Hike a section of the Whale Trail along the rugged coast

This 7.1 km section of the Whale Trail leads 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 landscape and from there offers wide views out over the sea. During whale season (roughly June to November) you can watch Southern right whales from the elevated viewpoints as they calve and raise 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 you can reach 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 exploring the rock pools. As this is an out-and-back route, you either need to walk the same way back or organise a lift for your return.