Discover the Winelands

Discover the vineyards, captivating history, scenic landscapes, mountains and cuisine of the Cape Winelands by exploring the unique character of Somerset West, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek on foot.

Overview

Your journey will start in Somerset West. You will walk through Fynbos”, along private and secure footpaths that wend their way through some of South Africa’s most esteemed wine estates. Visit historic Stellenbosch. The town’s oak-shaded streets and Cape Dutch architecture gives a sense of South Africa’s Dutch colonial history. Experience Franschhoek, known as the food and wine capital of South Africa. It offers breath-taking Cape Winelands scenery and world class cuisine.

Highlights

Mountains: 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. A nature guide will give an introduction to the unique plant life
Nature Reserves: Helderberg- and Mont Rochelle Nature Reserves, representing the Cape Floral Region and recognised as a World Heritage site. A guide will discuss the various indigenous plants, animals, geology and the history of the Franschhoek area while you are enjoying the breathtaking views of the Franschhoek Valley from Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve
Views: Gordon’s Bay, Strand, Somerset West, False Bay, Stellenbosch and the Franschhoek Valley,
Wine estates: 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
Accommodation and restaurant options: 4 or 5 star hotel or guesthouse with prize winning restaurants.Franschhoek alone has 36 restaurants, and 4 South African 5 star chefs continuously offering world class cuisine
Historic towns: Discover South Africa’s second oldest town - Stellenbosch. Explore Franschhoek's interesting French connection

Day 1 :

Arrival

Arrival in Somerset West for overnight

Day 2 :

Helderberg Nature Reserve

The walking trip starts in the remarkable fynbos-rich Helderberg Nature Reserve - abundant with a dazzling variety of birdlife - on the outskirts of the town of Somerset West. This includes a lecture on what nature has to offer. From there we will follow our route through the vineyards of the stately Lourensford Wine Estate to the magnificent Vergelegen Wine Estate - which started out as VOC Governor Willem Adriaan van der Stel’s folly, more than 300 years ago. You can end your day's adventure at Vergelegen or at Morgenster Wine and Olive Estate. Overnight Somerset West Distance 10 km - Whole Day.

Day 3 :

Lourensford Estate to Blaauwklippen Valley

You start the day on the Lourensford Wine Estate and head in a north westerly direction, via De Trafford Wines, towards Dornier Wine Estate and the Blaauklippen Valley. A vigorous walk through vineyards and pristine fynbos countryside, with breathtaking views of the Hottentots Holland Mountain range, False Bay - and into the distance the mountains of the Cape Peninsula towards Cape Point. Wine tasting and light lunch at De Trafford Wines. Overnight Stellenbosch Distance 15 km - Whole Day, approx 7 hours

Day 4 :

Blaauwklippen Valley to Stellenbosch

Day 4: From Dornier Estate to Mont Marie Estate and Vriesenhof Estate on the western slopes of the Stellenbosch mountain in the Blaauwklippen valley and via Coetzenburg to Stellenbosch. Distance for the day 14 km. Option to include the Waterford Estate Porcupine Trail (5 km- 3 hours). For this inclusion on Day 4 there will be a route change and additional costs. The property is situated on the slopes of the beautiful Helderberg Mountain in the Stellenbosch region – the undisputed wine capital of South Africa. The Estate has chosen to use only half of the total land for the planting of vines, in order to preserve and maintain the natural flora and fauna of the beautiful Blaauwklippen (blue stone) valley. The Cape is home to the largest and most spectacular concentration of flowers and plants found anywhere on earth. Wine tasting and light lunch at Waterford Estate.

Day 5 :

Stellenbosch

After Cape Town, Stellenbosch is South Africa’s oldest settlement and steeped in a fascinating and convoluted history. The day’s walk is through the proud old university town with its countless splendidly preserved buildings. This is a walk through history. Distance 10 km. Transfer and overnight Franschhoek

Day 6 :

Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve

Explore the fynbos-rich Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve - abundant with a dazzling variety of birdlife – at the top of the Franschhoek Pass. A guide will accompany you and give insights to make the most of the experience. From the heights you will have breathtaking views of the valley- as far as Table Mountain on a clear day. From the Nature Reserve follow the historic Cats Path down to the centre of the town of Franschhoek. Lunch and a wine tasting will be on an estates or in town. Spend the afternoon in the beautiful historic town with its interesting café’s and small shops of a big variety. Distance 10-12 km Overnight Franschhoek

Day 7 :

Vineyards

Today includes a walk through the beautiful vineyards of the Franschhoek Valley. This includes as a visit to the La Motte Wine Estate and its own private walking trail with beautiful fynbos. The wonderful views over the Franschhoek Valley are a prelude to a wine tasting in these renowned and beautiful surroundings. Lunch can then be enjoyed in the highly rated restaurant on the farm. A visit to the art gallery and museum is also highly recommended. Distance 11 km – Whole Day Depart

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Climate

Weather in the Western Cape Coastal region is mild Mediteranean. Rainfall measures up to 1 000 mm (40 inches) per year.

How to get there?

You will start in Somerset West, 35 km from Cape Town airport. Private transfers available on request – please ask for rates.

What to take?

Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in day bag), day bag, swimming costume, 1 x water bottle with 1 litre capacity, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sun block/cream, rainproof, fleece, compass, torch and a first-aid kit.

Accommodation

You will stay in 4 star hotels/guesthouses. The Superior package offers superior 4 star rooms – and 5 star accommodation, if available. It is not a continuous walk. You will normally be based at three locations but it depends on availability. Transfers from arrival at the first hotel to the end of the trail are included in the package.

Grading

Overall rating is moderate. You do not need to be ultra-fit but certainly able to walk between 12 and 25 kms per day and be able to cope with undulating countryside and some hills. The route takes you along stony mountain paths, along field and farm tracks and along country roads. The daily walking grades are as follows:

Day 1 – Arrival, Day 2 – Easy, Days 3, 4 and 5 – Moderate, Day 6 – Moderate and Day 7 – Easy

Refer to Walking grades, for definition of grades

When to Go

Daily from beginning of October to end of April (high season). The route is also available during low season and may be at a reduced rate. Please contact us for details. Low season is a popular time for the locals in the mountains because of the cooler temperatures, although the weather is less predictable. Early reservation ensure that the best accommodation can be obtained.

Insurance

We recommend that you arrange appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of you having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason.

Wine Estates

You will walk across or visit award-winning wine estates famous for their wine and unique offerings.

Lourensford Estate, Somerset West, Vergelegen Estate, Somerset West, Morgenster Wine and Olive Estate, Somerset West, De Trafford Wines, Stellenbosch, Dornier Wines, Stellenbosch, Waterford Estate, Stellenbosch, Mont Marie Wine Estate, Stellenbosch, Vriesenhof Vineyards, Stellenbosch

Mont Rochelle Estate, Franschhoek, Grande Provence Wine Estate, Franschhoek, Rickety Bridge Winery, Franschhoek, La Motte, Franschhoek, Haute Cabriere Franschhoek, Leopards Leap Family Vineyards, Franschhoek

Cape Winelands- area information

The Cape Winelands Walk is in the area around Somerset West and Stellenbosch- the second oldest town in South Africa. The vegetation, Cape Fynbos, is the smallest but richest of the world’s six floral kingdoms. Find out about the history, the wine estates and Nature Reserves, etc. Go to Read more

Reviews

Comments by guests who have experienced a self-guided walking/hiking holiday offered by WalkingHolidays.co.za 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” Read all Reviews

Route description

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 we will forward details by email. This will specify your accommodation and provide directions. The second component of your route description is your Route guide. This specially prepared guide includes route notes, maps and GPS references. Self-guided walking is simple and convenient with our Route guide. Hikers can set out when they like, stop where they want and visit sites en route that are of interest to them. The Route guide will be given to you on arrival. We can provide a file which can be imported to a gps or computer for navigation on a cellphone or gps device.