Hike among fynbos and vineyards with spectacular views in the beautiful Overberg. Enjoy fantastic wine experiences from the nearby wineries
12 DAYS HIKING TRIP
Beyond beautiful hiking
2 nights
Franschhoek
Franschhoek
The town of Franschhoek – which in Afrikaans means the French hook – is well known for three quality things, you should be able to: eat well, drink well and sleep well. The town definitely lives up to its reputation, located in one of the world’s most beautiful wine valleys. For more than 300 years ago settled by the French Huguenots in the region, bringing with them their winemaking and food knowledge, which has today resulted in South Africa’s gastronomic capital. It was only when the French Huguenots arrived in South Africa, that the wine culture took off and with their knowledge they laid the foundation for today’s South African wine industry.
IS KNOWN FOR:
FANTASTIC WINERIES
GOURMET RESTAURANTS
EXCELLENT ACCOMMODA-TION
EXPLORE THE WINELANDS BY AIR
MANY HIKING TRAILS
STUNNING VIEWS
EXCELLENT GOLF
Franschhoek
The town of Franschhoek – which in Afrikaans means the French hook – is well known for three quality things, you should be able to: eat well, drink well and sleep well. The town definitely lives up to its reputation, located in one of the world’s most beautiful wine valleys. For more than 300 years ago settled by the French Huguenots in the region, bringing with them their winemaking and food knowledge, which has today resulted in South Africa’s gastronomic capital. It was only when the French Huguenots arrived in South Africa, that the wine culture took off and with their knowledge they laid the foundation for today’s South African wine industry.
IS KNOWN FOR:
FANTASTIC WINERIES
GOURMET RESTAURANTS
EXCELLENT ACCOMMODA-TION
EXPLORE THE WINELANDS BY AIR
MANY HIKING TRAILS
STUNNING VIEWS
EXCELLENT GOLF
4 nights
Elgin
Elgin
Experience a memorable adventure hike among the flora and fauna of uniquely beautiful nature in the Elgin Valley, Western Cape. In Overberg, from the Elgin valley, the Green Mountain Trail, a 4-day slackpacking trail that winds its way through fynbos and vines and is a total of 60 km, divided into four days. The Blue Mountain Trail is a 3-day slackpacking trail. Included in this adventure are home-cooked meals, wine tastings, transfers to and from the starting and end points, trained mountain guides and overnighting at the 4-star Wildekrans Country House. The accommodation is of a high standard as well as the food and the locally produced wines.
IS KNOWN FOR:
BEAUTIFUL HIKING TRAILS
FANTASTIC WINERIES
FANTASTICK FOOD
EXCELLENT ACCOMMODA-TION
STUNNING VIEWS
Elgin
Experience a memorable adventure hike among the flora and fauna of uniquely beautiful nature in the Elgin Valley, Western Cape. In Overberg, from the Elgin valley, the Green Mountain Trail, a 4-day slackpacking trail that winds its way through fynbos and vines and is a total of 60 km, divided into four days. The Blue Mountain Trail is a 3-day slackpacking trail. Included in this adventure are home-cooked meals, wine tastings, transfers to and from the starting and end points, trained mountain guides and overnighting at the 4-star Wildekrans Country House. The accommodation is of a high standard as well as the food and the locally produced wines.
IS KNOWN FOR:
BEAUTIFUL HIKING TRAILS
FANTASTIC WINERIES
FANTASTICK FOOD
EXCELLENT ACCOMMODA-TION
STUNNING VIEWS
2 nights
Hermanus
Hermanus
Hermanus is situated in the unique and attractive area of Walker Bay which is surrounded by ocean, mountains, and miles of white beaches. Hermanus with its breathtaking nature and famous cliff paths is known as the best land-based whale whatching spot in the world (from June to early Decebmer). Just a few meters from land on the cliffs you can watch whales in the bay, which makes Hermanus the best place in the world to see these magnificent mammals. Visit the beautiful Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, one of the most southern wine districts in Africa, where several of the country’s top winemakers are located and developing their wines.
IS KNOWN FOR:
WHALE WATCHING
HIKING TRAILS
EXCELLENT GOLF
FANTASTIC WINERIES
GOOD RESTAURANTS
SHARK CAGE DIVING
LOT'S OF ACTIVITIES
BEAUTIFUL BEACHES
Hermanus
Hermanus is situated in the unique and attractive area of Walker Bay which is surrounded by ocean, mountains, and miles of white beaches. Hermanus with its breathtaking nature and famous cliff paths is known as the best land-based whale whatching spot in the world (from June to early Decebmer). Just a few meters from land on the cliffs you can watch whales in the bay, which makes Hermanus the best place in the world to see these magnificent mammals. Visit the beautiful Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, one of the most southern wine districts in Africa, where several of the country’s top winemakers are located and developing their wines.
IS KNOWN FOR:
WHALE WATCHING
HIKING TRAILS
EXCELLENT GOLF
FANTASTIC WINERIES
GOOD RESTAURANTS
SHARK CAGE DIVING
LOT'S OF ACTIVITIES
BEAUTIFUL BEACHES
3 nights
Cape Town
Cape Town
Cape Town is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world with its magnificent nature, beautiful coasts, white beaches and cloud-covered mountains. Cape Town is the mecca of attractions that offers a great variety of fantastic experiences – something that suits everyone! The city is beautifully situated at the foot of Table Mountain, its most famous landmark. There are plenty of nice restaurants, shopping, exciting activities etc. In Cape Town, you will find green and lush Constantia Winelands with some of the oldest and magnificent wineries in the country.
IS KNOWN FOR:
STUNNING VINEYARDS
MANY GREAT RESTAURANTS
EXPERIENCE CAPE TOWN FROM ABOVE
SEAL SNORKLING
BEAUTIFUL HIKING TRAILS
EXCITING ACTIVITIES
EXCELLENT GOLF COURSES
Cape Town
Cape Town is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world with its magnificent nature, beautiful coasts, white beaches and cloud-covered mountains. Cape Town is the mecca of attractions that offers a great variety of fantastic experiences – something that suits everyone! The city is beautifully situated at the foot of Table Mountain, its most famous landmark. There are plenty of nice restaurants, shopping, exciting activities etc. In Cape Town, you will find green and lush Constantia Winelands with some of the oldest and magnificent wineries in the country.
IS KNOWN FOR:
STUNNING VINEYARDS
MANY GREAT RESTAURANTS
EXPERIENCE CAPE TOWN FROM ABOVE
SEAL SNORKLING
BEAUTIFUL HIKING TRAILS
EXCITING ACTIVITIES
EXCELLENT GOLF COURSES
2 nights
Greater Kruger
Greater Kruger
The Kruger National Park, which is over two million hectares, as large as Israel, is located in the provinces of Mpumalanga and Limpopo in northeastern South Africa. Greater Kruger is the largest national park and one of the world’s wildlife-rich parks. Adjacent to the national park are many private game reserves and together this area forms the “Greater Kruger” Greater Kruger includes the private game reserves; Sabi Sand, Timbavati, Makuya, Letaba, Balule, Klaserie, Umbabat, Manyeleti. In Greater Kruger there is a big chance to spot the Big 5 but is of course dependent on the season as well as skilled guides and “hawk-eyed” trackers.
IS KNOWN FOR:
THE BIG FIVE
GREAT ACCOMMODA-TION
BUSH WALKS
EXCELLENT FOOD
LOT'S TO EXPERIENCE
SPA FACILITIES
Greater Kruger
The Kruger National Park, which is over two million hectares, as large as Israel, is located in the provinces of Mpumalanga and Limpopo in northeastern South Africa. Greater Kruger is the largest national park and one of the world’s wildlife-rich parks. Adjacent to the national park are many private game reserves and together this area forms the “Greater Kruger” Greater Kruger includes the private game reserves; Sabi Sand, Timbavati, Makuya, Letaba, Balule, Klaserie, Umbabat, Manyeleti. In Greater Kruger there is a big chance to spot the Big 5 but is of course dependent on the season as well as skilled guides and “hawk-eyed” trackers.
IS KNOWN FOR:
THE BIG FIVE
GREAT ACCOMMODA-TION
BUSH WALKS
EXCELLENT FOOD
LOT'S TO EXPERIENCE
SPA FACILITIES
HIGHLIGHTS
Experience a hike among fynbos (local beautiful bushes) in very spectacular and beautiful environments
Enjoy a wine tasting at one of the many renowned vineyards in Elgin Valley
Be captivated by the beautiful views at Green Mountain Trail
The round trip begins in the capital of gastronomy, Franschhoek, followed by wine tasting in the wine capital, Stellenbosch (2 nights Franschhoek). We continue to the Elgin Valley for the Green Mountain Trail among fynbos and vines, hiking for 4 days/nights. To the scenic coastal town of Hermanus for 2 nights and ending the trip in one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Cape Town 3 nights. During the trip you will experience Upplev Sydafrika’s best chosen restaurants and vineyards – some of South Africa’s absolute best!
Dates: The trip can be booked on any preferred day of the week, and the duration of the stay can be adjusted according to your wishes. Green Mountain Trail starts on Mondays.
Length of trip: 11 nights / 12 days in Western Cape Peninsula + 2 travel days (flight).
This trip can be booked with private transport + driver/guide.
Preliminary itinerary
DAY BY DAY – READ MORE
Day 1. Franschhoek.
After arriving Cape Town Airport, transfer to the gastronomic town of Franschhoek. Check-in at a nice pre-choosen Guesthouse. Lunch at a beautiful located vineyard just outside Franschhoek. Afternoon at your own in the picturesque town. Dinner booked at award-winning restaurant in central Franschhoek.
Day 2. Franschhoek/Stellenbosch.
After breakfast, wine- and chocolate tasting at a vineyard in Stellenbosch. Lunch at beautiful vineyard with stunning views. In the afternoon, join a hop-on hop off tour with the Wine tram in Franschhoek’s fantastic wine valley and try the exquisite wine at several of the famous vineyards around the wine valley. Alternatively, a guided wine tour with transport is recommended.
Day 3. Vergelegen Estate/Green Mountain Trail.
After breakfast transfer to Vergelegen Estate for winetasting and some hiking among roses and vines in the beautiful garden. Picnic lunch at the Camphor Forest. Transfer to Porcupine Hills in Groenlandberg/Overberg, wine tasting, dinner and overnight.
Day 4. Green Mountain Trail/Kogelberg Conservancy Core.
Breakfast at Porcupine Hills. Transfer to Kogelberg Biosphere fringe. Hike along the top of the Groenlandberg through the Biosphere Core to Nuweberg, lunch on the mountain. Transfer to Porcupine Hills. Dinner & overnight (approximately 18 km hiking).
Day 5. Green Mountain Trail/Through Fynbos & Vines.
Transfer to Nuweberg (luggage transferd to Wildekrans Country House). Hike through vineyards and fynbos along the foot of the Groenlandberg. Picnic lunch on Oak Valley Wine Estate. Continue to Paul Cluver Wine Estate for wine tasting & afternoon tea. Transfer to Wildekrans Country House, Houw Hoek Village. Dinner & overnight (approximately 15 km hiking).
Day 6. Green Mountain Trail/Game & forests.
After breakfast at Wildekrans, transfer to Paul Cluver Wine Estate. Hiking begins through Paul Cluver Amphitheatre forest. Lunch under the trees at Wildekrans Country House. Afternoon at leisure, option to do 7 km Houw Hoek Trail. Wine tasting, dinner & overnight at Wildekrans Country House (approximately 13 km hiking).
Day 7. Green Mountain Trail end/Leopard & Ox Wagon Route.
Breakfast at Wildekrans Country House. Head towards Botriver through Biosphere fynbos. Rest stop at Stony Beach and ledge rock. Climb up Pincushion ridge and discover Hawston view. Walk into Botriver and experience Beaumont Wines and lunch in Botriver village. Transfer to the charming coastal town of Hermanus and check-in at a nice pre-choosen Guesthosue with beautiful views over Walker Bay. You can often spot some whales, dolphins and seals in the ocean. Afternoon, evening and dinner at your own in Hermanus (approximately 11 km hiking).
Day 8. Hermanus.
A whole day at your own. Choose between different activities in and around Hermanus: horseback riding among wild horses, whale watching (July to beginning December), Shark cage diving, hiking, kayaking, wine tasting at Hemel-en-Aarde etc.
Day 9. Hermanus/Cape Town.
After breakfast, transfer to one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Cape Town. Check-in at pre-choosen hotel or Guesthouse. We recommend a city tour with the hop-on hop-off bus. Afternoon and evening at your own in Cape Town. Choose between different activities: Robben Island, V&A Waterfront, Signal Hill, Camps Bay etc.
Day 10. Cape Town/Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden.
After breakfast transfer to Kirstenbosch Botancal Garden. Hiking Table Mountain – Skeleton Gorge – one of the most beautiful tour up to the top and then hike the Nursery Ravine back to Kirstenbosch (approximately 4-5 hours). Lunch at your own in the beautiful surrondings of the garden. Afternoon, evening and dinner at your own.
Day 11. Cape Peninsula/Cape of Good Hope.
A whole day excursion to Cape Point nature reserve and Cape of Good Hope with hiking and stop i Simonstown, Boulders Beach with penguins. The tour takes you along the coast via Hout Bay, the beautiful 10 km long Chapman’s Peaks Drive towards. Lunch is pre-booked at a nice restaurant. Include an excursion to beautiful, lush Constantia Winelands with the oldest and most magnificent vineyards in the country. Dinner at your own in Cape Town.
Day 12. Cape Town.
A whole day at your own. Visit V&A Waterfront with exciting streetlife, shopping and restaurants or relax by the pool. Afternoon transfer to Cape Town Airport.
3 DAYS ADD ON SAFARI AT GREATER KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
ADD-ON SAFARI: 2 nights at MalaMala Game Reserve
Day 12. Cape Town/MalaMala Game Reserve.
After breakfast transfer to Cape Town Airport for domestic flights to the Kruger Park. At the airport you will be picked up and transported to the MalaMala Game Reserve. Afternoon check-in at MalaMala with game drive/safari.
Day 13. MalaMala Game Reserve.
Safari program at MalaMala Game Reserve.
Day 14. MalaMala Game Reserve/Departue.
After morning game drive transfer to the airport. Flights to Johannesburg Airport for return home.
GREEN MOUNTAIN TRAIL GUEST REVIEW
“…Something that I fully appreciated was the four nights spent in both grandiose and comfortably furnished farms during our hike on Green Mountain Trail. Tony and his wife with their three lovely dogs; the two black embellishments with a total of three green eyes (one had lost one) well matching the slight tiger trimmed giant who constantly demanded attention. Yes, and so of course the charming and articulate Lady with her artistic chair-fixed husband. They had turned their barn to an original cha(i)rming dining room.”
– OLLE CARAPI
Activities
South Africa has a lot to offer in terms of activities. Upplev Sydafrika have put together activities to do in regions or hubs you will pass during your trip. Contact us for more information.
ADD-ON TRIPS
Upplev Sydafrika recommends these carefully
chosen add-on trips of 2-4 days
Utmost safari experience
Experience an unforgettable safari in mighty Greater Kruger National Park.
READ MOREThe Paradise Experience
Enjoy the delightful comfort of barefoot luxury in the ultimate paradise.
READ MORELuxury Train Travel
Be captivated by the spectacular landscape of South Africa from the most luxury train in the world, Rovos Rail!
READ MORE
You can travel to South Africa all year round, but we recommend going September to May
Healthcare is good in South Africa. Even so we suggest obtaining a sound travel insurance before departure
As a EU and UK citizen, you will receive a 90-day tourist visa upon arrival in South Africa
To ponder before travelling:
The so-called “peak season” in December / January is very popular indeed and requires booking of accommodation, safaris, activities and restaurants well in advance.