The Fynbos Trail – Overberg

The Fynbos trail is a unique nature experience in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom, and can be undertaken as a fully guided and catered slackpacker, or as a self-guided option. Just two hours from Cape Town and close to Hermanus in the Overberg, the Fynbos trail is two or three nights - taking hikers along beautiful coastal and mountain fynbos, remote forests and visiting some fascinating environmental and social projects along the way.

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

  • Trip Duration3 Hike Days / 2 NightsAdd On: 1-2 Night Coastal Hike
  • Daily DistanceDay 1: 6.5km / 3hrDay 2: 11km / 6hr Day 3: 9km / 4hr
  • Trail Grading2 / 5 - Fitness. Easy to moderate. Pace is slow with regular stops to look at and learn about flora along the way.2 / 5 - Technicality. Graded easy to moderate. Some steep climbs, some boardwalks and ladders. Still suitable for older & younger hikers alike. A good family trail option.
  • Trail TerrainThe trail is mostly well maintained footpaths through the fynbos. Some boardwalks and ladders accessing forested areas, and some steeper climbs but with great views.
  • AccommodationHomely cottages. Some bathroom sharing may be required, as not all rooms are ensuite.
  • Logistic SupportA fully catered, expertly guided and luggage supported trailTransfers (extra) can be arranged to/from George & Mossel Bay airports
  • Group SizeMinimum of 4 persons,6 over the weekend, and maximum of 12 hikers
  • PricingBased on a min of 4 pax: R7100/pp on a weekend trail
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At a Glance

As you drive down the R43 between the Overberg villages of Stanford and Gansbaai, you have no inkling of the hidden treasures in the hills to your left. This three-day, 26km trail, meanders through pockets of indigenous forest with Tolkeinesque dells of dense lichens, tumbling waterfalls, and you guessed it, exquisite fynbos.

It's a true voyage of discovery, led by expert guides whose enthusiasm is infectious, as they relate the fascinating dynamics between propagator and fynbos. More than 800 different fynbos species have been identified along this route and whatever time of year you walk, there is always something in bloom. From proteas and pins, varied erica’s, delicate orchids, colourful moraea’s, seasonal bulbs, and diverse restio’s; the Grootbos Nature Reserve and Flower Valley is a sight to behold.

  1. Day 1Arrival Day/ Hike Day 1: Grootbos Nature Reserve - Steynsbos to Fountain Bush Cottage (6.5 km/ approx. 3hrs)

    The trail starts at the ‘Growing the Future’ Centre in Grootbos Nature Reserve. You need to self-drive here by 14h00 on the day. You will leave your vehicle and start walking from here. Heading into the Steynsbos Milkwood forest and out to Pinnacles.

    Overnight: Fynbos Retreat – Fountain Bush Cottage

  2. Day 2Hike Day 2: Hike from Fynbos Retreat to Witkrans (11km / most of the day)

    Todays trail covers an extraordinary mosaic of fynbos biomes – from wetland and ancient forests to the endemic limestone fynbos of the Agulhus Plain region.

    A trek up Grootberg mountain provides trailist’s with 360 degree views looking out to Dyer Island in the south and Walker Bay and Hermanus to the west.

    Overnight: Witkrans Nature Farm (Lomond wine tasting on-site)

  3. Day 3Hike Day 3: Hike from Witkrans back to Steynsbos (9km / 3-4hrs)

    Today’s trail winds along the lower slopes of Witkransberg and takes walkers up the Baviaans Fontein valley through indigenous forest and dense fynbos-clad hills into Grootbos Nature Reserve.

    The trail ends back at Steynbos.

  4. Extra Day 4 OptionCoastal Day: Casa d’Italo to De Kelders (15km)

    Leaving the guesthouse the trail winds through vast dune fields down to the Walker Bay coastline.

    Along sandy beaches and over some rocky promontories to Klipgat Cave - home to early humans for more than 80 000 years.

    The trail then carries on along the rocky cliffs of De Kelders (one of the best places in the world to see Southern Right Whales close-up).

    A picnic lunch & numerous ocean swims can be enjoyed along the way.

Characterful cottages on both hike nights.

Some bathroom sharing may be required, as not all rooms are ensuite. Bedding and bath towels are provided.

Meals are prepared by local cooks, using local produce wherever possible.

Fountain Bush Cottage - could be out of Wind & the Willows
Fountain Bush Cottage - could be out of Wind & the Willows
  1. Do we carry our own backpacks?

    No. Your overnight luggage will be transported by vehicle. You will just need to hike with a small daypack with your supplies for the day.

  2. What type of footwear is appropriate?

    The terrain can be a bit lose and rocky so some people will prefer the ankle support provided by a full hiking boot, but below-ankle hiking shoes or trail running shoes will also be fine for this trail.

  3. What is the best time of year for this trail?

    The trail is open from the 1 Feb -15 December. All months have their own special blooms but the flowers tend to be their most abundant and spectacular in Spring (Sept/Oct). Bookings are limited to 3 groups a week - starting on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

  • Learning about the fungi lifecycle on the Fynbos trail, near Standford, Western Cape.
    Western CapeThe Fynbos Trail – Overberg
  • Flower Valley in full bloom – a photographers dream
    Western CapeThe Fynbos Trail – Overberg
  • Sean Privett, founder of the Fynbos Trail, explains the role of the bird pollinators on these Mimetes Pagoda’s
    Western CapeThe Fynbos Trail – Overberg
  • Old Man’s Beard – a canary species indicator for excellent air quality
    Western CapeThe Fynbos Trail – Overberg
  • Tea break in Witvoetskloof forest - Day 2 of the Fynbos Trail
    Western CapeThe Fynbos Trail – Overberg
  • The view from Pinnacles in September – a flush of oranges, whites and yellows – Leucadendrons, Leucaspermum’s, and proteas are just some of the genera within the family of Proteaceae.
    Western CapeThe Fynbos Trail – Overberg
  • Summit of Grootberg – 409m above sea-level, is the highest point of the Fynbos trail and offers spectacular 360° views with the Uilkraals Valley and Dyer Island to the south, the Kleinriviersberge to the north, and Walker Bay and Hermanus to the west
    Western CapeThe Fynbos Trail – Overberg
  • Overlooking flower valley – which was once a harvest area for wild fynbos species.
    Western CapeThe Fynbos Trail – Overberg
  • The final day of the Fynbos tail entails walking up the Baviaans Fontein valley through pockets of indigenous forests and dense fynbos-clad hills over onto Grootbos Nature Reserve.
    Western CapeThe Fynbos Trail – Overberg
  • Wooden stairs built down into the Witvoetskloof forest
    Western CapeThe Fynbos Trail – Overberg
  • Mimetes cucullatus – common pagoda. This flower head is actually compromised of modified leaves – known as floral bracts
    Western CapeThe Fynbos Trail – Overberg
  • Numerous stops along the way, allows one to catch your breath and learn about the fynbos
    Western CapeThe Fynbos Trail – Overberg
  • The coastal add-on day/night comes highy recommended - especially from August when whale activity begins.
    Western CapeThe Fynbos Trail – Overberg

Fully guided and catered trail (3 Days/2 Nights): R6800/pp - Weekdays / R7100/pp - Weekends

Whats included in this tour
  • 2 Nights Accom in cottages
  • All meals: 2 dinners, 1 lunch, 2 breakfasts
  • Expert Fynbos Guide - for all 3 hike days
  • Daily luggage transfers
  • Fully guided catered option includes a tree planting, wine tasting of Lomond wines, and fynbos gift.
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