Details
The trail includes visiting an iconic West Coast farm, walking along pristine beaches, a hike along coastal single-track paths and much, much more. The trail requires guests to be moderately fit and is suitable for families, children above 12.
From R9 000 p/p sharing (group size)
Trails are all-inclusive (meals, accommodation, local guide, transport of luggage and daily activities) Accommodation is subject to availability and deposit confirmation.
DAY 1 – ARRIVAL
Guests arrive from 14:00. Meet your guide as well as other members if you are joining a group. The group will be treated to a hearty home cooked supper prepared by local community members.
Overnight in the newly renovated Rocherpan Nature Reserve cabins.
DAY 2 – HIKING 16km
A simple breakfast will be served. Guests will need to be ready to meet their guide early to depart for the day's hiking. Highlights include South Africa’s very first Provincial Heritage site called Baboon Point. Your guide will show you the cave where there is evidence of San hunter-gatherers and Khoekhoe descendants.
Finishing the tour of the cave, guests are treated to a taste of local craft brewery delight, sampling Darling’s one and only Darling Brew. From the caves, guests will be shown the old Crayfish Factory and hear about some of the history and politics of the local fishing industry.
Guests are then show to their accommodation where you can relax and enjoy the hospitality of the Vensterklip team. Overnight at the iconic Vensterklip guest farm.
DAY 3 – HIKING 18km
Terrain: Flat beach/Jeep track
Depart promptly at 08:00. Day 3 is the longest of the hiking days with the option of beach or jeep-track. Highlights include fantastic birding opportunities as well as the chance of seeing seals, dolphins, and whales. Guests are able to see where the name ‘Crayfish Trail’ comes from; be sure to ask your guide why!
Guests will spend the night on the farm of Steenbokfontein and enjoy the hospitality of your host, Kitta, on the iconic Steenbokfontein farm in her plaaskombuis (farm kitchen).
Overnight at Steenbokfontein on the Sea Farm.
DAY 4 – HIKING 9km
While one of the shorter days in distance, Day 4 is certainly a busy one. Your new local guide will lead you in the footsteps of the San as well as the Khoekhoe herders who first arrived in the area some 2,000 to 3,000 years ago. Hikers then follow a 3-hour walk to Bird Island, one of 6 sites in the world where Cape Gannets breed (also the only breeding site which is easily accessible to the public).
Guests are introduced to local fishers at the harbour to hear more about fishing on the West Coast. A highlight is hearing first-hand about the social movement called Abalobi which is using mobile applications to empower and equip small scale fishers.
Enjoy lunch at one of Lamberts Bay’s top seafood restaurants, where the seafood basket comes highly recommended. Time permitting you may also visit the museum. Guests are treated to a chocolate and wine tasting followed by dinner in Lambert’s Bay.
Overnight at Arendzicht.
DAY 5 – HIKING 9km or 16km
Both routes start from Doringbay and traverse what is called “The Golden Mile”. This stretch of single track path is nothing like you have ever seen along the West Coast. To your left are the majestic waters of the Atlantic Ocean. To your right is a myriad of wildflowers, fynbos, renosterveld and Namaqualand vegetation.
In the distance, the Olifants River beckons, its water a welcoming sight to any hiker. Following an adventurous and sometimes muddy path along the Olifants River bank, guests discover the beauty of this estuarine ecosystem.
Guests spend their final night in beach holiday house accommodation in Strandfontein, Leoni’s accommodation.
DAY 6 – DEPARTURE
Check out time is 10h00. Guests are transported back to their vehicles. Alternatively, a transfer must be pre-arranged. Return to Cape Town between 15h00 – 16h00.