Helderberg Heritage Trail

 

The Helderberg Heritage Trail is a 4 day guided trail in the beautiful Helderberg basin. Accommodation is in a luxury lodge, situated on a 600 acre country estate. The trail includes historic sites, walking through pristine fynbos and vineyards, enjoying fabulous views, stopover at a famous local artist and visits at world renown wine estates where guests can enjoy local wine, olive oil and cuisine. All transport and meals are included.

Trail Details

Trail location

The Helderberg Basin close to Somerset West and about 60 minutes from Cape Town

Accommodation is at Lalalpanzi Lodge close to Sir Lowry's Pass Village 34.1032° S, 18.9184° E

Nearest towns

Nearest town: Somerset West
Nearest city: Cape Town

Transport options

Somerset West is within easy driving distance from Cape Town, either in private vehicle, hire car or taxi / e-hailing cab. Local shuttle can be arranged.

Trip Duration / Options

The standard trail package is 4 hiking days with 4 nights accommodation. Arrival on the afternoon before the trail start.

Start / Finish

Meeting point: Lalapanzi Lodge – Sir Lowry's Pass Village
34.1032° S, 18.9184° E

Start: Sir Lowries Pass Hiking Trail (on Sir Lowries Pass) GPS: 32˚48’77.98 S / 19˚26’98.94 E

Finish: Vergelegen Wine Estate

Daily Time / Distances

Day 1: 9km – 3 to 4 hours

Day 2: 10 km – 4 to 5 hours

Day 3: 10 km – 4 to 5 hours

Day 4: 11 km – 4 to 5 hours

 

Trail Grading

Based on a grading of Easy – Moderate – Strenuous.

The trail would be regarded as generally easy with some well contoured elevation gain and a few steep descents. Underfoot conditions are mainly firm with some rocky and uneven surfaces, particularly associated with steep descents. Much of the hiking is on jeep tracks and farm roads.

Physical Fitness

A good degree of overall and hiking fitness is recommended

Technical detail / Terrain

No technical terrain – some steep descent and uneven surface. Much of the hiking is on jeep tracks and farm roads.

Accommodation

4 nights at the lovely 4 star Lalapanzi lodge.

Food Supply / Catering

This is a fully catered trail with light lunch at highly rated Idiom, Morgenster, Vergelegen restaurant or packed lunch. Dinner and breakfast at Lalapanzi Lodge. Hot beverages supplied. Two wine tastings included. Other alcoholic beverages and soft drinks for own account.

Logistic support / Guiding

No luggage transfer required as accommodation is in one location. Only day packs are carried. Transfer of hikers to and from the start and finish of each days hike is provided.

The trail is guided by a fully trained mountain or nature guides.

Highlights

Fabulous views over False Bay and Helderberg basin, surrounded by mountains, pristine Fynbos, historic sites, exclusive(you’ll be the only group walking in the area), visit world renown local wine estates.

Other Activities

Visit a local famous artist, Rene Snyman; Visit local herbalist that has travelled the world to find the best herbs for healing who plants his own fynbos healing plants.

Exploring the estate by walking, swimming in dam etc.

Fauna & Flora

Pristine fynbos, rare and endangered veld types, threatened bird species, grysbok, duiker, grey rhebok, porcupine, caracal, baboon, genet, cape hare, red rock rabbit, various lizards, parrot beaked tortoise, various bird species, Zebras that are part of quagga breeding project, springbok, wildebeest, hartebeest, bontebok.

Climate

Helderberg is located in a Mediterranean climate with winter rainfall. Summer can be hot (up to 35 degrees). Spring and Autumn are moderate and the best hiking season although good winter days can be quite warm and summer temperatures are seldom high for long periods. Hiking is possible all year round.

Seasonality & Best Time Year

Spring and Autumn are moderate and the best hiking season although good winter days can be quite warm and summer temperatures are seldom high for long periods. Hiking is possible all year round.

Group Size

Minimum 4 guests

Maximum 10 people

Price P/P

4/5 people R14 500

6-10 people R13 500

R

Price Includes

Fully guided walk, 4 nights accommodation at 4* lodge, 2 wine tastings, 3 meals at wine estates, all meals

Excluded: Transport from accommodation in Cape Town or local town and return after the hike.

Additional alcoholic beverages and soft drinks

Trail Operator

Helderberg Eco Trails

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.

Scheduled Helderberg Heritage Trail

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