Guided Walking in South Africa's Western Cape
This South African holiday is packed with unforgettable highlights. Based in Stellenbosch, in the heart of the Western Cape winelands, we’re perfectly placed to explore this diverse region. Visit Table Mountain National Park, tackling the tough but memorable route to the summit, or choose the cable car for sweeping views over Cape Town. Explore the dramatic headlands of the Cape of Good Hope and walk wildlife-rich trails in both West Coast National Park and Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. Expect coastal walking in Hermanus, famed for seasonal whale watching and its penguin colony, before rounding things off with a wine tasting in Franschhoek, the French-Huguenot town famed for its sparkling wines.
What you’ll love
- Discovering the dramatic coastline of Hermanus, a renowned whale-watching spot and penguin nesting site
- Visiting Cape Point
- Walking to the summit Table Mountain or enjoying a cable car ride to its peak
- Exploring the wildflower trails of West Coast National Park
- The chance to spot leopards, caracals, honey badgers, baboons, and hundreds of rare bird species in Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
- Unwinding in the world-class wine regions of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek
What’s included
- Local Tour Manager
- A choice of 2 guided walks per day with local leaders (on walking days)
- 9 nights' accommodation in the Stellenbosch winelands
- 9 breakfasts 3 lunches & 6 dinners
- All sightseeing and entrance fees (as per itinerary)
- Return flights from London including baggage and transfers
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Travel from the UK to Cape Town overnight.
On arrival, we meet at Cape Town Airport and transfer straight to Stellenbosch in the beautiful Cape Winelands. After a full tour briefing, we check in to our accommodation and settle in. In the evening, get to know the group over dinner.
After breakfast, we take a short transfer through Stellenbosch to Jonkershoek Nature Reserve – a dramatic landscape of rugged peaks, fynbos, and forested valleys with rich plant life and plenty of birdlife. There’s a choice of walk today, with time afterwards to visit a local vineyard for lunch before returning to our guest house. We go out for dinner this evening.
Option 1 - Jonkershoek Waterfalls Day Hiking Trail
Distance: 10km / 6.2 miles
Ascent: 359m / 1,180 feet
A rewarding walk that follows well-made paths into the heart of the reserve, with a steady climb through mountain scenery and pockets of shade. Expect big views of the surrounding Boland peaks and the chance to spot birds among the fynbos bush landscape. The route builds towards the waterfalls, making a great turning point before we loop or return, depending on conditions.
Option 2 - Kurktrekker Waterfall Trail
Distance: 8.5km / 5.3 miles
Ascent: 756m / 2,480 feet
A shorter route in distance, but much more demanding, with sustained uphill sections and a more rugged, mountain feel. The higher you climb, the more the views open out across the Jonkershoek Valley and surrounding ridgelines. A terrific choice for confident walkers keen on a stronger challenge and a real sense of being in the wild.
This morning, we drive towards Hermanus via Gordon’s Bay, taking in some superb coastal scenery en route. We stop at Betty’s Bay to visit the penguin colony, then continue to Fernkloof Nature Reserve near Hermanus to begin our walking.
After lunch in Hermanus, we head out onto the cliff path towards Grotto Beach, with time to relax by the sea. In the late afternoon, we return to our accommodation.
Option 1 - Catrock Loop (Fernkloof Nature Reserve)
Distance: 5km / 3.1 miles
Ascent: 354m / 1,160 feet
A shorter, punchier loop that climbs quickly to rewarding viewpoints over Hermanus and the coastline. Underfoot can be uneven in places, with stony sections typical of the reserve, but the effort is well worth it for the panorama. A great option if you prefer a brisker walk with time afterwards to enjoy lunch and a relaxed afternoon.
Option 2 - Hermanus Cliff Path: Blow Hole to Grotta Beach
Distance: 9km / 5.6 miles
Ascent: 96m / 310 feet
A classic coastal walk with a gentler profile, following the famous cliff path with constant sea views, rocky coves, and crashing surf. We pass viewpoints and benches along the way, perfect for photo stops and a breather. The route finishes at wide, sandy Grotto Beach, where there’s time to enjoy the shoreline before returning either on foot or by vehicle after beach time.
A day at leisure to enjoy Stellenbosch at your own pace. You might like to browse galleries and shops, relax at a café, visit a museum, or simply enjoy your surroundings back at the guest house.
After breakfast, we drive to Cape Point Nature Reserve. There’s a choice of walk today, all set in a spectacular meeting place of ocean and wild coastline. Those opting for the longer route set off from Buffelsport; the easier option begins near the Cape Point car park. We regroup later and have time for the Cape of Good Hope boardwalk, before transferring back to our accommodation.
Whole group – Cape of Good Hope Trail
Distance: 4.5km / 2.8 miles
Ascent: 251m / 820 feet
Descent: 251m / 820 feet
A superb shared walk that captures the drama of the Cape: open skies, sweeping ocean views, and the distinctive low coastal vegetation. The gradient gives a bit of a workout, but the scenery does the heavy lifting, with photo stops built in. A brilliant Cape moment for everyone.
Option 1 - Lighthouse Keepers Trail (from Cape Point Area)
Distance: 2.9km / 1.8 miles
Ascent: 172m / 560 feet
A shorter option that still delivers standout viewpoints, taking in the lighthouse area and cliffside paths. Expect some steps and short climbs, but with plenty of opportunities to pause and take in the views across False Bay and the Atlantic. Ideal if you’d like a steadier pace while still feeling immersed in the landscape.
Option 2 - Buffelsport to Cape of Good Hope
Distance: 8.7km / 5.4 miles
Ascent: 387m / 1,270 feet
An adventurous route for keen walkers, starting deeper in the reserve and traversing wilder terrain. The scenery is first-rate: broad coastal views, open stretches near the sea, and a wonderful sense of journey as you work your way towards the Cape. We finish with time around the lighthouse area before regrouping with the rest of the party.
Today is all about one of the world’s great landmarks. We transfer to Table Mountain and split into two groups. Stronger walkers can hike up, while others take the cable car and enjoy a circular walk on the summit plateau. After time for lunch at the top, there’s a further choice: keen walkers can descend via Skeleton Gorge to Kirstenbosch Gardens, while others transfer by vehicle and enjoy time exploring the gardens on the footpaths. We meet up and return to the lodge.
Option 1 - Table Mountain Summit Circular (cable car up and down)
Distance: 5.5km / 3.4 miles
Ascent: 107m / 350 feet
After taking the cable car to the top, we enjoy a circular walk on the plateau, using well-defined paths to visit lookout points and soak up those famous views over Cape Town. The walking is mostly gentle, with a few undulations and occasional rocky sections underfoot. A great choice if you want the full Table Mountain experience but with less intense walking.
Option 2 - Table Mountain Ascent and onward to Kirstenbosch
Distance: 12km / 7.5 miles
Ascent: 800m / 2,620 feet
A full mountain day for strong walkers, combining a satisfying ascent with a longer route across and down the mountain. Expect steep sections on the climb and a steady descent later, with dramatic changes in scenery as you drop towards the lush greenery of Kirstenbosch. This option has the biggest sense of achievement, finishing with time to explore the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and enjoy a well-earned wander among the pathways.
Another day at leisure in the Winelands. Enjoy a relaxed pace, perhaps with optional sightseeing, café stops, or time exploring Stellenbosch’s historic centre.
We make an early start for the West Coast National Park. There’s a choice of trails, with longer options for keen walkers and a shorter route for those wanting a steadier day, plus the chance to spend time at bird hides, explore the shoreline, and enjoy time on the beach. We take a packed lunch and return to our lodge in the late afternoon.
Option 1 - Geelbek Shortcut Trail
Distance: 7.7km / 4.8 miles
Ascent: 136m / 450 feet
A shorter, easier-going walk that’s ideal if you’d like plenty of time for wildlife watching and coastal stops. The gradients are kinder, and the route lends itself to a relaxed pace with pauses along the way. Afterwards, there’s often time to visit bird hides, explore nearby shoreline spots, and enjoy a packed lunch with a view.
Option 2 - Strandveld Trail (longer option)
Distance: 14km / 8.7 miles
Ascent: 277m / 910 feet
A longer hike that gives a deeper experience of the park’s landscapes, with wide open skies, coastal scenery, and a real feeling of space. The walking is more sustained, with gentle rises that add up over the day, and rewarding viewpoints along the way. A strong option for keen walkers who enjoy a fuller day on the trail.
A slower start this morning before transferring to Franschhoek for a relaxed day on the wine tram. It’s a brilliant way to round off the trip: hop between estates, enjoy tastings, and choose how much time you’d like at each stop, with opportunities for short walks through vineyards and gardens.
If you’d prefer a non-tasting day, there’s the option to spend time at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront.
Enjoy a free morning, then we transfer to Cape Town Airport to arrive around three hours before your flight.
Arrive back in the UK.
San Gabriel Homestead
San Gabriel Homestead in Stellenbosch is a historic Cape Dutch wine farm offering a relaxed, family‑oriented stay rooted in simplicity, heritage, and farm life. It combines an 18th‑century manor house with several restored cottages, creating an atmosphere that feels more like a lived‑in family home than a hotel. Facilities include a swimming pool, wifi and private bathrooms.
Essential information
It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Insulated jacket/top
- Walking clothing
- Walking socks (plus spares)
- Sunhat
- Gloves/mitts and warm hat
- Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)
- Headtorch
- High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)
- Sunglasses with a dark lens
- Rucksack (15-30 litres)
- Mobile phone
- Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.)
- Passport
- Visa (if applicable)
- Copy of your travel insurance policy
- UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC)
Recommended
- Collapsible walking poles
- Swimwear and travel towel
- Snacks
- Dry bags
- Rubbish bags
- Insect repellent
Optional extras
- Camera
- Sit mat
- Flask for hot drinks
- Durable lunch box
- Gaiters
- GPS device (excluding Bhutan, Georgia and India)
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
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| 2027 | ||||||||
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14 Apr - 25 Apr 2027 11 nights |
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| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | ||||||||
|
14 Apr - 25 Apr 2027 11 nights |
Itinerary Single from £3,199 £3,099 Double from £3,199 £3,099 pp |
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19 May - 30 May 2027 11 nights |
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09 Sep - 20 Sep 2027 11 nights |
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30 Sep - 11 Oct 2027 11 nights |
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