Green Mountain Trail
Staying at the Wildekrans Country House for the duration of the trail, you are treated to top class hospitality and led by professionally trained guides with in depth knowledge of the region. Trek through pristine fynbos-covered landscape, partly within the beautiful Groenlandberg section Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve and partly on private land. Enjoy stunning views over the vast Overberg region, including the Theewaterskloof Dam, the rolling Houw Hoek mountains and as far afield as Hermanus and Walker Bay. At the end of the day hikers, are transported back to the accommodation, and dropped of at the starting point the next day.
At the end of the day enjoy wine tastings, compare wines from various producers in this region and learn about the role of biodiversity conservation in sustainable wine production.
Trail Details
Trail location
Elgin Valley
Nearest city
Grabouw
Transport options
Away from transport hub: Self-drive or shuttle by arrangement – Airport Transfer – Adam Jantjies (Overberg Transfers) and Gaffleys
Trip Duration / Options
Option 1. Four day Slackpacking – fully catered and guided.
Option 2. Private trail by arrangement
The Green Mountain Trail starts with check in on a Monday afternoon between 16h00 and 17h00, check out on a Friday after lunch. As this is a working farm experience we walk on week days so that hikers get the full experience of the trail.
Full itinerary:
Day 1: Walking in the Kogelberg Conservancy Core (15.2km / 6hours / 3 lod*)
- Collect packed breakfast, fruit & snacks, and fill water bottles at Wildekrans Country House.
- Depart through the garden to Paul Clüver Estate.
- Walk along the foot of the Houw Hoek Mountains and on to Paul Clüver through the Kogelberg Conservancy Core.
- Lunch & wine tasting at The Restaurant @ Paul Clüver.
- Transfer to Wildekrans Country House.
- Dinner & overnight.
Day 2: Through Fynbos & Vines (15.6km / 5 hours / 2 lod*)
- Collect packed breakfast, fruit & snacks, and fill water bottles at Wildekrans Country House.
- Depart through the garden to Paul Clüver Estate.
- Walk along the foot of the Houw Hoek Mountains and on to Paul Clüver through the Kogelberg Conservancy Core.
- Lunch & wine tasting at The Restaurant @ Paul Clüver.
- Transfer to Wildekrans Country House.
- Dinner & overnight.
Day 3: Walk the Houw Hoek Trail (12.5km / 4 – 5 hours / 3lod*) OR Historic Skaapkraal Loop
- Departure from Wildekrans Country House carrying (or after) breakfast.
- Walk above Houw Hoek, taking in views of the wheat fields of the Overberg and Walker Bay
- Or, walk the historic Skaapkraal loop higher on the Groenlandberg.
- Lunch under the trees at Wildekrans Country House.
- Massages at Wildekrans Country House (this is an optional extra, booking required).
- Dinner & overnight at Wildekrans Country House.
Day 4: Leopard & Ox Wagon Route (11km / 4 to 5 hours/ 3 lod*)
- Breakfast at Wildekrans Country House, or picnic on the mountains, depending on the season.
- Head towards Bot River through Biosphere fynbos.
- Rest stop at Stony Beach and ledge rock. Climb up Pincushion ridge and discover Hawston View.
- Walk into Bot River and experience Beaumont Wines and lunch in Bot River village.
- Transfer to Wildekrans Country House, refresh and collect your car.
Start / Finish
Start and Finish: Wildekrans Guest House
GPS: 34˚13’32.64 S / 19˚12’25.69 E
Daily Time / Distances
Day 1: 18km Day 2: 15km Day 3: 12km Day 4: 11km
Trail Grading
On a grading of Easy – Moderate – Strenuous
This trail would be regarded as Moderate, with single track and farm roads in places.
This trail has been assessed by Green Flag Trails – http://greenflagtrails.co.za/hiking-trails-international/
Physical Fitness
A moderate level of overall fitness is required
Technical detail / Terrain
On path, with some ascents and descents, mostly contour, with only optional technical exposure. Mountain and farm terrain, paths uneven underfoot in places.
Accommodation
All accommodation at the Wildekrans Country House – 4 star graded farm stay. 5 rooms – doubles, twins and singles.
Food Supply / Catering
Fully catered for breakfast, lunch and dinner with wine tastings on some evenings. Highly rated cuisine
Cold beverages and additional wine for own account.
Logistic support / Guiding
All luggage and transport between venues included. Hikers carry day packs for lunch, water and personal items.
Trail guided by fully trained, passionate and knowledgeable accredited guides.
Highlights
Trails are mostly exclusive through both private and public land. Fynbos endemic to the Groenlandberg. Food and wines are definite highlights. See Tripadvisor reviews.
Other Activities
Wine Tasting included
Fauna & Flora
The core of the Kogelberg Biosphere, a world heritage site. Home to the cape leopard, buck, porcupine. Lizards, Agamas and birdlife.
Climate
Mediterranean climate with winter rainfall. Each season has its own highlights. Walks are customized to best manage all weather conditions.
Seasonality & Best Time Year
Each season has its highlights. Late August to November and March to May are prime times.
Group Size
Minimum of 6 and maximum of 10 persons sharing
The accommodation has 5 double rooms
Price P/P
R17350 per person sharing
30% single supplement for hikers wanting a single room
7% discount for group bookings of more than 6 people
10% discount for taking all five rooms
Price Includes
Our rates include Cape Floral Kingdom knowledgeable guides, farm stays, all meals country style, snacks while walking, personalised wine tastings, a community-made walking stick, and VAT
Price excludes additional drinks, laundry and transport to and from the start.
Optional extras charged separately – early arrivals and light lunch, transfers to airport, drinks, early trail exits, wine couriers, massages, etc.
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 Green Mountain Trails
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