The Franschhoek Valley Walk is a 4 day self-guided walking/hiking holiday. A nature guide is provided for the morning of the first walking day in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve. It is an opportunity to experience the historic Franschhoek, known as the food and wine capital of South Africa.
The trip offers breathtaking Cape Winelands scenery and world class cuisine. TripAdvisor listed Franschhoek in 2014 as one of the top three destinations in South Africa.
Surrounded by majestic mountains and beautiful vineyards, the small town of Franschhoek, in the heart of the Cape Winelands, is known as the food and wine capital of South Africa. It offers breathtaking scenery, warm hospitality, world-class cuisine, and some of the finest wines.
Spectacular vineyards cover the mountain slopes, cultivated over 300 years ago by the Huguenots, who brought with them a rich French wine and food culture. This valley, steeped in history, is centered around a picturesque village with welcoming people, creating a birthplace for fine South African wines and gourmet cuisine with an international flair.
Village and Cuisine
Franschhoek’s main street is lined with coffee shops and restaurants, including some of the best in South Africa. The village shops offer art, crafts, and antiques, along with specialty stores such as a fromagerie, chocolaterie, and a carpet maker.
Franschhoek Valley Walk
An opportunity to experience distinctive and spectacular countryside, with breathtaking scenery, warm hospitality, world-class cuisine, and the finest wines—all creating lasting memories.
Mountains
Enjoy stunning views of the majestic mountains surrounding Franschhoek.
Fynbos Plants and Wildlife
The Cape Floral Region is the smallest but richest of the world’s six floral regions, with over 9,000 species. It’s been identified as one of the world’s 18 biodiversity hot spots.
Nature Reserve
Explore the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve, a natural heritage site where you can discover and learn about various indigenous plants, animals, geology, and the colourful history of the area, all while enjoying breathtaking views of Franschhoek Valley.
Views
Admire views over Franschhoek Valley, Theewaterskloof, the Berg River Dam, and the Cape Peninsula.
Wine Estates
In 2013, Franschhoek was voted the best wine route in "The Most Memorable Wine Route" category at the Klink Awards. Franschhoek’s world-famous vineyards range from small boutique wineries to larger cellars offering organized tours and tastings. Many of the wine farms also have their own restaurants, and the 48 Vignerons de Franschhoek members are known for their innovation, solidifying Franschhoek as one of the best wine-producing areas in the Cape Winelands.
Accommodation and Restaurant Options
Stay in a 4- or 5-star hotel or guesthouse. With award-winning restaurants, Franschhoek is known as the Gourmet Capital of South Africa, with 36 restaurants and 4 South African 5-star chefs producing world-class cuisine.
Historic Town
Discover Franschhoek’s rich history, from the pre-colonial settlers and the Dutch East India Company to the French Huguenots and local architecture. The Huguenot Memorial and museum provide insight into Franschhoek’s heritage and a peaceful environment to pause and enjoy nature.
Cycling / Horse Riding
Add an extra day for a unique wine tour by horseback, bicycle, or on the wine tram.
Other Activities
Additional activities in the Cape Winelands area can be added to your walking package.
Arrival in Franschhoek Valley for overnight.
The walking trip starts in the remarkable fynbos-rich Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve - abundant with a dazzling variety of birdlife at the top of the Franschhoek Pass. This includes a guide in the Nature Reserve to give background on what nature has to offer over the next 3 days. 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 Cats Path down to the centre of the town of Franschhoek. The path is of historic value and was built during the period 1819 1825 for the wagons to cross the mountain to the Overberg. After lunch and a wine tasting in the middle of the day a visit to the historic Huguenot Museum.
Distance: 10 km (Whole Day)
The morning will be spent at leisure in the beautiful historic town of Franschhoek with its interesting cafs and small shops of a big variety. Lunch and a wine tasting will be on one of the nearby wine estates in the Valley. Your route goes through beautiful vineyards and will include another wine estate visit.
Distance: 10 km (Whole Day)
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.
EXCLUDED
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
Comfortable, well aerated clothes in keeping with the season. Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), rucksack/day pack, 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.


