Day walks in the Overberg region
Elgin Valley | De Hoop Nature Reserve | De Mond | Salmonsdam Nature Reserve
Groenlandberg Ramble (TAGM6)
Take a walk through the Elgin Valley enjoying the magnificent views of the surrounding Groenlandberg. Nature at its best, this pristine area is home to some of the finest fynbos with some rare red data species amongst the more common plants on the slopes of the mountain.
A challenging route, but suitable for anyone of average fitness. The excursion focuses on the nature aspect including a walk through the game
area where fine species of antelope can be seen. It is approximately two hours in duration with stops for refreshments en route. You can also taste some of the finest wines of the area on the world's first biodiversity wine route.
Departure point: Tri Active Lodge, off the N2, Elgin Valley
Duration: Full day - guided tour
Price: R295 per person – valid to 31 October 2011. Pre-booking essential.
Minimum no: 4 people
Maximum no: 10 people per guide
Refreshments: Bottled Water
Included: Wine tasting, sandwiches, entrance fees
Transfers: Transfers to and from the departure point can be arranged on request at extra cost
DE HOOP NATURE RESERVE
De Hoop Coastal Trail
Nearest town: 53 km east of Bredasdorp
Trail Description: This linear trail begins at Koppie Alleen. Enjoy either a beach walk or an exploratory ramble along rocky shores. Both walks are best at low tide when the beach sand is most suitable for walking and coastal limestone platforms become exposed. The rock pools are ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Potberg Trail
Nearest Town: 53 km east of Bredasdorp
Trail Distance: 10 km (4 hours)
Trail description: This trail follows the Potberg mountains, in the northeastern part of De Hoop. The linear trail takes you in a northerly direction to the top of Potberg from where there are good views of the Breede River valley and the Cape vulture colony.
De Hoop Vlei Trail
Nearest Town: 53 kms east of Bredasdorp
Trail Distance: Hike to De Hoop for the full 15km, or circle back on two jeep tracks for a shorter hike.
Trail description: There are three variations to the trail (Grebe Trail, Heron Trail and Coot Trail) and hikers may walk the entire 15 km to Die Mond, or cut their walk short by circling back along one of two jeep tracks. The Grebe Trail, the longest route, takes approximately three hours to complete and affords hikers good views of the vlei as well as ample opportunity for bird watching. The Heron Trail may be walked in less than two hours while the shortest route, the Coot Trail, may be completed in an hour.
De Hoop Klipspringer Trail
Nearest Town: 53km east of Bredasdorp
Trail distance: 6km (2 hours)
Trail description: Hike in the Potberg mountains, in the north-eastern section of the De Hoop Nature Reserve with views of the Breede River valley, the Cape vulture colony and mountain fynbos. The Cape vulture colony at Potberg, with 25 breeding pairs, is the only remaining breeding colony in the winter rainfall region.
DE MOND
Sterna Hiking Trail
Nearest Town: 26km south-east of Bredasdorp, near Arniston
Trail distance: 7km (3 hours)
Trail description: Named after the Damara tern (Sterna balaenarum, the trail takes you on a circular tour of the reserve. The vegetation along the way is characterised by dune milkwood thickets, limestone fynbos and dune fynbos.
De Mond to Arniston Trail
Nearest Town: 26km south-east of Bredasdorp, near Arniston
Trail distance: 4 hours
Trail description: This is an unidirectional trek along the coast, past Waenhuiskrans cave, and nearby fish traps and middens once used by the Khoisan. There is also the remains of an old shipping beacon near the point - a concrete structure on the beach that carried a copper ball that reflected sunlight and warned skippers of the reef.
SALMONSDAM NATURE RESERVE
Salmonsdam Waterfall Trail
Nearest Town: Hermanus en Stanford
Trail Distance: 2km (1 hour)
Trail description: This out and back route leads through thick fynbos to a waterfall. Indigenous trees such as Cape beech and spoonwood will be seen along the route that follows through thick fynbos. The hike is very easy.
Salmonsdam Mountain Trail
Nearest Town: Hermanus en Stanford
Trail Distance: 4km (2 hour)
Trail description: This circular trail begins at the foot of Perdeberg and leads to a lookout with views of Walker Bay, Caledon and Bredasdorp. This is the longest trail on the reserve.
Salmonsdam Ravine Trail
Nearest Town: Hermanus en Stanford
Trail Distance: 3km (1,5 hour)
Trail description: This out and back trail leads through Keeromskloof, past interesting rock formations and caves, and patches of indigenous forest.