Whale Trail

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ITINERARY

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL AT POTBERG

​​​​Arrival at Potberg Reception from 14:00 onwards.  After a warm welcome and arrival introduction one of Cape Nature Rangers will brief us on the Whale Trail.  Once we are at our overnight hut each person will receive a crate to organize their luggage for the slackpacking journey.  In the evening, unwind and enjoy a heaty meal.

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DAY 2 - HIKING (DISTANCE:  15.5 KM, ESTIMATED DURATION:  8 HOURS)

POTBERG - CUPIDOSKRAAL

​​Due to the long day ahead, we will begin with coffee and rusks in the early morning.  Breakfast will be enjoyed in the mountains, with each hiker responsible for packing their own breakfast.  This is the toughest stretch of the trail.  You will ascend the Potberg under the watchful eyes of gliding Cape Vultures, climbing to the highest point of the trail where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views.  The trail then descends along the watershed above Grootkloof, where you’ll encounter rare species of erica's and proteas that grow only here, nowhere else in the world.  In the evening, unwind and enjoy a hearty meal.

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DAY 3 - HIKING (DISTANCE:  15.2 KM, ESTIMATED DURATION:  8 HOURS)

​CUPIDOSKRAAL - NOETSIE​

​​We will start the day with coffee and rusks in the early morning as we prepare for another long journey ahead.  Breakfast will be enjoyed in the mountains, with each hiker responsible for packing their own breakfast.  The trail follows the crest of the Potberg through mountain fynbos, offering unequaled views of the Indian Ocean and the Breede River.  The route eventually exits Potberg, leading onto limestone hills with strikingly different fynbos, before descending to the enchanting bay of the coast   In the evening, unwind and enjoy a hearty meal.

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DAY 4 - HIKING (DISTANCE:  8.5 KM, ESTIMATED DURATION:  4 - 6 HOURS)​​​​​​​​

NOETSIE - HAMERKOP

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before setting out on the trail.  There will be ample time to explore the coastline along this stretch, with several vantage points offering stunning views until you reach a beach that stretches a short distance to Hamerkop.  In the evening, unwind and enjoy a hearty meal.​​​

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DAY 5 - HIKING (DISTANCE:  10.5 KM, ESTIMATED DURATION:  7 HOURS

HAMERKOP - VAALKRANS​

​We will start the day with coffee and rusks.  Breakfast will be enjoyed along the coast line, with each hiker responsible for packing their own breakfast.  The long beach walk can be quite strenuous, but keep an eye out for the shy oystercatchers and white-breasted cormorants basking in the sun.  The intertidal pools on the wave-cut rock platforms and coral reefs are are remarkable sights.  The final stretch to Vaalkrans meanders through diverse coastal vegetation.  In the evening unwind and enjoy a hearty meal.​​

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DAY 6 - HIKING (DISTANCE:   7 KM, ESTIMATED DURATION:  3 - 6 HOURS)

VAALKRANS - KOPPIE ALLEEN​​​​

​Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before setting out on the trail.  This final stretch is a short hike through coastal thickets, allowing plenty of time to soak up the last breathtaking landscapes.  Hippo Pools offers a refreshing swim before the path leads up to Koppie Alleen, where the trail comes to an end with ample of time to soak up the last scenic landscapes.   ​

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Before departing back to Potberg, we will take a moment to enjoy something hot or cold at the restaurant at Koppie Alleen.  Though the journey concludes here, the memories of endless ocean views, towering cliffs, and the rhythmic crashing of the waves will stay with you long after you leave.

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Upon arrival at Potberg, you will need to empty your creates, which will be waiting for you.  This is where we say goodbye-until we meet again.