The Whale Trail Hike – Dec 2023
Event Date: 19th – 24th December 2023
Start: Potberg, De Hoop Nature Reserve
Finish: Koppie Alleen, De Hoop Nature Reserve
Duration: 54 km, 5 days
Fitness: moderate to difficult (this is a relatively easy walk; you will need the endurance to complete 5 days)
Our tip: Book far in advance! This is an extremely popular hike, particularly when the whales are in the bay (July/December) There is always a price review increase during this time as it’s considered a peak period for bookings.
Where to stay: De Hoop Accommodation
De Hoop is one of the most beautiful spaces on the coast from which to watch whales. It is also one of the least frequented, when compared to places like Hermanus, during the whale season.
What makes it so enticing is the hundred or so whales that return to De Hoop bay annually.
Up there with other highly popular hikes – like the Otter Trail – the Whale Trail is relatively young (around since only 2002). But the combination of awe-inspiring mountain and coastal walking for moderately fit hikers makes it achievable for a larger cross-section of society.
You overnight in cottages; roughing it is not part of the deal.
The Whale Trail is an unforgettable experience, taking you through one of the Western Cape’s most unique and diverse nature reserves.
The Whale Trail is an unforgettable experience, taking you through one of the Western Cape’s most unique and diverse nature reserves.
The route stretches over 55km, from Potberg to Koppie Alleen, with five overnight stops (hikers spend the first night at Potberg before starting the trail). The unspoiled natural beauty on this trail is unsurpassable, leading through lush fynbos and offering stunning views of the coast.
De Hoop is known as one of the best land-based whale-watching spots in the world. Between June and November, the coastline is transformed as southern right whales migrate here to breed and look after their young.
Unfortunately, children below the age of eight are not allowed on the trail. The route is fairly strenuous, varying in intensity.
Reservations are limited to group bookings of either six or 12. The tariff includes the shuttle service from Koppie Alleen, where the trail ends, back to the Potberg tourism office, and the undercover Whale Trail parking area.
𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬
DAY ONE: POTBERG TO CUPIDOSKRAAL – 15 KM
The toughest stretch of the hike, ascend Potberg, and climb to the highest point of the trail. Lunch at the second crossing of the Melkhout River.
DAY TWO: CUPIDOSKRAAL TO NOETSIE – 14.7 KM
Follow the crest of the Potberg through mountain fynbos, before descending to Noetsie bay.
DAY THREE: NOETSIE TO HAMERKOP – 7.8 KM
The easiest of the five days, you only do about three hours of walking, giving ample time to explore the coastline, particularly Stilgat. Whilst you have to negotiate a chain ladder to get there, it is well worth it for the snorkeling and swimming opportunities.
DAY FOUR: HAMERKOP TO VAALKRANS – 10.5 KM
The day is mostly beach walking, which can feel strenuous. Vaalkrans lies on top of a cave.
DAY FIVE: VAALKRANS TO KOPPIE ALLEEN – 7 KM
Again a shorter day of hiking through coastal thickets with plenty of time to drink in the scenery. Hippo Pools provides great swimming.
People have seen up to 50 whales at a time in the bay at Koppie Alleen.
Trail Map
At a glance
What sets the Whale Trail apart from the rest, though, is that it offers the best land-based opportunities to spot whales – from there the apt name – with some hikers reporting to have spotted as many as 30 whales at once.
