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 Nights+ Coastal Add-on Day
- Daily DistanceDay 1: 6.5km / 3hr (Steynbos to Fynbos Retreat) Day 2: 12km / 6hr (Fynbos Retreat to Witkrans) Day 3: 6-8km / 4hr (Witkrans to Grootbos) Day 4: Coastal Add On - 10km / 4-5hrs (De Kelders to Grootbos)
- 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. Older hikers have managed this trail with ease, as have younger hikers – ideal for families.
- 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.
- AccommodationComfy cottages on the Fynbos trail & a guesthouse for the coastal day. 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 SizePreferred min of 4 and maximum of 12 hikers
- PricingBased on a min of 4 pax: R4500/pp
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.
- Day 1Arrival Day/ Hike Day 1: Grootbos Nature Reserve - Steynsbos to Fynbos Retreat. (6.5 km/ approx. 3hrs)
- Day 2Hike Day 2: Hike from Fynbos Retreat to Witkrans (12km / most of the day)
- Day 3Hike Day 3: Hike from Witkrans to Grootbos Garden Lodge (6.5km / 3hrs)
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.
Final lunch is at an esteemed restaurant, whilst fine traditional Cape cooking can be enjoyed the rest of the time.
Witkrans Cottage - Fynbos Hiking Trail
- Do we carry our own backpacks?
- What type of footwear is appropriate?
- What is the best time of year for this trail?
- Can this hike be shortened or lengthened?
- Western CapeThe Fynbos Trail – Overberg
- Western CapeThe Fynbos Trail – Overberg
- Western CapeThe Fynbos Trail – Overberg
- Western CapeThe Fynbos Trail – Overberg
- Western CapeThe Fynbos Trail – Overberg
- Western CapeThe Fynbos Trail – Overberg
- Western CapeThe Fynbos Trail – Overberg
- Western CapeThe Fynbos Trail – Overberg
- Western CapeThe Fynbos Trail – Overberg
- Western CapeThe Fynbos Trail – Overberg
- Western CapeThe Fynbos Trail – Overberg
- Western CapeThe Fynbos Trail – Overberg
Fully guided and catered trail (3 Days/2 Nights): R4500/pp
Surcharge if less than 4 persons: R900/pp
Self-guided and catered trail (3 Days/2 Nights): R3600/pp
Coastal add on day-night: R2100/pp
Whats included in this tour
- 2 Nights Accom in cottages
- All meals: 2 dinners, 2 lunches, 2 breakfasts (last lunch at an esteemed restaurant)
- Expert Fynbos Guide - for all 3 hike days
- Daily luggage transfers
- Fully guided catered option includes field guide book to Walker Bay, tree planting, wine tasting of Lomond and Witkrans wines and fynbos gift.