Sunset to Full Moon hike at Muratie

Tuesday 26 December 2023

Sunset 19h57 – Moonrise scheduled 19h56

(to rise at the look-out by approximately 20h25)

The Day of Goodwill is an extension of Christmas – or for most, a day to recover from the indulgence of Christmas! Best celebrated with family and friends with an outdoor activity like hiking on Dirtopia singletrack at Muratie Wine Estate near Stellenbosch.

Bring a picnic and enjoy the views with a glass of one of Muratie’s award-winning wines. After sun set, the trail adventure continues in the forest as you hike back with your headlight underneath the full moon!

A circular hiking trail, designed and constructed by Meurant Botha; starts from Dirtopia Trail Centre at Muratie farm, to a viewpoint with spectacular views of Simonsberg, the Winelands and Table Mountain in the distance.  

There are signs along the singletrack route (with more than 200 steps) that is approximately 3.5km total, and it can take you 30 min; up to 45 minutes to reach the picnic spot, so do not arrive later than 19h00 to ensure that you have the full experience. Only 20-30 minutes to walk back to the Trail Centre at Muratie, depending on your pace of course.

Bring a blanket to sit on while you wait for the sunset / moon rise under the watchful eye of the Simonsberg mountain.  The look-out point is called Gilloolys where you can enjoy your own packed picnic and wine from Muratie per glass or per bottle. Snacks & drinks for sale at the Trail Centre where you collect you permit on arrival. Coffee station will be open here until around 9pm/9.30pm.

Latest time to start walking down from the top: 20h30

Time:  Arrival from 18h00, no later than 19h00 to start hike (you hike on your own time!)

Venue: Dirtopia Trail Centre, Muratie Farm, Knorhoek Road, off the R44 near Stellenbosch

Cost:R120pp & R60 for children under 10yrs (incl permit for marked route to be done after hours)

Online bookings essential: (EFT’s) www.dirtpass.co.za/product/tickets or 

credit cards: www.entryninja.com or www.quicket.co.za 

You can be back at the Trail centre between 20h30/21h00, depending on your walking speed and the time you start going down.  Bring something warm to wear after dark and a torch. Wear good walking/hiking shoes – you are climbing a mountain with over 200 wooden steps & various terrain. 

A FALKE sock hamper is up for grabs in the lucky draw and browse through the FALKE selection on sale at the Trail Centre.