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
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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 Fynbos Retreat. (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 – Arum Lily & Fountain Bush Cottages

  2. Day 2Hike Day 2: Hike from Fynbos Retreat to Witkrans (12km / 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 to Grootbos Garden Lodge (6.5km / 3hrs)

    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 at Grootbos Garden Lodge where you will be treated to a 5-star lunch at this exclusive lodge.

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
  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 closed June and July and over December holidays. All other months are excellent for hiking, but the flowers are at their most spectacular and diverse in Spring (Sept/Oct). Should you do the coastal section add-on, then August to November is best for whale sightings.

  4. Can this hike be shortened or lengthened?

    The standard fynbos trail is only 2 nights, but you can add on the coastal hike day and night, which comes highly recommended.

  • 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.
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