Hike a section of the Whale Trail along the rugged coast

This 7.1 km section of the Whale Trail takes you along the rugged coastline of De Hoop Nature Reserve. The route runs over rocky shores and stretches of beach, then climbs up onto the coastal plateau and from there offers wide views over the sea. During whale season (roughly June to November) you can watch Southern right whales from elevated points as they calve and rear their young in the sheltered bays. At low tide it is worth looking into the rock pools, where small marine creatures hide between the rocks.

The trail starts at the car park at Koppie Alleen, which is accessible with a normal hire car (2×4). The one-way route is 7.1 km long and takes about 1 hour 45 minutes of pure walking time. The path leads partly over beach, partly over rocky terrain and coastal paths with moderate ascents. Allow extra time for whale watching and rock pools. As this is a one-way route, you either have to walk back the same way or organise a transfer for the return journey.