De Hoop Camino slackpacking trail

Your first day on this walking trail starts with an optional 6km walk from the parking area, into Lekkerwater Beach Lodge where you will spend your first two glorious nights. The De Hoop Nature Reserve extends along the southern coast of the Western Cape and Lekkerwater is situated approximately half way along this spectacular reserve. This is an off-grid coastal escape surrounded by the rich natural history of the region, from the endemic fynbos and inter-tidal ecosystems to the remarkable mammal and birdlife.

You may spot schools of surfing dolphins, countless bird sightings (including the endangered black oystercatcher) while enjoying marine life thriving amongst the gullies and rock pools. Between July and November, Southern Right whales migrate here from the Antarctica to calve and breed in the warmer waters close to shore – making this an exceptional whale watching experience.

On day two you have the whole day to enjoy guided marine and nature walks exploring the coastline, or unguided beach and fynbos walks, swimming in rock pools (weather and tide dependant), discovering interesting fauna and flora or relaxing at the lodge soaking up the breathtaking views and glorious sunshine. Here you’ll be staying in one of seven intimate suites, with a private deck overlooking a five-km stretch of pristine beach. Enjoy delicious food and your nights lying in total comfort, listening to the crashing ocean waves while breathing in the salty sea air. This couldn’t be a better place to start.

It’s time to hit the long trail! You’ll spend today embarking on a leisurely self-guided 6.5-8 hour coastal walk along a walking trail from Lekkerwater Beach Lodge to Morukuru Beach Lodge, further west (your luggage will go on ahead of you). The De Hoop Nature Reserve is a 34 000-hectare conservancy, often referred to as the ‘jewel of the Western Cape’. The waters of this remarkable coastal reserve have been designated as a Marine Protected Area, and the sea life flourishes here.

Today you walk the most breath-taking section of the remarkable Whale Trail (The walk between the two lodges is a significant chunk of the Whale Trail’s Day 4 and all of Day 5). Enjoy 15km of endless Indian Ocean views, surrounding hills, gorges, caves and ravines. The landscape along the walk consists of a combination of beautiful sandy beaches, limestone karst rock platforms, cliffs and secluded beaches. Inland from the coast, discover large lowland fynbos.

The first section of the walk starts with lovely sandy beaches, limestone rock platforms, and at low-tide it is possible to go into the water of the rock platforms to explore the rock pools looking for the sea-life clinging to the rocks.

Once you get to the ‘whale watching sign’ the path drops down to a dry river bed with a deep valley entering the beach. Keep an eye out for young Cape fur seals and oystercatchers. Follow the path to explore the secluded beach and fynbos that greets you along the way. From here you stretch out into the cliff tops, with many places to stop and take in the spectacular views from the cliff’s edges as you meander. This is a walk to enjoy at your own pace, we encourage regular stops and to thoroughly explore the rock pools and secluded beaches.

Finally, you get to Morukuru Beach Lodge. Where luxury awaits! Enjoy a special evening enjoying the comfort of this stylish lodge and reminiscing on the discoveries of the day. It’s in reflecting back that you will get to truly value the journey that you’ve just taken.

Spend the day exploring the pristine coastline around Morukuru. Indulging in various activities including guided nature and tidal walks, encountering the rich diversity of sea life. There is also a guided fynbos experience which introduces you to various species of seasonal flowers. Each of these activities is a delight to experience.

This lodge is ideal for those seeking an eco-beach holiday where you can immerse yourself in the coastal nature experience. The roof top terrace at the lodge offers expansive views of the ocean, while the swimming pool and hot-tub are yours to marvel in.

Your day will be spent in total bliss. Discovering this wild wilderness, enjoying the culinary delights of the lodge and sipping sun-downers under the night sky, while listening to the crashing waves as you settle in around the crackling firepit.

De Hoop is a beautiful destination year-round. It’s gentle charms changing with the seasons. During summer (Nov-March) the days are perfect for coastal adventure. Use the fresh morning air to hike out into the fynbos, then cool off with a swim in the tidal pools during the heat of the day or enjoy a beach picnic on a private dune. In autumn (April-May) and spring (September-October) the fynbos comes to life, and sunsets are all about lazy evenings enjoyed with a glass of fine South African wine in hand.

Winter (July and August) is when the Southern Right whales arrive, congregating offshore to calve, mate and generally cavort in the warm seas. This walk is without doubt a spectacular luxury walking adventure, no matter what time of the year you go on vacation.

On day 5, after a delicious breakfast, you will be transferred by road back to your car at the Lekkerwater carpark, where you continue on your journey.