Day One and Two :

Your first day on this walking trail starts with an optional 6km walk from the Lekkerwater

parking area into the Lodge, along the road and through the fynbos.

The De Hoop Nature Reserve extends along the southern coast of the Western Cape and

Lekkerwater is situated approximately half way along this spectacular reserve. This is

an off-grid coastal escape surrounded by the rich natural history of the region, from the

endemic fynbos and inter-tidal ecosystems to the remarkable mammal and birdlife.

You may spot schools of surfing dolphins, countless bird sightings (including the

endangered black oystercatcher) while enjoying marine life thriving amongst the

gullies and rock pools. Between July and November, Southern Right whales migrate

here from the Antarctica to calve and breed in the warmer waters close to shore – making

this an exceptional whale watching experience.

Day two you have the whole day to enjoy the guided marine and nature walks or take

a self guided walk or simply soak up the breathtaking views.

Accommodation : Lekkerwater Lodge

Day Three :

It’s time to hit the long trail! You’ll spend today embarking on a leisurely self-guided 6 to 9 hour coastal walk from Lekkerwater Beach Lodge to the end of the Whale Trail at Koppie Alleen.

Today you walk the most breathtaking section of the remarkable Whale Trail enjoying 15km of endless Indian Ocean views, surrounding hills, gorges, caves and ravines. The landscape along the walk consists of a combination of beautiful sandy beaches, limestone karst rock platforms, blow holes, natural swimming pools, caves and rocky cliffs. Inland from the coast, discover large areas of lowland coastal fynbos.

At the end of the trail you will be met by folks from the De Hoop Collection and transferred to the De Mond Villa to be reunited with your luggage that will have been transferred from Lekkerwater to De Mond by vehicle. The rest of the day will be well earned at leisure enjoying the views and birding along the shores of the De Hoop Vlei. Enjoy a delicious potjiekos dinner around the camp fire and under the stars.

Accommodation : De Hoop Collection

Day Four :

After an early morning breakfast, you will once again put on your hiking boots for the 5km guided walk around the Vlei, exploring the rich birdlife and fynbos, after which you will end up at Melkkamer for brunch.

After brunch a boat transfer will take you across the vlei where the walk will continue for a further 7-8 kms through a combination of cliff routes, on the edge of the Vlei and through some open areas where you may enjoy wildlife sightings. Dinner will be enjoyed around the campfire at De Mond.

Accommodation : De Hoop Collection

Day Five :

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Tierhoek to start the morning’s guided trail with a 4km route up the fynbos paradise of Flatrock, with its panoramic views over the De Hoop Vlei. Your return transfer is by vehicle from the main entrance gate to the De Hoop Reserve to the Lekkerwater car park. Enroute for a guided walk to the Potberg Vulture Colony – the only remaining active Cape Vulture Colony in the Western Cape.