The Whale Trail is named after the southern right whales that come to calve and breed between June and December each year.
“The Whale Trail is a spectacular multi-day hike that deserves to be on your hiking trail bucket list. To broaden the appeal, De Hoop offers a slack packing option, making it a no-brainer to include those extra creature comfort items that always get the last-minute boot. The 5-day trail offers a variety of scenery with each night’s accommodation spent in a breathtaking location. From hilltop walking with views for days, to coastal paths with mysterious caves to beach paths along turquoise-colored tidal pools. Walking the Whale Trail will leave its mark in the most unexpected ways.”
Don’t get put off when you look at the list below. You only need to carry your day pack on the trail. Your extra luggage will be transported to the next overnight stop.
You have some good winter (June to August) days with enough sun to warm you up. Winter is also the rainy season.
Spring (September to November) and autumn/fall (March to May) are mild and the finest hiking seasons.
Summer (December to February) temperatures are rarely high for extended periods it can get hot.
Either way, remember your hat and sunscreen!
It is advised to start early because this is the roughest section of The Whale Trail. The next eight hours can be quite strenuous.
With stunning panoramic views of Swellendam in the north, Cape Infanta in the east, and Cape Agulhas in the west, it will take you to the top of Potberg at 611 meters.
Additionally, there is a considerable probability that you will see the endangered Cape vulture.
On the way to Cupidoskraal, the trail dips.
Get ready for another eight hours with unparalleled vistas of the Indian Ocean and the Breede River. The track traverses mountain fynbos as it follows the crest of the Potberg. Finally, the path exits Potberg and descends to the picturesque harbor of Noetsie at the coast before continuing through limestone hills with noticeably distinct fynbos.
Due to the close proximity, it is possible to start the day slowly. With four of the six hours of actual walking, you have plenty of time to explore the shoreline. With its clear tide pools and an abundance of marine life, Stilgat offers an unrivaled chance for swimming and snorkeling. Several whale-watching locations lie ahead until you reach a lovely sandy beach running all the way to Hamerkop.
The scenery and turquoise rock pools you eventually find make the arduous beach walk on the beach well worth it. Keep an eye out for fascinating seabirds, such as the shy oystercatchers and white-breasted cormorants that are sunbathing.
You have plenty of time to take in the beautiful surroundings and observe southern right whales and bottlenose dolphins playing in the surf. Or go snorkeling or float in the Hippo Pools.
Gary Snyder, an American poet, essayist, lecturer, and environmental activist said “Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.”
Therefore it is the right thing to do, namely practice hiking etiquette no matter which trail.
If you’d like to hike with Willemien, then all you need to do is reach out via any of the below-mentioned social media. Or click on the FAQ section below for more detailed information about hiking with Willemien. Nature is her medicine!
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