Walking Holidays, Guided and Self-Guided Walks Abroad, from Walks Worldwide Walking and Hiking Holidays in Europe and Worldwide

Mountains in the Sea - The 'Cape Trail'

10+ days, Guided for 2 people or more, Year Round Daily Departures

This unique Walks Worldwide trail is set to become a real classic connecting Table Mountain with the Cape of Good Hope. It offers exhilarating walking in a magnificent setting of mountains, forest, white sandy beaches and cliff-tops with a mix of challenging longer and gentler shorter days, staying at salubrious rural resorts, rustic hideaways and quayside inns en route.
The trail stretches 50km traversing the Peninsula Mountain range, recently incorporated into the new Table Mountain National Park. This part of the Cape Floral Kingdom contains over 2,600 species of flowering plants as well as being home to large mammals such as the rare Cape Mountain Zebra, bontebok, eland, baboon and numerous beautiful seabird species, ostrich and raptors.

The walk is accompanied by an expert safari guide who will add immense enjoyment and knowledge to an area where it is easy to miss its hidden secrets. It is also fully supported by vehicle so you need only carry a daypack. The emphasis is on enjoying world class walking and breathtaking views from dizzying cliffs above both Atlantic and Indian Oceans while learning about the unique flora, geology and ecology of the Cape Peninsula Mountains.

A variety of options are offered on completion of the walk so you can choose the itinerary which best suits you - please contact us for a tailor-made itinerary, perhaps combining all the extensions!
Days 1 to 3. Outbound to Cape Town
Fly overnight to Cape Town and spend two full days enjoying this magnificently situated city with its waterfront, museums, galleries and open-air restaurants. A visit to historic Robben Island is recommended.
Days 4 and 5. Table Mountain
What better way to commence the Cape Trail than by a steep ascent of Table Mountain with views across the city of Table Bay and the Hottentots Holland Mountains. The trail then meanders above Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden descending through the forest to Constantia and your first mountain lodge. The second day is the longest (9 hours) ascending the Vlakkenberg Trail above Hout Bay filled with pristine fynbos towards beautiful Blackburn Ravine. Follow the cliffs to your stunningly located beach resort overlooking Noordhoek Valley and Long Beach.
Days 6 to 8. Cape of Good Hope
From the Atlantic Coast to False Bay you walk over Slangkop Mountain descending via an ancient mule track to the quaint historical seaside settlement of Simonstown and your quayside hotel not far from the famous Boulders Beach Jackass penguin colony. Ascend Swartkop for inspirational views to Smitswinkel Bay. From July to October Southern Right Whales are usually seen here and dolphins often escort you as you meander along the coastline. The last day is considered by many to be the most beautiful walk in South Africa, taking you from the northern boundary of the famous Cape Point National Park along cliffs and beaches, in the company of a wide variety of wildlife, to False Bay and Cape Point where the Indian and Atlantic Ocean currents meet. Return to Cape Town.
Days 9 and 10. Cape Town and Beyond
One last day to sample further Afrikaans delights before flying home.

Alternatively you may like to extend your stay here and follow one or more options to create the perfect two-week itinerary:

1. Winelands Option Spend several days in and around the famous vineyards and valleys of Franschoek and Stellenbosch with the stunning Overbergs Mountains in the background, traditional Dutch architecture and a variety of walking or biking trails. Enjoy some time on the coast at Hermanus, a popular seaside spot famous for whale-spotting (in season) and shark-diving before returning to Cape Town and home.

2. Cedarberg Option Travel three hours north of Cape Town along the West Coast to the Cedarberg Wilderness area. This is rugged magnificent walking country with high peaks, rocky ridges and fantastic weathered sandstone formations. There are beautiful rock-pools and at certain times of year the flower display is breathtaking. It is also the last refuge of the Cape Leopard. Spend three nights here before travelling back to Cape Town and home.

3. Wildlife Option Fly to Hoedspruit in the north east of the country to a private Wildlife Concession in Timbavati Nature Reserve. From your delightful bush camp (with bathroom facilities), you will spend several days tracking wildlife with an armed guide. This is big game country and unlike in the neighbouring Kruger National Park, the animals are allowed to roam free so the walking is exciting as well as educational! Your guide has a formidable amount of knowledge and you really will sleep with the lions prowling round the camp. You may never experience anything like it...
South Africa

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  • Tour grade: B/C.
  • Cost per person: From £1,895. Wildlife Extension: From £1,085. Wine and Whales Extension: From £490. Cedarberg Extension: From £395.
  • Single supplement: £90
  • CO2 offset cost: £21.18
  • What is included: Flights, transfers, accommodation, expert guide, some meals.
  • Accommodation: Hotels/B&Bs, lodges and nature resorts.
  • Departure dates:
    Fridays, all year round.
  • Trip Report: Click here to read about Helene Cooper's recent experience.