The "Darling Stagger" is la dolce vita South African style strolling through vineyards and farmlands, eating olives, cheese, tasting wine, plus San culture and the beach...and lovely landscapes everywhere. "Eve's Trail" is an awesome beach walk with marine life, archaeological sites, wildlife, and amazing seafood...bird life...pristine fynbos...wow. And these will all be Green Flag trails when they officially launch.
The initial "exploratory trails" are open to test the trails and let the guides polish their craft a bit before opening up fully to bookings. We'd love for hikers, foodies, birders, cultural aficionados, responsible tourism activists and industry insiders (among others) to experience these trails and provide their thoughtful inputs about how they stack up, how they can be improved, and any and all other feedback. The readers of Afrika T are especially encouraged to participate, spread the word and provide your input.
Okay, enough of the sales pitch. Here's the official announcement:
Introducing hospitable Cape West Coast trails for everyone, from hardcore mountain lovers, twitchers and botanists to family groups and modern-day strandlopers. These slackpacking trails, without the schlep, are guided and catered, comfortable and safe. Hikers carry a small daypack, lifts and luggage are organised and local folk and restaurants prepare meals in tradional West Coast style.
The Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve (CWCBR) celebrates the launch of three hiking trails, one canoe trail and one recreational cycling trail. All now open for bookings.
- DARLING STAGGER: A slow-paced, mouth-watering hiking trail from the hills of Darling through wine and olive farms to !Khwa ttu San Cultural Centre and down to Yzerfontein on the coast. (2.5 days, 25km)
- EVE’S TRAIL: A wilderness hiking trail from Yzerfontein along 16 Mile Beach, veering into the West Coast National Park and along the restful Langebaan Lagoon. (2.5 days, 30km)
- 5 BAY TRAIL: A gentle coast-hugging hiking trail between the fishing villages of Paternoster and Jacobsbaai. (2.5 days, 28km)
- WHEELS OF TIME: A recreational, back road cycling trail from Mamre to Darling, Elandsfontein Farm, the West Coast National Park and !Khwa Ttu (4 days, 146km).
- BERG RIVER CANOOZE: An effortless downstream kayak from Hopefield to Velddrif with farm stays en route. (2.5 days, 40km)
The hiking and canoe trails are power breaks of 2.5 days duration and the starting point is less than an hour and a half’s drive from Cape Town. The cycling trail is 4 days but can be done as two weekend power breaks. The trails are or will be accredited Green Flag Trails indicating that they strive to be environmentally and socially responsible.
Opening Offers
Initial exploratory trails as well as launch trails, reduced in price, are now open for bookings.Exploratory Trails (opening offer reduced by 45-55%, inclusive of accommodation,
meals and transfers) Initial exploratory trails, reduced in price are expected to be a little rough around the edges as the guides and other service providers are put through their paces. Participation in these trails will create the opportunity for the guides to practice, grow and learn, and the feedback provided by hikers will help perfect the experience.
Launch Trails (reduced by 10% inclusive of accommodation, meals and transfers)
To celebrate the launch, trails will be offered at a reduced price:
The trail launches coincide with key events in the region:
Darling Flower Show: 16-18 September 2011
Opening of the crayfish season: ~15 November 2011
Argus Cycle Tour: 11 March 2012
Berg River Canoe Marathon: 12 – 16 July 2012
After the launch dates, the trails will be open for bookings at full price on dates suited to clients.
The Exploratory Trails will be led by experienced trail developer and hiker Ivan Groenhof, who will be supported by a specialist river or cycle guide (where appropriate), and two or more local guides.
For more information, full itineraries and prices and to book for special opening offers on above dates or for any date at full price please call Ivan on 083 261 7960 or email trails@capebiosphere.co.za; www.capebiosphere.co.za/html/people/trails.html
The aim of the Cape West Coast Trails is to improve the socio-economic well-being of communities living within the Biosphere Reserve boundary. The network of trails will start, end or pass directly through eight communities in the CWCBR namely, Atlantis, Mamre, Darling, Velddrif, Paternoster, Jacobsbaai, Langebaan and Yzerfontein. Guides, caterers, drivers as well as accommodation and meals in restaurants have been sourced in these communities. We hope that you will join us as a pioneer in the early stages of development of these exciting trails.
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