Conservation Board
Tel: +27 (0)21 659 3500
Fax: +27 (0)21 659 4309

De Hoop Trail
Trail Type: Mountain bike
Closest Town: Noetzie [Back to Top]
Description: Moderate to difficult. Permits needed. 4 people. Max 12 people. Good Map
Comments: 5 trails 15kms to 25 Km. Rugged coastlines. 1,500 Fynbos species. Lovely beach at Lekkerwater.
Tel: + 27 (0)28 542 1126

Bosluis
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Pearly Beach
Description: 26km/2 day; 1 day trail available; easy; circular; guide available; overnight hut; 6 persons max for overnight;
Enquiries: Bosluis Hiking Trail
Tel: + 27 (0)2848 659
Fax: + 27 (0)2848 659

Grootkloof
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Riviersonderend
Description: 12km/4 hours; average; circular; shorter alternatives available; camp site
Enquiries: Merwesport
Tel: + 27 (0)2346 2738
Fax: + 27 (0)2346 2734

Salmonsdam
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Stanford
Description: Various day walks; average; in nature reserve; overnight hut; camp site
Enquiries: Salmonsdam Nature Reserve
Tel: + 27 (0)283 300-787

Salmonsdam
Trail Type: Mountain bike
Closest Town: Stanford
Description: Various routes; in nature reserve; overnight hut; camp site
Enquiries: Salmonsdam Nature Reserve
Tel: + 27 (0)283 300-787

Salmonsdam
Trail Type: Horse trail
Closest Town: Stanford
Description: Various day routes on horseback; in nature reserve; overnight hut; camp site
Enquiries: Salmonsdam Nature Reserve
Tel: + 27 (0)283 300-787

Salmonsdam
Trail Type: For disabled persons
Closest Town: Stanford [Back to Top]
Description: Various day walks; average; in nature reserve; overnight hut; camp site; for paraplegic and blind persons
Enquiries: Salmonsdam Nature Reserve
Tel: + 27 (0)283 300-787

Breede Rivier
Trail Type: Canoe trail
Closest Town: Swellendam
Description: 2 days; rapids are grade 1 to 2; wet suit required; maximum persons for Aquatrail 20
Enquiries: Breede Rivier Adventures
Tel: + 27 (0)21 461-0033
Fax: + 27 (0)21 46-1434

Marloth Nature Reserve
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Swellendam
Description: Various day routes; average; in nature reserve
Enquiries: Marloth Nature Reserve
Tel: + 27 (0)291 41-410
Fax: + 27 (0)291 41-488
Web: http://www.capenature.org.za

Marloth Nature Reserve
Trail Type: Mountain bike
Closest Town: Swellendam
Description: Various cycling routes; in nature reserve; hut; camp site; 30 persons max;
Enquiries: Marloth Nature Reserve
Tel: + 27 (0)291 41-410
Fax: + 27 (0)291 41-488
Web: http://www.capenature.org.za

Marloth Nature Reserve
Trail Type: Horse trail
Closest Town: Swellendam
Description: Various day routes on horse back; in nature reserve; hut; camp site; 30 persons max;
Enquiries: Marloth Nature Reserve
Tel: + 27 (0)291 41-410
Fax: + 27 (0)291 41-488
Web: http://www.capenature.org.za

Marloth Nature Reserve
Trail Type: For disabled persons
Closest Town: Swellendam
Description: Various day routes; average; in nature reserve; hut; camp site; for blind and paraplegic persons; 30 persons max;
Enquiries: Marloth Nature Reserve
Tel: + 27 (0)291 41-410
Fax: + 27 (0)291 41-488
Web: http://www.capenature.org.za

Swellendam
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Swellendam [Back to Top]
Description: The Swellendam Hiking Trail is one of those trails that seem to have been around for ever but very few people that you speak to among the hiking community, seem to have hiked it. It is not an easy trail, especially under the extreme weather conditions that occur in the mountains, but this should not put you off as it is also a very spectacular trail and certainly one that should appear on any 'to do' of any serious hiker. The full trail is 6 days duration but there are shorter routes available ranging from single day walks to hikes of 2,3,4 and 5 days.
Enquiries: Bredasdorp Reservation Office
Tel: + 27 (0)28 425 5020
Fax: + 27 (0)28 425 5030
e-mail: capenature@tiscali.co.za