Cape Winelands Walk

4 days

Day 1: Arrival in Somerset West for overnight

Day 2: The walking trip starts in the remarkable fynbos-rich Helderberg Nature Reserve – abundant with a dazzling variety of birdlife – on the outskirts of the town of Somerset West. This includes a lecture on what nature has to offer over the next 3 days. From there we will follow our route through the vineyards of the stately Lourensford Wine Estate to the magnificent Vergelegen Wine Estate – which started out as VOC Governor Willem Adriaan van der Stel’s folly, more than 300 years ago. You can end your day’s adventure at Vergelegen or at Morgenster Wine and Olive Estate. Distance 10 km – Whole Day.

Day 3: You start the day on the Lourensford Wine Estate and head in a north westerly direction, via De Trafford Wines, towards Dornier Wine Estate and the Blaauklippen Valley. A vigorous walk through vineyards and pristine fynbos countryside, with breathtaking views of the Hottentots Holland Mountain range, False Bay – and into the distance the mountains of the Cape Peninsula towards Cape Point. Wine tasting and light lunch at De Trafford Wines. Distance 15 km – Whole Day, approx 7 hours

Day 4: From Dornier Estate to Mont Marie Estate and Vriesenhof Estate on the western slopes of the Stellenbosch mountain in the Blaauwklippen valley and via Coetzenburg to Stellenbosch. Distance for the day 14 km.

Option to include the Waterford Estate Porcupine Trail (5 km- 3 hours). For this inclusion on Day 4 there will be a route change and additional costs. The property is situated on the slopes of the beautiful Helderberg Mountain in the Stellenbosch region – the undisputed wine capital of South Africa. The Estate has chosen to use only half of the total land for the planting of vines, in order to preserve and maintain the natural flora and fauna of the beautiful Blaauwklippen (blue stone) valley. The Cape is home to the largest and most spectacular concentration of flowers and plants found anywhere on earth. Wine tasting and light lunch at Waterford Estate.

Extra day in Stellenbosch (Recommended) After Cape Town, Stellenbosch is South Africa’s oldest settlement, and steeped in a fascinating and convoluted history. The final day’s walk is through the proud old university town with its countless splendidly preserved buildings. This is a walk through history. Distance 10 km.

7 days

Day 1: Arrival in Somerset West for overnight.

Day 2: The walking trip starts in the remarkable fynbos-rich Helderberg Nature Reserve – abundant with a dazzling variety of birdlife – on the outskirts of the town of Somerset West. This includes a lecture on what nature has to offer over the next 4 days. From there we will follow our route through the vineyards of the stately Lourensford Wine Estate to the magnificent Vergelegen Wine Estate – which started out as VOC Governor Willem Adriaan van der Stel’s folly, more than 300 years ago. You can end your day’s adventure at Vergelegen or at Morgenster Wine and Olive Estate. Distance 10 km – Whole Day.

Day 3: You start the day on the Lourensford Wine Estate and head in a north westerly direction, via De Trafford Wines, towards Dornier Wine Estate and the Blaauklippen Valley. A vigorous walk through vineyards and pristine fynbos countryside, with breathtaking views of the Hottentots Holland Mountain range, False Bay – and into the distance the mountains of the Cape Peninsula towards Cape Point. Wine tasting and light lunch at De Trafford Wines. Distance 15 km – Whole Day, approx 7 hours

Day 4: From Dornier Estate to Mont Marie Estate and Vriesenhof Estate on the western slopes of the Stellenbosch mountain in the Blaauwklippen valley and via Coetzenburg to Stellenbosch. Distance for the day 14 km.

Option to include the Waterford Estate Porcupine Trail (5 km- 3 hours). For this inclusion on Day 4 there will be a route change and additional costs. The property is situated on the slopes of the beautiful Helderberg Mountain in the Stellenbosch region – the undisputed wine capital of South Africa. The Estate has chosen to use only half of the total land for the planting of vines, in order to preserve and maintain the natural flora and fauna of the beautiful Blaauwklippen (blue stone) valley. The Cape is home to the largest and most spectacular concentration of flowers and plants found anywhere on earth. Wine tasting and light lunch at Waterford Estate.

Day 5: Jonkershoek Nature Reserve is home to the majestic Jonkershoek Mountains and part of the Jonkershoek Valley. The rugged Jonkershoek Mountains, which forms part of the Boland Mountains, are ideal for hiking enthusiasts. The Eerste River starts in these mountains and flows through the valley. The walk starts from the Jonkershoek circle route and includes Sosyskloof and the lower section of Swartboskloof. In Sosyskloof you will see indigenous trees which have been there for centuries and survived devastating fires for which fynbos is known. Distance 9- 12 km – approx 5 hours

Day 6: Enjoy the wonderful view over Drakenstein Peak, Boschendal and the Banhoek Valley from the ridge north of Square Tower Peak in the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. Distance 16 km – Whole Day, 7 – 8 hours- Whole day

Day 7: After Cape Town, Stellenbosch is South Africa’s oldest settlement and steeped in a fascinating and convoluted history. The final day’s walk is through the proud old university town with its countless splendidly preserved buildings. This is a walk through history. Distance 10 km. Departure or extra night, if requested.

You will stay in 4 star hotels/guesthouses. The Superior package offers superior 4 star rooms – and 5 star accommodation, if available. It is not a continuous walk. You will normally be based at two locations but it depends on availability.  Transfers from arrival at the first hotel to the end of the trail are included in the package.  Click on the pictures to view the high standard of accommodation:

Rates

4 days (3 nights)
The rate for the Standard option is from R10 035  per person sharing, for 2 people. It will be 4 star standard. The rate for single accommodation or an extra night (night 4) in Stellenbosch or more than two people, available on request. The Superior package offers a combination of superior 4 star rooms and 5 star, depending on availability. The rate will be quoted on request, based on hotels selected. A minimum of 2 people per group.

7 days (6 nights)
The rate for the standard option will be quoted on request. It will normally be 4 star for the Standard option. The Superior package offers superior 4 star rooms and 5 star accommodation, if available. The rate will be quoted per person, based on 2 people sharing a double room. Single accommodation or an extra night (night 7) in Stellenbosch can be arranged at additional cost. A minimum of 2 people per group.

Included

Not Included

Grading

Overall rating is moderate. You do not need to be ultra-fit but certainly able to walk between 12 and 25 kms per day and be able to cope with undulating countryside and some hills. The route takes you along stony mountain paths, along field and farm tracks and along country roads. The daily walking grades are as follows:

The 4 day route : Day 1 – Arrival, Day 2 – Easy, Day 3 – Challenging, Day 4 – Moderate.  

The 5 day route: Day 1 – Arrival, Day 2 – Easy, Days 3 and 4 – Moderate and Day 5 – Easy

The 7 day route: Day 1 – Arrival, Day 2 – Easy, Days 3, 4 and 5 – Moderate, Day 6 – Challenging and Day 7 – Easy

 Refer to Walking grades ,for definition of grades

When to Go

Daily from beginning of October to end of April (high season). The route is also available during low season and may be at a reduced rate. Please contact us for details. Low season is a popular time for the locals in the mountains because of the cooler temperatures, although the weather is less predictable. Early reservation ensure that the best accommodation can be obtained.

Climate

Weather in the Western Cape Coastal region is mild Mediteranean. Rainfall measures up to 1 000 mm (40 inches) per year.  For more details go to Read more

Getting There

Somerset West is 35 km from Cape Town airport. Private transfers available on request – please ask for rates.

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.

Insurance

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.

Availability and Booking

To enquire or reserve a date, go to: Availability request

For general information: Contact us, or

email: info@trailsandtravel.co.za, or

Booking process and -conditions – Go to  How to book

Map of Cape Winelands

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Gallery

For pictures of the route go to Cape Winelands Gallery View Cape Fynbos pictures in Fynbos Gallery

Wine Estates

You will walk across or visit award-winning wine estates famous for their wine and unique offerings.

Reviews

Comments by guests who have experienced a self-guided walking/hiking holiday offered by WalkingHolidays.co.za in South Africa :  “Overall, the holiday was invigorating-  You certainly went out of your way to make the whole time memorable- We are recommending it to our walking community in the States- Fantastic walks, wines and accommodation” Read all  Reviews

Cape Winelands- area information

The Cape Winelands Walk is in the area around Somerset West and Stellenbosch- the second oldest town in South Africa. The vegetation, Cape Fynbos, is the smallest but richest of the world’s six floral kingdoms. Find out about the history, the wine estates and Nature Reserves, etc. Go to Read more  

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