Experience the best of Cape Town and the Western Cape on foot. It is a combination of four of our 4/5 day routes- Cape Town, Cape Winelands, Franschhoek and Hermanus. The Cape Highlights Walk is flexible but normally about 160/170 km over 15 days. It is ideal for first time visitors to South Africa.
Overview
It includes some of the most popular tourist attractions in South Africa such as Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, the Atlantic coast line, historic Stellenbosch, the winelands, whale watching in Hermanus and the unique Cape floral kingdom (Fynbos) The region is the only hotspot that encompasses an entire floral kingdom, and holds five of South Africa’s 12 endemic plant families and 160 endemic genera. Covering 78,555 km², Cape Floristic Region hotspot is located entirely within the borders of South Africa. It is one of the five temperate Mediterranean-type systems on the hotspots list, and is one of only two hotspots that encompass an entire floral kingdom.
Highlights
- Table Mountain is one of the official New7Wonders of Nature. Stunning views of the Hottentots Holland- , Helderberg, Stellenbosch- and Franschhoek mountains
- “Fynbos” plants and wildlife: The Cape Floral Region is the smallest but richest of the world’s 6 floral regions- no less than 9,000 species.It has been identified as one of the world’s 18 biodiversity hot spots
- Kirstenbosch, Helderberg- Mont Rochelle-, Fernkloof- and Kogelberg Nature Reserves, representing the Cape Floral Region and recognised as World Heritage sites. Nature guides will discuss the various indigenous plants and features of the area
- Views of the Cape Peninsula, Gordon’s Bay, Strand, Somerset West, False Bay, Stellenbosch, Hermanus and the Franschhoek Valley
- Arguably some of the most beautiful wine estates in the world, with history dating back to 1700. Larger cellars offer organised tours and tastings and their own restaurants
- Excellent hotel and guesthouse accommodation with prize winning restaurants offering world class cuisine
- Discover Cape Town and historic towns Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Hermanus with beautiful beaches and one of the most beautiful coastlines in South Africa
- Hermanus is one of the best land-based whale watching destinations in the world
- Robben Island- World Heritage Site and museum and V&A Waterfront in Cape Town
Itinerary
Pricing approach
Pricing factors and what is included
- The rate will be confirmed on request. The following pricing factors will be considered: the final itinerary, standard or superior accommodation, room sharing or single, group size, extra nights, transfers, guiding and other services.. A minimum of 2 people per group. Twenty percent deposit and the balance 6 weeks before trip.
- The following items are included:
- Accommodation in selected hotels/guesthouses including breakfast
- Our detailed route notes and description allow you to walk self-guided and at your own pace amid splendid scenery while we transport your luggage.
- Presentations by professional nature guides
- Wine tasting and lunches as specified in quote
- Transport between hotels and the trail, where necessary
Excluded
- Items not listed above.
- Flights.
- Transport to the guest house/hotel of the first evening and from end of trail.
- Lunches, dinners, drinks with meals (Lunch packs must be ordered at your hotel for the following day, if required).
- Entrance fees at Nature Reserves.
FAQ's
Choice of Standard or Superior accommodation is available
The whole route is rated Moderate/Easy- 7 days Moderate, 6 days Easy and 2 days Moderate/Challenging. Refer to Walking Grades
Any time of the year, but the weather is more predictable during “High season” (Oct-Apr). Reserve early to obtain the best rooms. “Low season” is a good option for local guests who are either prepared to accept weather risks or to change their plans at short notice. During low season accommodation is normally more freely available.
Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate with mild, moderately wet winters and dry, warm summers. Rainfall measures up to 1 000 mm (40 inches per year)
For international visitors: Fly to Cape Town International Airport
Comfortable, well aerated clothes in keeping with the season. Always bring a pullover / windbreaker, good walking boots (already worn-in) and several pairs of cotton or wool socks. For your daily needs, you are advised to have a day-bag, a plastic bag to line your day-pack (to protect the contents from rain), rainwear, a sun-hat, sunglasses, sun block, a water bottle, plastic picnic boxes (for transporting your lunches), first-aid kit, camera, torch/flashlight and an extra plastic bag for litter.
We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for any reason.
Our detailed route notes and -description allow you to walk self-guided and at your own pace amid splendid scenery while we transport your luggage. As soon as we have finalised your booking and hotel schedule we will forward your Hotel guide per email. This will specify your hotel schedule and directions. (We are using different hotels/guest houses from time to time) The second component of your route description is your Route guide. This specially prepared guide include route notes, maps and GPS references. Going self-guided is simple and convenient with our Route-and Hotel guide. It allows you to set out when you like, stop where you want and visit sites en route that are of interest to you. The Route guide will be given to you on the date of your arrival. Our detailed route notes and -description allow you to walk self-guided and at your own pace amid splendid scenery while we transport your luggage. As soon as we have finalised your booking and hotel schedule we will forward your Hotel guide per email. This will specify your hotel schedule and directions. (We are using different hotels/guest houses from time to time). The second component of your route description is your Route guide. This specially prepared guide include route notes, maps and GPS references. Going self-guided is simple and convenient with our Route-and Hotel guide. It allows you to set out when you like, stop where you want and visit sites en route that are of interest to you. The Route guide will be given to you on the date of your arrival. We can provide a file which can be imported to a gps or computer for navigation on a cellphone or gps device.
Comments by guests who have experienced a self-guided walking/hiking holiday offered by Trails and Travel in South Africa- “Overall, the holiday was invigorating- You certainly went out of your way to make the whole time memorable- We are recommending it to our walking community in the States- Fantastic walks, wines and accommodation” For details go to Reviews
The Cape Highlights Walk is an opportunity to experience breathtaking Cape Town and Cape Winelands scenery, world class cuisine and accommodation. To read more about the area, Contact us
