Cape Winelands Walk is a 4 day self-guided walking/hiking holiday offered by Trails and Travel. It is an opportunity to discover the area between Somerset West and Stellenbosch. This is one of the most beautiful parts of South Africa with distinctive and spectacular countryside.
You will stay in 4 star hotels/guesthouses. The Superior package offers superior 4 star rooms - and 5 star accommodation, if available. It is not a continuous walk. You will normally be based at two locations but it depends on availability. Transfers from arrival at the first hotel to the end of the trail are included in the package. Click on the pictures to view the high standard of accommodation:
Arrival in Somerset West for overnight.
Helderberg Nature Reserve: The walking trip starts in the remarkable fynbos-rich Helderberg Nature Reserve - abundant with a dazzling variety of birdlife - on the outskirts of the town of Somerset West. A nature guide will give an introduction on what nature has to offer in the Cape Winelands. From there we will follow our route through the vineyards of the stately Lourensford Wine Estate to the magnificent Vergelegen Wine Estate - which started out as VOC Governor Willem Adriaan van der Stels folly, more than 300 years ago. You can end your day's adventure at Vergelegen or at Morgenster Wine and Olive Estate.
Distance: 10 km (Whole day)
You start the day on the Lourensford Wine Estate and head in a north westerly direction, via De Trafford Wines, towards Dornier Wine Estate and the Blaauklippen Valley. A vigorous walk through vineyards and pristine fynbos countryside, with breathtaking views of the Hottentots Holland Mountain range, False Bay - and into the distance the mountains of the Cape Peninsula towards Cape Point. Wine tasting and light lunch at De Trafford Wines.
Distance: 15 km (Whole day, approximately 7 hours)
From Dornier Estate to Mont Marie Estate and Vriesenhof Estate on the western slopes of the Stellenbosch mountain in the Blaauwklippen valley and via Coetzenburg to Stellenbosch.
Distance: 14 km
The published rate is an indicative price. It will be confirmed on request. The following pricing factors will be considered: standard or superior accommodation, room sharing or single, group size, extra nights, transfers, guiding and other services.. A minimum of 2 people per group. Twenty percent deposit and the balance 6 weeks before trip.
Yes. Navigation is straightforward with the recommended mobile app which has a map, trail summary and navigation functionality. Simply follow our Wikiloc installation instructions which will be provided with your Trip Information pack. Download the country map for offline use and follow the route on your phone with the assurance that navigation will be simple, and you’ll find your way. Local towns are usually signposted. Sections of the trail can be featureless and without directions but you will have electronic support.
We recommend that you arrange appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of you having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason.
Can be considered if vacancy exists. If you require a single room, a single supplement will be quoted.
You will need a good quality mountain bike and your normal mountain biking gear for a day ride with perhaps some extra warm layers if the weather is cold. Your Trip information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard cycling gear.
The itinerary is designed to be enjoyable for a regular rider. If you currently don’t enjoy that level of fitness, then regular mountain biking supplemented by cardiovascular exercise for at least six months before your trip is recommended. Keep in mind the daily distances and changes in elevation in your daily itinerary. A good gym or personal trainer will be able to draw up a personalised training programme.
You can use local taxis to continue to your next overnight stop. Contact your Route Manager for advice and assistance.
Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your Trip Information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.
Travel insurance is compulsory. It is required to cover cancellations, personal effects, personal accidents, medical and emergency travel expenses.
Our bookings are generally private groups. You can book a guide for an exclusive trip.
What to Take
Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in day bag), day bag, swimming costume, 1 x water bottle with 1 litre capacity, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sun block/cream, rainproof, fleece, compass, torch and a first-aid kit.


