Whale Trail reopens – with renovations!

We’d be willing to sleep on the beach if it meant hiking along De Hoop Nature Reserve’s pristine coastline, but with the popular five-day Whale Trail back in action, we won’t need to. The trail has been treated to some exciting new renovations, having been closed since January 2019.

For those unfamiliar with the route, the Whale Trail leads from fynbos-clad mountains onto the coastline where you can swim and snorkel and look for southern right whales between June and November. So, what has changed? Plenty! The overnight cabins are now powered by solar panels with improved battery capacity (yes, you can charge your cellphone); the water quality and pressure has improved in the cabins; the trails have been strengthened with stainless steel reinforcements and stairs; and the tidal pools at Stilgat are now safer and easier to reach. When you arrive at your cabin after a day of hiking, you can relax next to a big outside braai area or enjoy the new skylights, which make it possible to stargaze from indoors. All cabins are also now equipped with fridges and gas hobs, and the bathrooms and showers have been upgraded at Vaalkrans, Hamerkop and Cupidoskraal.

But that’s not all… The doors and windows of the overnight cabins have been replaced, and so have the thatched roofs to guard against possible fires. Plans for Wi-Fi access are in the pipeline, but honestly, what more could you ask for?

Where? De Hoop Nature Reserve, Western Cape

Cost: R1 795 per person for a group of 6 – 12 (off-peak rate); R2 900 in peak whale season. There’s a portage service available to transport your luggage to each overnight cabin – it costs an extra R520 per container.

Contact: 087 087 8250; capenature.co.za

Note: Although the overnight cabins can sleep up to 12 people, occupancy is currently restricted to six people (unless you’re part of the same group) due to Covid-19 regulations. Book far in advance!