Discover the vineyards, captivating history, scenic landscapes, mountains and cuisine of the Cape Winelands by exploring the unique character of Somerset West, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek on foot.Your journey will start in Somerset West.
You will walk through Fynbos, along private and secure footpaths that wend their way through some of South Africas most esteemed wine estates. Visit historic Stellenbosch. The towns oak-shaded streets and Cape Dutch architecture gives a sense of South Africas Dutch colonial history.
Experience Franschhoek, known as the food and wine capital of South Africa. It offers breath-taking Cape Winelands scenery and world class cuisine including well known historic wine estates.
Mountains
Stunning views of the Hottentots Holland- , Helderberg, Stellenbosch- and Franschhoek mountains.
Fynbos plants and wildlife
The Cape Floral Region is the smallest but richest of the worlds 6 floral regions- no less than 9,000 species.It has been identified as one of the worlds 18 biodiversity hot spots. A nature guide will give an introduction to the unique plant life.
Nature Reserves
Helderberg- and Mont Rochelle Nature Reserves, representing the Cape Floral Region and recognised as a World Heritage site. A guide will discuss the various indigenous plants, animals, geology and the history of the Franschhoek area while you are enjoying the breathtaking views of the Franschhoek Valley from Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve.
Views
Gordons Bay, Strand, Somerset West, False Bay, Stellenbosch and the Franschhoek Valley.
Wine estates
Arguably some of the most beautiful wine estates in the world, with history dating back to 1700. Larger cellars offer organised tours and tastings and their own restaurants.
Accommodation and restaurant options
4 or 5 Star hotel or guesthouse with prize winning restaurants. Franschhoek alone has 36 restaurants, and 4 South African 5 star chefs continuously offering world class cuisine.
Historic towns
Discover South Africas second oldest town - Stellenbosch. Explore Franschhoek's interesting French connection.
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)
Lourensford Estate to Blaauwklippen Valley
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.
Overnight: Stellenbosch
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
Option to include the Waterford Estate Porcupine Trail (5 km- 3 hours). For this inclusion on Day 4 there will be a route change and additional costs. The property is situated on the slopes of the beautiful Helderberg Mountain in the Stellenbosch region the undisputed wine capital of South Africa. The Estate has chosen to use only half of the total land for the planting of vines, in order to preserve and maintain the natural flora and fauna of the beautiful Blaauwklippen (blue stone) valley. The Cape is home to the largest and most spectacular concentration of flowers and plants found anywhere on earth. Wine tasting and light lunch at Waterford Estate.
After Cape Town, Stellenbosch is South Africas oldest settlement and steeped in a fascinating and convoluted history. The days walk is through the proud old university town with its countless splendidly preserved buildings. This is a walk through history. Transfer and overnight Franschhoek.
Distance: 10 km
Explore the fynbos-rich Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve - abundant with a dazzling variety of birdlife at the top of the Franschhoek Pass. A guide will accompany you and give insights to make the most of the experience. From the heights you will have breathtaking views of the valley- as far as Table Mountain on a clear day.
From the Nature Reserve follow the historic Cats Path down to the centre of the town of Franschhoek. Lunch and a wine tasting will be on an estates or in town. Spend the afternoon in the beautiful historic town with its interesting cafs and small shops of a big variety.
Overnight: Franschhoek
Distance: 10-12 km
Today includes a walk through the beautiful vineyards of the Franschhoek Valley. This includes as a visit to the La Motte Wine Estate and its own private walking trail with beautiful fynbos. The wonderful views over the Franschhoek Valley are a prelude to a wine tasting in these renowned and beautiful surroundings.
Lunch can then be enjoyed in the highly rated restaurant on the farm. A visit to the art gallery and museum is also highly recommended.
Distance: 11 km (Whole day)
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.


