The Fynbos Trail - Overberg Tour

Package Overview

The Fynbos trail is a unique nature experience in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom that can be undertaken as a fully guided and catered slackpacking trail or as a self-guided and catered trail. This trail, just two hours from Cape Town and close to Hermanus in the Overberg, has a two or three night option and takes hikers along a beautiful stretch of trail through coastal and mountain fynbos, remote forests and visits some fascinating environmental and social projects along the way.

This three-day, 26km trail meanders through hidden pockets of indigenous forest alive with birds, to Tolkeinesque dells of dense lichens, tumbling waterfalls and streams and, you guessed it, through exquisite fynbos. A coastal day trail can be added on if you wish to explore more of this dynamic coastline, especially recommended during the whale season, August to November.

Enjoy knowledgeable guides, the opportunity to plant a tree in your name, and delicious locally prepared food and wine. This trail has a real personal touch that will leave you with wonderful memories.

Trip Duration 3 Days/ 2 Nights with coastal add-on
Daily Distances Day 1:6.5km/ 3hr (Steynbos to Fynbos Retreat)
Day 2: 11km / 6hr (Fynbos Retreat to Witkrans)
Day 3: 8km / 4hr (Witkrans to Grootbos)
Day 4: Coastal Add On: 10km / 4to5hrs (De Kelders to Grootbos)
Trail Grading HOSA /VOSA registered Green Flag Trail
Physical Fitness Grade 3/5 – Moderate to good walking fitness is required. On average, between 6 to 12km per day.
Technicality Grade 2/5 - graded easy to moderate with HOSA/VOSA. Some steep climbs, some boardwalks and ladders. Older hikers have managed this trail with ease as have younger hikers – ideal for families.
Trail Terrain The trail is mostly footpaths through fynbos, some boardwalks and ladders accessing forested areas, some steeper climbs with great views.
Accommodation Accommodation graded as luxury on HOSA/VOSA. Comfortable fully equipped cottages on both nights and a guesthouse if doing the coastal day. All bedding and bath towels are provided as well as well as complimentary tea/coffee etc. in the cottages. Meals are prepared by local cooks using local produce wherever possible.
Logistic Support This is a fully catered and guided slackpacking trail, with overnights in well furnished cottages. All meals and refreshments provided.
Tour Highlights Tree planting at Stinkhoutsbos Forest as part of the reforestation project – the tree will be named as per your request and GPS position noted on our website so it can be visited in the future.

Each guest gets a copy of ‘Field Guide to the Flora of Grootbos Nature Reserve and the Walker Bay Region’ by Sean Privett & Heiner Lutzeyer.

Visiting the ‘Growing the Future’ sustainable agriculture and life skills training college on Grootbos Nature Reserve. Much of the fresh produce for the trail is sourced from ‘Growing the Future’.

Many beautiful forest patches and diverse fynbos with flowers throughout the year. The limestone fynbos of the Agulhas Plain region is especially rare and you will encounter some of the local rare and endemic species as you head out of the valley.

Local wine tasting of Lomond and Witkrans wines, delicious home baked meals and friendly hospitality along the route. Three course meal on the deck overlooking Walker Bay to celebrate completion of the hike.
Other Activities Visits to Green Futures Horticultural Project at Steynsbos; Flower Valley Conservation Trust and tree planting as part of the reforestation project en route. Specialist groups can be catered for – birders, photographers, families. Treasure hunts can be arranged for children. Dams for swimming; whale watching on coastal route during whale season (Aug-Dec); wine tasting with award winning wines from our conservancy.
Fauna & Flora Exquisite fynbos with more than 850 species having been recorded along the route, indigenous forests, coastal dunes. There are many bird species with various sunbirds frequenting the proteas and the Rameron Pigeon, Cape Batis, African Paradise Flycatcher, Barn Owl, Bar-throated Apalis and Forest Buzzard recorded in Steynbos forest, as well as a variety of mammals including porcupine, honey badger, bushbuck, caracal and mongoose. Leopard spoor have been seen on the trail.
Climate The area enjoys good weather in Spring and Summer, but winters tend to be wet, so the trail is closed in June and July. Nights can be cool, so warm clothing especially during winter months is recommended (temperatures stay above zero). Mid-Summer days can reach highs in the upper 30s.
Seasonality & Best Time Year Closed June and July and over December holidays. All other months are excellent for hiking. Should you do the coastal section add on, then August to November is best for whale sightings.
Group Size Preferred minimum of 4 - preferred maximum of 12 hikers.
Price / PP Fully guided and catered trail (3 Days/2 Nights): R3850/pp Surcharge if less than 4 persons: R600/pp

Self guided and catered trail (3 Days/2 Nights): R3150/pp

Coastal add on day-night: R1800/pp

Contact Agent Plan A Trip Text Me

Inclusions

• Hotel
• Sightseeing
• 2 Nights Accommodation in cottages and guesthouse
• All meals - 2 dinners, 2 lunches, 2 breakfasts
• Local Hiking Guide for 3/4 days
• Daily Luggage transfers
• Fully guided option includes field guide book to Walker Bay, tree planting, wine tasting of Lomond and Witkrans wines and fynbos gift

Contact Agent Plan A Trip Text Me

Terms & Conditions

Payment Terms & Methods :
* Some Advance Percentage of total booking amount
* Airfare/Transport fare to be paid full at one time in advance.

Cancellation & Refund Policy :
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount.
* Retention Amount varies as per the number of days left before your package start date.

Contact Agent Plan A Trip Text Me

This Tour is Offered by

Active Escapes View Profile

0 / 5

• 3 Belmont Street, Garlington Estate, Hilton, 3245, South Africa
• XXXXXX5259 View Contact
• XXXXXXXXXX@active-escapes.co.za View Mail ID

About Active Escapes

Contact Agent Plan A Trip Text Me

Interested in This Tour?

• Requests are send directly to the tour operator
• We recommend to request quotes from 3 operators