Whale Challenge
Duration: 8 day(s)
Priced from: EUR available on request
Take a walk on the wild side and reconnect with nature on this 8 day adventure. Watch whales in Hermanus, hike though various well known nature reserves and learn about South Africa's indigenous flora and fauna.
Included in the price:
Meals as per itinerary, accommodation, activities stated in the itinerary, transport, services of a qualified tour guide, park entries and permits.
Not included in the price:
Travel insurance, flights, pre and post tour accommodation, optional activities, all drinks, tips and curios, all personal expenses.
Day 1: Hermanus
Arrive into Cape Town in the morning and transfer (approx 1.5hrs) to Hermanus. Known as the heart of the whale route, the seaside resort of Hermanus in Walkers Bay offers some of the best land-based whale watching in the world. There will be plenty of time for whale watching before dinner and the welcome briefing.
Day 2: De Hoop Nature Reserve - Potberg Trail
Transfer (approx 2 hrs) from Hermanus to De Hoop National Park, your home for the next two nights. De Hoop Nature Reserve forms part of the world's smallest and most threatened plant kingdom - the Cape Floral Kingdom. The reserve has 86 mammal species and is famous for its variety of resident and migratory birds - more than 260 species have been recorded on the reserve. Our first day trekking takes us in a northerly direction to the top of the Potberg from where there are great views of the Breede River Valley and a chance to catch a glimpse of the rare Cape Vulture – the only remaining breeding colony in the Western Cape. Initially there is a steep climb then a relatively flat plateau before making your way down a river gorge. The walk is a round trip from the campsite so there is plenty of time to complete the trail, giving you a chance to enjoy the views and acclimatise on this first day trekking.
Day 3: De Hoop Nature Reserve
Today we spend a full day in the reserve. The trek is relatively flat along the lagoon edge before heading to the coast and climbing the dunes to reach the Indian Ocean. De Hoop has one of the largest marine protected areas in Africa. Marine mammals such as dolphins and seals occur in the waters off the coast and there is a good chance to see whales. Along with the plentiful birdlife there is a possibility of seeing antelope, baboons and ostriches today.
Day 4: Marloth Nature Reserve – Twaalfuurkop Trail
An early morning transfer (approx 1 hr) takes us to Swellendam. Today’s trek is on a challenging route but don’t worry you have plenty of time to complete it. The circular route starts at the reserve office and leads to the peak of Twaalfuurkop through fynbos veld and patches of indigenous forest in the ravines. Look out for the diversity of birds and small animals along the way and you will be rewarded with incredible views over Swellendam and the Ruensveld. In the afternoon we transfer (approx 30mins) to Montagu for a chance to enjoy a well deserved soak in the soothing natural warm water of the local hot springs.
Day 5: McGregor to Greyton – Boesmanskloof Trail
Transfer (approx 45mins) to McGregor and the start of your trek on the Boesmanskloof trail to Greyton. Today is another challenging trek but again with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery along the way. The 14km trail leads through the spectacular Riviersonderend Mountains with steep gorges, large rock pools, waterfalls and lovely Cape wildflowers. At either end lie the lush Greyton and McGregor valleys. The trail ascends, descends and contours the slopes of Boesmanskloof throughout. A series of waterfalls and pools known as the Oakes Falls provide a cool resting place for lunch and the opportunity for swimming before continuing to the end of the trail. Here you will transfer (approx 30mins) to your accommodation nestled in the mountains – a welcome rest from a long day on foot!
Day 6: Cape Town – Seal Colony Trek
We return to Cape Town (approx 2hrs) where we enjoy an afternoon trek to a seal colony in Hout Bay. The trek takes you on a steep downhill path to a coastal viewpoint from where you can see the seals on the opposite islands. Return following the shoreline back round the mountain and along Hout Bay Beach, finishing at your accommodation. Enjoy a BBQ dinner overlooking the sea and relax in preparation for a big day tomorrow.
Day 7: Cape Town - Table Mountain
Today is the final challenge and a highlight of the trek! Table Mountain is a sandstone plateau rising high above the Cape Flats. The top is approximately 3km wide, and its highest point, Maclears Beacon, rises to 1080m. The steep cliffs and rocky outcrops of the mountain are home to a number of plants and animals. In fact the famous Table Mountain is home to approximately 1470 species of plants; more than the entire British Isles! We will stop at the top for lunch to enjoy the selection of stunning views in every direction. If the skies are clear, you can see the city and Robben Island (home to Nelson Mandela for many years), the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean, mountain ranges, ravines, the inland Plains and, all the way down to Cape Point. After lunch, begin your final descent to the foot of the mountain where you will be transferred back to the hotel ready for your Gala dinner – a chance to celebrate your achievements over the last week!
Day 8: Depart
You are free to enjoy and explore Cape Town before transferring (late afternoon) to the airport for your evening flight back home or alternatively extend your stay for a few more days in this fabulous city.
