Alikreukel Trail

 

The Alikreukel Trail runs along the beautiful stretch of coast in the Southern Cape, from Blombos, through Jongensfontein and Stillbaai. You will traverse wild, rocky shores, lonely beaches, stretches of fynbos covered coastal dunes, caves, amazing sea life and intriguing cultural heritage. Be fascinated by the mysteries of the past, while experiencing the delights of the present. As a variation from hiking there is an opportunity to paddle on the pristine and breathtaking Goukou River, lunch at an olive farm and visit the famous Blombos Cave museum exhibition.

Trail Details

Trail location

On the Southern Coast of South Africa, near Stillbaai (Quiet Bay). About 350 km from Cape Town in the area known as the Southern Cape.

Nearest town

The trail finishes in the resort town of Stillbaai, with the nearest major hub of Mossel Bay being approximately 100km and the nearest airport hub of George 140 km.

Transport options

Stillbaai is 26 km off the main N2 route between Cape Town and George. George is the closest airport hub, with daily shuttles to Stillbaai and there is mainline bus between Cape Town and the Goerge, with stops at Riversdale (50 km) and Mossel Bay.

Trip Duration / Options

Option 1. Four days.  This includes 3 days of hiking along the coast, and one day paddling in kayaks for a short distance up the Goukou river and back, visiting an olive farm.

Option 2. Shorter options can be negotiated with the trail manager.

Start / Finish

Start: Jongensfontein (overnight before the first day) GPS: 34˚25’32.60 S / 21˚20’13.00.  The actual hike starts at Blombos.

Finish: Stilbaai

Daily Time / Distances

Day 1: 16 km    Day 2: 12 km    Day 3: 3 km walking, 4 km paddling     Day 4: 12 km

Day 1: 8 hours     Day 2: 6 hours  Day 3:  7 hours     Day 4:  5 hours

Trail Grading

On a scale of Easy – Moderate – Strenuous

This trail is moderate. A reasonable level of hiking fitness is required but most active hikers will manage. The first day is fairly challenging with rough terrain in places.

Physical Fitness

Moderate fitness required.  Hikers need to be used to walking long distances.

Technical detail / Terrain

Terrain varies from well-defined paths with some loose stones and uneven surfaces, to loose sand, hard sand and rocky terrain.  Some steep sandy slopes and exposure on the first day’s route.  The kayaks are very stable and easy to handle.

Accommodation

The night before the hike and after day one’s hike: Comfortable guest cottages in Jongensfontein.

Day 2 and 3: Comfortable Guest house in Stilbaai.  Single and double room options on all nights. All bedding supplied.

Food Supply / Catering

This is a fully catered trail with dinner, breakfast, hot beverages and purified water supplied.  Lunch packs supplied on 3 days, and one lunch at an olive farm. Cold beverages / drinks for own account.

Logistic support / Guiding

All overnight luggage is transported between overnight places.  Only day packs must be carried. All local transport also included in the package.

The trail is guided by a fully trained, accredited Mountain Guide, with a Nature Guide qualification.

Highlights

  • Hike past the now famous Blombos Cave, where people lived more than 70 000 years ago
  • Learn about how these people lived and that they are actually our ancestors
  • Learn more about inter-tidal sea life and fascinating facts about the octopus – also see it in its’ natural environment
  • Walk through a variety of fynbos, coastal vegetation, rock formations and a melkhout tree forest
  • See whales near the coast in season
  • Visit the impressive stone fish traps that the Khoikhoi people built more than 2000 years ago
  • View the museum exhibition about the Blombos cave and see actual artefacts excavated
  • See what the semi-petrified sand dunes, formed during the last ice age, reveals about local conditions back then
  • Taste the alikreukel shellfish in a starter to one of your meals

Other Activities

Paddle in a kayak up the most scenic part of the Goukou River and visit an olive farm for an olive tasting

Fauna & Flora

Coastal dune flora with some milkwood forest patches.  Variety of coastal and water birds

Climate

Very moderate climate without extreme temperatures. Maximum temp rarely exceeds 28 C. Rain falls throughout the year, with the most likelihood in late spring and autumn.  The area can be windy in spring and summer.

Seasonality & Best Time Year

The trail is only in operation from September through to early June, excluding the summer holiday period. Best time to do the trail is October and November, as well as from March to May.

Group Size

Minimum of 6 hikers required.  Maximum of 14 can be accommodated

Price P/P

R6 400 pp sharing; groups of 10 or more
R6 800 pp sharing; less than 10 persons
Single rates on application

R

Price Includes

  • 4 nights accommodation
  • All Meals: Dinner, Breakfast & Packed lunch on hike days, purified water
  • Museum visit and information sessions
  • Local Hiking/Nature Guide with first aid qualification and medical kit
  • Local transport during the hiking trip
  • Luggage Transfers & Vehicle Support

Optional extras: Cold drinks and alcoholic drinks, extra orders during meals, out-of-the-ordinary food preferences. Hikers can bring their own drinks.

Trail Operator

Derek Odendaal

Here you'll find any scheduled trails that you can join. Trails may be booked up to one year in advance, so be sure to scroll ahead using the arrows on the left to find if there are any available.  The trail operator page will also list any scheduled trails.

If you would like to enquire about different dates, please fill in the form below.  Trails are initiated when someone makes an enquiry, and go ahead once the minimum numbers are confirmed.

Alikreukel Trail

View other multi-day trails by location

Alikreukel Trail enquiry

<<   Browse other multi-day trails   >>