DE HOOP CAMINO Luxury Coastal Walking Trail – 5 days/4 nights

When to go:

Lekkerwater Beach Lodge is truly a year-round destination, its gentle charms shifting with the changing seasons.

During the southern hemisphere’s summer (November-March) the days are perfect for coastal adventures. 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. The first Southern Right whales usually arrive in May or June but the best months for whale watching are August to October, when the bay in front of the lodge can be home to hundreds of whales at any one time.

While each month offers its own attraction, all Lekkerwater Beach Lodge and Morukuru Beach Lodge activities are offered year-round, weather and tide permitting.

Things to know:

• Your luggage will be transported for you between the two lodges.
• A guide is available at an additional cost for the section between Lekkerwater and Morukuru, should you not wish to walk unguided.
• De Hoop Nature Reserve is located little more than three hours’ drive from Cape Town.
• The walk between Lekkerwater and Morukuru is around 15km. With stops and explorations, this section will take a good part of the day. The length of the walks at both Lekkerwater and Morukuru will depend on the levels of fitness and enthusiasm which could push the total distance walked over the five days up to 45km-50km.
• This walk needs a minimum of two guests and small groups are highly recommended.
• To get the maximum enjoyment of this experience guests need to be reasonably fit, active and agile.
• Departure days starting at Lekkerwater Beach Lodge: every Monday, Wednesday, or Friday (subject to lodge availability)

What to bring?

• A sense of fun an adventure!
• A small backpack with drinking water and a lunch-pack, sun block, swimming costume, sarong, a wide brimmed hat, binoculars and camera.
• Comfortable closed walking shoes, as well as reef shoes if you have a pair.
• A small first aid kit

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

Road transfer of you and/or your luggage from Lekkerwater carpark to Lekkerwater Beach Lodge; two nights at Lekkerwater Beach Lodge; two nights at Morukuru Beach Lodge; luggage transfers from Lekkerwater to Morukuru Beach Lodge; road transfer from Morukuru Beach Lodge to Lekkerwater carpark; all meals; all local drinks and in-lodge activities. The walk between the lodges is self-guided. But, at an extra cost, we can include the services of a guide.

WHAT IS EXCLUDED:

Transfers by road (or airplane/helicopter) to and from De Hoop Nature Reserve; park entrance fees (R50 per person per night paid in cash to Cape Nature on arrival at De Hoop Nature Reserve gate); laundry service at Morukuru; fully comprehensive travel insurance; gratuities to lodge staff and guides; and premium wines, spirits and champagnes not on the “house” list. Conservation, Community and Reserve fee (R 500 pp, pn) at Lekkerwater. Conservation & Community fee (R 100 pp, pn) at Morukuru Beach Lodge.