The Whale Trail is a captivating 5-day hike that begins at the Potberg Hut and unfolds through the stunning landscapes of the De Hoop Nature Reserve.

21 - 26 September 2026

TOUR COST

R11,900.00pps

INCLUDED

5 days of unforgettable hiking along Whale Trail

5 nights of accommodation

Two meals per day

Great Goody Bag

Guide

Shuttle service back to your cars

Transport of gear to each overnight

TOUR ITINERY

Arrival at Potberg Hut

Arrive at Potberg Hut from 14:00, where your guide will welcome you.  Compulsory briefing at Cape Nature Offices at 16:00, whereafter you will receive your boxes to pack for the hike.  Once you packed your boxes, you can move your vehicle to the dedicated parking area - about 100m from the hut.
Dinner will be prepared by your guide around the fire.  

Day 1: Potberg to Cupidoskraal hut (15,5km)

Early breakfast whereafter you will start your hike to Cupidoskraal.  Take your own lunch with for a lunch stop on the trail.
The trail will start with a 5km climb to the top with stunning views. The trail then follows a beautiful trail through lush fynbos.
You will arrive at Cupidoskraal round about 3pm, where your boxes will be waiting for you.
Dinner will be prepared by your guide, followed by a quick briefing about the following day.

Day 2: Cupidoskraal Hut to Noetsie (15,2km)

Early breakfast and start your hike to Noetsie Hut.  Lunch stop will be on top of the mountain, with stunning views, before your descent towards Noetsie Hut.
Just before reaching the coast, you will have a very steep descent from where it is a short walk to the hut. Noetsie Hut is on the beach, so you will enjoy an afternoon with beach walks and rock pool exploring.
Dinner will be served by your guide, followed by a short briefing on Day 3 of your hike.

Day 3: Noetsie to Hamerkop hut (8,5km)

Day 4 is the shortest but the most technical route.  After breakfast, you will start your hike to Hamerkop.  Hamerkop Hut is on the beach with plenty areas to explore, so we will start our hike early to have enough time to not only spend at the hut, but also stop along the trail at Stilgat, for you to snorkel and enjoy the rock pools.
Dinner will be served by your guide and optional sundowners on the beach.  Briefing will be done on the details of Day 5.

Day 4: Hamerkop hut to Vaalkrans hut (10,5km)

After breakfast, you will start your hike. Starting time, will be depending on the tides as the first 4km is on the beach and better to do it during low tide!  It is recommended to start the hike barefoot (with your boots/shoes in your day pack) and once we reach our lunch stop, you can put your shoes back on.   The next section is rolling hills next to the ocean where you will spot whales or dolphins playing in the water.  Vaalkrans is on the cliffs with spectacular views and the sound of crashing waves on the rocks will create an amazing backdrop to your last evening on the trail.
Your guide will prepare your dinner while you relax on the deck.

Day 5: Vaalkrans hut to Koppie Alleen (7km)

After breakfast, you will start your final hike to the end of the trail. This is the easiest section of the hike, where you will go passed Hippo Pools for a quick dip in the rock pools and snorkeling.  About 300m from the end of the trail, you will go passed a coffee shop where we will have coffee and reflect on the trail and your experiences.  The shuttle will pick you up at 12pm and take you back to Potberg hut, where you will unpack your box and say goodbyes.  There are showers available at the parking area, if you wish to shower before leaving.