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Travelers who love coastal beauty, especially travelers that love outdoor activities like hiking, should check out this stunning multi-day hike that winds its way along the coast of South Africa. South of the Equator, South Africa’s seasons are opposite to the season in countries in the Northern Hemisphere allowing for an excellent way to escape winter.

This hike is also an excellent way to view the wildlife of not only the ocean but along South Africa’s coast. This truly stunning hike is a must-do for outdoorsy travelers looking to travel in the fall.

What Is South Africa’s Whale Trail?

Located along the ecologically diverse and geographically stunning De Hoop Nature Reserve, the Whale Trail winds its way for about 55 km (34 mi) through ideal scenic backpacking terrain.

This hike will take five days along a well-established route taken by many hikers.

The nature of the reserve area is pristine and well known for its exquisite calcrete formations, huge sand dunes, and abundant wildlife — just a few of South Africa's Instagrammable subjects.

The What Trail starts off at Potberg Hut. This is where travelers likely arrived the day before to spend the night. It is common for travelers to do this, so they can get an early start on their first 15 kilometers (9.3 mi) of hiking.

The hut is also a great resource for getting briefed by the rangers on what hikers are to expect including information on the terrain, wildlife, flora, safety, emergency evacuation, and even cellphone reception. They will also help to make sure that travelers are packed accordingly.

  • Distance - 55 km (34.2 mi), multi-day hike
  • Trail Map - Map
  • Difficulty Rating - Day 1: (because of the steep initial uphill) 6/10, Days 2-5: 5/10
  • Technical Rating - Easy to moderate standard walking. Day 1 and Day 2 are slightly more technical.

Related: Top 10 Natural Attractions in South Africa’s Cape Town

The Six Day Journey Along South Africa’s Whale Trail

Travelers are welcome to the Whale Trail Hike in the De Hoop Nature Reserve. How things kick off is with check-in at two in the afternoon at Potberg Hut in the reserve the day before the hike begins.

Checking in the day before allows travelers the chance to orient themselves to Potberg Hut and the area that surrounds it. Travelers will be treated to South African braai which is essentially barbecue.

They will also have the chance to try regional wines that will be paired with their food. Travelers will also be briefed on the hike and will meet their guide during this time.

Day One: Potberg to Cupidoskraal (15 km, 9.3 mi)

On the first day of the hike, travelers will kick off the day with an early morning and hearty breakfast at the Potberg Hut.

The first challenge for the day is the Potberg ascent. It is the highest of the entire trail and is a great place for soaking up the fragrance of shrubbery of the Erica and Protea species. Many of them can not be found anywhere else in the world.

This is also a great location for photography. The gliding Cape Vultures can occasionally be spotted in the skies overlooking the stunning landscape of the reserve.

Day Two: Cupidoskraal to Noetsie (15 km, 9.3 mi)

On the second day of the hike, travelers will follow the crest of the Potberg as it runs through mountainous shrubbery on its way to aesthetic views of the Indian Ocean and the Breede River that are unmatched.

The route exists the Potberg leading travelers onto limestone hills littered with an abundance of striking different shrubbery than that on the Potberg.

The descent continues into the bay of Noetsie along the coast.

Day Three: Noetsie to Hamerkop (7.8 km, 4.8 mi)

The third day of this hike is the one that really helps it with its name, the Whale Trail. Here travelers have the chance to view whales and dolphins from the cliffs, ancient shell middens, and caves that make this stretch of land a paradise.

Calcrete formations, looking like sculptures, are visible on the white sands of the beach adding to the wondrous scene.

Travelers will have the chance to rest at Stilgat to cool off by the rock pools and caves that are easy to explore. Or, travelers can simply enjoy the stunning views from the cliffs.

Related: Guide To The Best Time To Visit Kruger National Park & What Wildlife To See There

Day Four: Hamerkop to Vaalkrans (10.5 km, 6.5 mi)

The fourth day is spent almost entirely walking along the white sand of the beach. Here, travelers will find that they have some company. Oystercatcher and white-breasted cormorants can be seen resting in the sun.

There are tidal pools to be discovered and calcrete formations to wonder at. Travelers will have a few chances for swimming on this day too.

The final stretch for the day passes through diverse coastal vegetation on its way to the travelers' accommodation in Vaalkrans atop a cave.

Day Five: Vaalkrans to Koppie Alleen (7 km, 4.3 mi)

On the final day of this hike through the Whale Trail, travelers will pass through coast thickets with plenty of time to soak up the day’s scenery. Travelers will also have the chance to go swimming in Hippo Pools. During whale season, travelers can spot up to 50 whales in the vicinity of the pools. It's not the whale-watching capital of the world, but it sure feels like it!

Once travelers have finished up they will be taken by shuttle back to Potberg where they can collect their baggage.