Southernmost Walk
Overview-Southernmost Walk
The Southernmost Walk is a coastal hike at the southern tip of Africa where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. The visitor will be rewarded with stunning views, beautiful beaches, pebble bays, rock pools, floral wonders and an interesting history of shipwrecks, fishermen and Khoikoi beach nomads
| Type | Self-guided walk | |||||
| Location | Arniston – L’Agulhas, South Africa | |||||
| Group size | 1+ people | |||||
| Duration | 3 or 4 nights | |||||
| Grading | Moderate grade | |||||
| Day Stages | 11 – 17 km | |||||
| Distance | 55 km (4 days) | |||||
| Terrain | Beach, coastal paths, country rd | |||||
| Hotels | 3 / 4 star | |||||
| Meals | Breakfast each day | |||||
| Cost | Available on request | |||||
| Dates | Oct to April is “High season” |
Trip details
The tip of the African continent where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet is in the south Western Cape region of South Africa, referred to as the Overberg. The name literally means over the mountain from Cape Town. The area is geographically striking. It boasts the unique floral wonders of the Cape floral kingdom and historical sites of note include the Khoi-Khoi Caves and old fishing villages that have survived to this day. Some 250 ships have been wrecked along the coast over time.
Highlights
Coast and beaches
Walk along interesting rocky windswept, ruggedly beautiful coastal plain. 14 km of white sand extends from Struisbaai to Arniston, the longest continuous beach in the Southern Hemisphere (Wikipedia). It provides safe bathing, boating and angling. The beach here is exquisite, with an almost subtropical feel. Whale watching from September to November.
Nature Reserves
Experience the De Mond and Cape Agulhas Nature Reserves, which has more that 8500 species of flowering plants and the coastline supports a rich marine and intertidal life, with breeding sites of rare birds such as the African Black Oystercatcher. The focus is on some of the most splendid examples of lowland fynbos and lowland fynbos on limestone soils – considered endangered and restricted largely to the southern Overberg.The Agulhas National Park is the mainstay of the Agulhas Biodiversity Initiative, whose aim is to address the main threats to the globally significant lowland fynbos biodiversity of the Agulhas Plain, and to improve the livelihoods of the region’s local communities.
Views
Stunning views, beautiful beaches, pebble bays, rock pools
Shipwrecks
The coastline is renowned for shipwrecks, and streets and businesses in Cape Agulhas bear the names of some ill-fated ships. These include Schonberg, St Mungo, Brederode, Nossa Senhora dos Milagros, Crentoo, Juno and Martha. Some 250 ships have been wrecked here over time.
History
The country’s second oldest working lighthouse was built at L’Agulhas in 1848. Other historical features include the 200 year old fishermen’s village at Kassiesbaai and fisherman’s cottages at Hotagterklip. You can also explore fish traps and other valuable historic and cultural legacy left by the Khoikhoi beach nomads who lived along this coastline for centuries.
Day 1: Arrival at Arniston for overnight.
Day 2 : Walk from Arniston along the coast to De Mond Nature Reserve. Explore interesting caves, rocks, vegetation and coastal features and riverine vegetation and dune forest in the De Mond Reserve. Enjoy the peaceful reserve, relax under shady trees along the banks of the river. Transfer to Arniston for overnight.
Distance: 16 km – Whole Day
Day 3:
Transfer to De Mond. Cross the Heuningnes river at De Mond and walk along the the longest continuous beach in the Southern Hemisphere to Struisbaai harbour. On this section of the trail you can expect to see views of the coastline and various interesting rock formations. Overnight in Struisbaai
Distance 17 km – Whole Day
Day 4:
We have selected a panel of 3/4 star guesthouses/hotels for your trip- where available. Your booking will be subject to availability.
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Rate
The rate for the Southernmost Walk for 3 nights is available on request. A minimum of 2 people per group per day
Included
Not included
Transport to and from Arniston, other lunches, snacks, drinks with meals
Grading
Overall rating is Moderate. You do not need to be ultra-fit but certainly able to walk between 13 and 20 km per day and be able to cope with undulating countryside and some hills. The route takes you along the coast and on beaches and along country roads. See Walking grades for more details about Moderate rating. Day 1 – arrival: Day 2 – Moderate: Day 3 – Moderate: Day 4 – Easy & departure
Additional options
The Southernmost area offers a range of attractions and activities that can be added to your itinerary if you have specific special interests. Our Route Manager can assist with bookings and advice.
When to book the Southernmost Walk
The holiday can be booked any time of the year but the best time of the year to visit the area is when summer is drawing to a close and the southeaster dies down.
Climate
The region has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The climate is extremely mild, with no temperature or rainfall extremes. According to South African National Parks, the mean annual air temperature is 15°C, while the annual rainfall varies between 400- 600mm, with 60 – 70% of the precipitation occurring between May and October. Sea temperatures average between 21°C in summer and 14°C in winter. The region is the coldest during June when the mercury drops to 7°C on average during the night. Prevailing winds blow from the southeast in the summer and the northwest in the winter.
Getting there
For international visitors:
Fly to Cape Town International airport and from Cape Town to Arniston by car (217 km). Transfer can be arranged, if necessary.
Route from Cape Town:
Driving from Cape Town take the N2 towards Somerset West .Drive through Somerset West towards Caledon. . Take the R316 turnoff into Caledon and follow this road all the way until you come to Bredasdorp. Continue on R316 from Bredasdorp to Arniston
What to take
Comfortable, well aerated clothes in keeping with the season. Always bring a pullover, windbreaker, good walking boots (already worn-in) and several pairs of cotton or woollen socks. For your daily needs you are advised to have a day-bag, a plastic bag to line your day-pack (to protect the contents from rain), rainwear, a sun-hat, sunglasses, sun block, a water bottle, plastic picnic boxes (for transporting your lunches), first-aid kit , camera and film, torch/flashlight and an extra plastic bag for litter.
Insurance
We recommend that you arrange appropriate holiday insurance giving you cover against illness, injury and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for any reason.
Route description
Our detailed route notes and description allow you to walk self-guided and at your own pace amid splendid scenery while we transport your luggage.
As soon as we have finalized your booking and hotel schedule we will forward your Hotel guide by email. This will specify your hotel schedule and provide directions. (Different hotels/guesthouses are used from time to time) The second component of your route description is your Route guide. This specially prepared guide includes route notes, maps and GPS references. Self-guided walking is simple and convenient with our Route-and Hotel guide. Hikers can set out when they like, stop where they want and visit sites en route that are of interest to them. The Route guide will be given to you on arrival
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 Southernmost Walk region
Gallery
Pictures of the Southernmost Walk can be viewed in Southernmost Gallery
Attractions
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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.” For details, go to Reviews
More about the Southernmost region
The Southernmost Walk is a self-guided walking/hiking holiday to explore the Southern tip of Africa in the Overberg area.
The Southernmost Walk was structured to offer the best of the area. For more information about the area, go to Read more
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Contact us
If you want more information, compare options or have a question
Availability request
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