Breast Cancer Care Events

Itinerary

A challenge which takes us through the breathtaking scenery of the Western Cape of South Africa. Enjoy this memorable trek through the vast national parks as we walk from the cape to the city and ascend to the peak of Table Mountain.

Day 1:  London Heathrow – Cape Town
Depart London Heathrow Airport early evening for your overnight scheduled economy class flight to Cape Town.

Day 2:  Cape Town – Hermanus
Arrive into Cape Town in the morning and transfer to Betty’s Bay (approximately one hour) for a relaxed lunch and a chance to acclimatise to the African climate and way of life. After lunch continue the journey to Hermanus (approximately 30 minutes) - known as the heart of the whale route, this seaside resort in Walkers Bay offers some of the best land-based whale watching in the world. There will be plenty of time for whale watching close to our hotel before dinner and the welcome briefing.

Day 3: De Hoop Nature Reserve – Potberg trail
Transfer (approximately two and a half hours) from Hermanus to De Hoop National Park, your home for the next two nights.

De Hoop Nature Reserve forms part of the world's smallest and most threatened plant kingdom - the Cape Floral Kingdom. The reserve has 86 mammal species and is famous for its variety of resident and migratory birds - more than 260 species have been recorded on the reserve.

Our first day trekking takes us in a northerly direction to the top of the Potberg from where there are great views of the Breede River Valley and a chance to catch a glimpse of the rare Cape Vulture – the only remaining breeding colony in the western cape. Initially there is a steep climb then a relatively flat plateau before making your way down a river gorge.

You walk directly from and back to the campsite (a choice of staying in dormitories or tents) so there is plenty of time to complete the trail, giving you a chance to enjoy the views and acclimatise on this first day trekking.

Day 4:  De Hoop National Park (unspoilt nature trek)
Today is a full day in the reserve. De Hoop has one of the largest marine protected areas in Africa. Marine mammals such as dolphins and seals occur in the waters off the coast and there is a good chance to see whales. Along with the plentiful birdlife there is a possibility of seeing antelope, baboons and ostriches today.

The trek is relatively flat along the lagoon edge until you reach the sand dunes, here you must climb the dunes to reach the Indian ocean... this is hard work but absolutely incredible! The trek continues along the coast until you reach a stunning wilderness beach where you can enjoy a swim or simply relax after a long day trekking. Stay overnight in dormitories or tents.

Day 5: Marloth Nature Reserve
An early morning transfer (approximately one and a half hours) takes us to Swellendam. Today’s trek is on a challenging route but don’t worry you have plenty of time to complete it. The circular route starts on a steep uphill path and then along the lower level mountains past the spectacular surrounding peaks.

Watch out for the diversity of birds and small animals along the way and you will be rewarded with incredible views over Swellendam and the Ruensveld. In the afternoon transfer (approximately one hour) to Montagu for a chance to enjoy a well deserved soak in the soothing warm water of the local hot springs. Stay overnight in a hotel in Montagu.

Day 6: McGregor to Greyton  - Boesmanskloof trail
Transfer (approx 45 minutes) to McGregor, the start of your trek on the Boesmanskloof trail to Greyton. Today is another challenging trek but again with plenty of time to enjoy the rewards along the way.

The 14km trail leads through the spectacular Riviersonderend Mountains with steep gorges, large rock pools, waterfalls and lovely Cape wildflowers. At either end lie the lush Greyton and Mcgregor valleys. The trail ascends, descends and contours the slopes of Boesmanskloof throughout. A series of waterfalls and pools known as the Oakes Falls provide a cool resting place and the opportunity for swimming before continuing to the end of the trail.

Here you will transfer (approximately one hour) to your accommodation nestled in the mountains – a welcome rest from a long day on foot!

Day 7: Cape Town – Seal Colony Trek
Transfer to Hout Bay in Cape Town (approximately two or three hours) for an afternoon trek to a seal colony. The trek takes you on a very steep downhill path to a coastal viewpoint from where you can see the seals on the opposite islands. Return following the rugged shoreline across large boulders and the steep narrow trail that follows back round the mountain. Continue through the harbour and along Hout Bay beach, finishing at your accommodation.

Enjoy a BBQ dinner overlooking the sea and relax in preparation for a big day tomorrow.

Day 8: Table Mountain – Highest Point
Today is the final challenge and a highlight of the trek!

Table Mountain is a sandstone plateau rising high above the Cape Flats. The top is approximately three kilometres wide, and its highest point, Maclears Beacon, rises to 1,085 metres. The steep cliffs and rocky outcrops of the mountain are home to a number of plants and animals. In fact - the famous Table Mountain is home to approximately 1,470 species of plants; more than the entire British Isles!

The initial climb is very steep but this soon flattens out at the top where you will stop for lunch and hopefully (weather permitting) enjoy the selection of stunning views in every direction. When the skies are clear, you can see the city and Robin Island (home to Nelson Mandela for many years), the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean, mountain ranges, ravines, the inland Plains and, all the way down to Cape Point.

After lunch, begin your final descent on a steep zig zagging path of large steps to the foot of the mountain where you will be transferred back to the hotel ready for your Gala dinner – a chance to celebrate your achievements over the last week!

Day 9: Cape Town
Free day to enjoy and explore Cape Town before transferring (late afternoon) to the airport for your evening flight back to the UK.

Day 10: London Heathrow
Arrive into London Heathrow in the morning.

Note: Itinerary, dates and flight times are subject to change.

All air and ground travel arrangements for Trek South Africa are organised by Jenman Safaris (SATSA 914 - Southern African Tourism Services Association) and Tailor Made Holidays (ATOL protected 4204), and their booking conditions apply.