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If you’re looking for a new challenge and itching to tackle the great outdoors, then we’ve got you covered! The Western Cape has some of the best overnight hiking trails that’ll take you on an adventure like no other. Scenic routes and majestic flora is what you can expect if you’re keen on venturing out for an experience of a lifetime.

So grab your hiking gear as we explore the breathtaking location that is the Cape of Good Hope trail:

Cape of Good Hope hiking trail

This two-day, one-night adventure follows circular route of 33.8km through. It begins and ends at the entrance gate of the Cape of Good Hope, where secure overnight parking is provided. When embarking on this hike, you can expect fragrant fynbos trails, secluded beaches and overnight accommodation at Rooikrans in one of three cottages each of which sleeps six people. Make sure to bring your own bedding.

Tariffs:

  • R355 per person (rate is per person and not per hut)
  • The hut sleeps six people and groups may have to share a hut. If you wish to have a hut on an exclusive use basis you will need to pay for the spare beds in the hut to ensure you are not sharing.
  • This tariff does not include the daily conservation/entry fee that is payable on the day of arrival at the Main Gate.

Check-in/out time:

Gates open at 6am from October to March and at 7am from April to September. No entry will be allowed before this time. Hikers must start the trail before 9am on the day of arrival in order to ensure that the hike will be completed in daylight. Departure from the hut by 9am the following day.

Bookings:

Reservations for the trail can be made by contacting:

Hikers should note the following, as outlined by SANParks:

  • It’s essential to complete the Overnight Hiking register upon collection of key, which is obtainable from the Access Control Officer on duty. The same register should be signed upon departure. Remember to hand in the keys. Your Confirmation booking form needs to be handed to the Access Control Officer before 9am on the date of arrival.
  • Bring your own bedding, pillows, and sleeping bag
  • All cutlery and crockery are provided (plates, knives, forks, mugs).
  • There are showers.
  • The huts are solar powered, so it’s important to conserve power. A light meter has been installed and lights will only switch on when it is sufficiently dark.
  • There is a two-plate gas burner at the ERICA hut.
  • At The PROTEA and RESTIO huts there is a communal bathroom and kitchen with a three-plate gas burner.
  • Ensure that the lights are switched off before you leave.
  • All huts have braai places and braai grids, however, wood or charcoal is not supplied. Make sure to carry your own charcoal or use the gas on site.
  • Ensure that all fires are extinguished or secure before sleeping and before you leave.
  • Be Aware of baboons in the vicinity of the Hut. When given the opportunity they will enter the hut and destroy property and personal belongings. When you leave, ensure that all the doors and windows of the Overnight Hut are closed and locked so that baboons cannot enter.

Have a look at the hiking rules over here.

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