Discover the vineyards, captivating history, scenic landscapes, mountains and cuisine of the Cape Winelands by exploring the unique character of Somerset West, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek on foot.Your journey will start in Somerset West.
You will walk through Fynbos, along private and secure footpaths that wend their way through some of South Africas most esteemed wine estates. Visit historic Stellenbosch. The towns oak-shaded streets and Cape Dutch architecture gives a sense of South Africas Dutch colonial history.
Experience Franschhoek, known as the food and wine capital of South Africa. It offers breath-taking Cape Winelands scenery and world class cuisine including well known historic wine estates.
Mountains
Stunning views of the Hottentots Holland- , Helderberg, Stellenbosch- and Franschhoek mountains.
Fynbos plants and wildlife
The Cape Floral Region is the smallest but richest of the worlds 6 floral regions- no less than 9,000 species.It has been identified as one of the worlds 18 biodiversity hot spots. A nature guide will give an introduction to the unique plant life.
Nature Reserves
Helderberg- and Mont Rochelle Nature Reserves, representing the Cape Floral Region and recognised as a World Heritage site. A guide will discuss the various indigenous plants, animals, geology and the history of the Franschhoek area while you are enjoying the breathtaking views of the Franschhoek Valley from Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve.
Views
Gordons Bay, Strand, Somerset West, False Bay, Stellenbosch and the Franschhoek Valley.
Wine estates
Arguably some of the most beautiful wine estates in the world, with history dating back to 1700. Larger cellars offer organised tours and tastings and their own restaurants.
Accommodation and restaurant options
4 or 5 Star hotel or guesthouse with prize winning restaurants. Franschhoek alone has 36 restaurants, and 4 South African 5 star chefs continuously offering world class cuisine.
Historic towns
Discover South Africas second oldest town - Stellenbosch. Explore Franschhoek's interesting French connection.
Arrive in Somerset West and settle into your accommodation.
Begin your walking holiday in Helderberg Nature Reserve, where fynbos and birdlife bring the Cape’s natural heritage to life. A nature guide will introduce you to the region’s distinctive plants and wildlife. Continue through historic Vergelegen Wine Estate and finish at Lourensford Wine Estate, with an optional visit to Morgenster Wine and OliveEstate.
Distance: Approximately 10 km
Walk from Lourensford Wine Estate via DeTrafford Wines towards Dornier Wine Estate and the Blaauwklippen Valley. This energetic day takes you through vineyards and fynbos, with views of the Hottentots Holland Mountains, False Bay and the distant Cape Peninsula. Enjoy a wine tasting at De Trafford Wines along the way.
Distance: Approximately 15 km
Overnight: Stellenbosch
Transfer to Jonkershoek Nature Reserve fora scenic walk surrounded by mountain landscapes, with views towards Stellenbosch and, in clear conditions, distant Table Mountain. Finish at the picturesque Postcard Café and enjoy a wine tasting before returning to Stellenbosch on foot or by transfer.
Distance: Approximately 10 km
Overnight: Stellenbosch
Transfer to Franschhoek for a guided walk in Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve. Enjoy sweeping valley views, extending towards Table Mountain on clear days. Afterwards, transfer to town or descend along the historic Cats Path. Following lunch and a wine tasting, you may wish to visit the Huguenot Museum.
Distance: Approximately 10 km
Overnight: Franschhoek
Explore the vineyards of the Franschhoek Valley, including a visit to La Motte Wine Estate and its private walking trail through fynbos. Take in the valley views and enjoy an optional wine tasting. Lunch is available at the estate, and a visit to its art gallery and museum is recommended.
Distance: Approximately 11 km
Depart after your Winelands walking holiday.
The published rate is an indicative price. It will be confirmed on request. The following pricing factors will be considered: standard or superior accommodation, room sharing or single, group size, extra nights, transfers, guiding and other services. A minimum of 2 people per group. Twenty percent deposit and the balance 6 weeks before trip.
Yes. Navigation is straightforward with the recommended mobile app which has a map, trail summary and navigation functionality. Simply follow our Wikiloc installation instructions which will be provided with your Trip Information pack. Download the country map for offline use and follow the route on your phone with the assurance that navigation will be simple, and you’ll find your way. Local towns are usually signposted. Sections of the trail can be featureless and without directions but you will have electronic support.
We recommend that you arrange appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of you having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason.
Can be considered if vacancy exists. If you require a single room, a single supplement will be quoted.
You will need a good quality mountain bike and your normal mountain biking gear for a day ride with perhaps some extra warm layers if the weather is cold. Your Trip information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard cycling gear.
The itinerary is designed to be enjoyable for a regular rider. If you currently don’t enjoy that level of fitness, then regular mountain biking supplemented by cardiovascular exercise for at least six months before your trip is recommended. Keep in mind the daily distances and changes in elevation in your daily itinerary. A good gym or personal trainer will be able to draw up a personalised training programme.
You can use local taxis to continue to your next overnight stop. Contact your Route Manager for advice and assistance.
Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your Trip Information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.
Travel insurance is compulsory. It is required to cover cancellations, personal effects, personal accidents, medical and emergency travel expenses.
Our bookings are generally private groups. You can book a guide for an exclusive trip.
What to Take
Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in day bag), day bag, swimming costume, 1 x water bottle with 1 litre capacity, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sun block/cream, rainproof, fleece, compass, torch and a first-aid kit.


