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Whale Trail Frequently Asked Questions :

Where does the whale trail start and end?

The trail starts at Potberg Hut in the De Hoop Nature Reserve. 30km from Bredasdorp in the Western Cape.


How fit do you have to be to do the whale trail?

The trail is suitable for medium-fitness hikers, you do not need any Mount Everest aspirations but they are most welcome. It is a five day, 56-kilometre slack-packing trail through the De Hoop Nature Reserve that introduces you to some of the most beautiful scenes along the Western Cape coastline


When is the best time to do the whale trail?

Best time is when you get a spot. It depends on which conditions you prefer: December to February tend to be the hottest, May to September the cooler months. Whales are active from June to October. Proteas flower from May to June. 


What accommodation is on the whale trail?

There are five overnight stops with 3 dorm rooms at each camp. Sleeping 4 per room. 2 bunker beds per room. Mostly bunk beds with utilitarian foam mattresses. Own pillows and sleeping bags need to be provided.


What facilities are available on the whale trail at each camp?

  • All the cottages are solar powered
  • Solar operated fridges
  • Solar and gas geysers
  • Gas stove
  • Enviro toilets
  • Cutlery and crockery
  • Kettle
  • Braai grid
  • Wood for braai
  • Bring own sleeping bag/pillows


Luggage transport

This is slack-packing at its finest. Your extra luggage is transported every day to the next cottage, so all you need to carry on the trail is a day pack. The 70-litre transport containers are waiting for you at Potberg cottage.


Is there water on the whale trail or huts?

No water on any of the trails but safe drinking water at each hut.


What is the min age allowed to do the whale trail hike?

Unfortunately, children below the age of eight are not allowed on the trail. The route is fairly strenuous, varying in intensity.


Which is the closest airport and town to the whale trail?

The closest major cities is Cape Town and Cape Town Int Airport. We provide a shuttle service.


What different whale trail packages do you have?

We have guided and self guided options. Self guided you will be planning your own logistics etc. When you book our guided trips. We take care of all the logistics. You will also have a qualified guide with Wilderness First Responder Level 3 qualification. Our guided trips have 3 options - Self Catered / Catered or our Fully Incl Package with extra accommodation. 


Do you have payment terms for your whale trail packages?

We do. For our guided trips, we require a min deposit of R 2000pp to confirm your booking (Balance paid off over 6 months in monthly payments).

For our self guided bookings we require full payment once off.


What is your cancellation policy if something happens and I can't go?

No refunds at all. We can sell our spot on your behalf see this link for our detailed cancellation policy.


Can I bring my own group and self-guide to the whale trail?

Sure please get in contact with us and we will assist. 


If you book within 6 months of the start of the hike then full payment is required.


FOR AVAILABLE DATES SEE OUR CALENDAR PAGE


Want to book your own group? Get in contact with us - bookings@starthikingtoday.com

Want to be on the waiting list for any of the dates above? Get in contact with us - bookings@starthikingtoday.com


Please contact us for availability : 010 012 6444 / bookings@starthikingtoday.com


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Select Your Guided Package Now

Payment Plans Accepted - Email : bookings@starthikingtoday.com

Basic Package

Hike Permit

Conservation Fee

Admin Fees

Slackpack

Hut Accommodation

CPT Int Airport Transfer To / From

Shuttle from finish to start

Planning assistance

R 8 000pp (Jan - May / Off Peak)

R9 500pp (June - Dec / Peak)

VAT Included

Catered Package

Hike Permit

Conservation Fee

Admin Fees

Slackpack

Hut Accommodation

CPT Int Airport Transfer To / From

Shuttle from finish to start

Dinners / Breakfasts

Coffee / Tea

Planning assistance

R 10 000pp (Jan - May / Off Peak)

R11 500pp (June - Dec / Peak)

VAT Included

Full Package

Hike Permit

Conservation Fee

Admin Fees 

Slackpack

Hut Accommodation

CPT Int. Airport Transfer To / From

Shuttle from finish to start

Accommodation Night Before & After Hike (Somerset West / Strand)

Trail - Dinners / Breakfasts

Coffee / Tea

Planning assistance

R 13 500pp (Jan - May / Off Peak)

R14 500pp (June - Dec / Peak)

VAT Included

Select Your Self-Guided Package Now

Self Guided 2024 Rates :

Hike Permit Off Peak (Jan - Jun) :  R 3 050pp 

Hike Permit Peak (Jul - Dec) : R 4 750pp 

Slackpack :  R 560pp  / Catering : R 2 565pp

Shuttle from CPTIA Return : POA


PLEASE NOTE : Self guided only groups of 12 spots.

No individual bookings for self guided bookings.

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