Date: 1 – 14 November

Time: 18:30

Location: Lambert’s Bay

Contact: www.crayfishtrail.co.za

Description: *Book any trip in November for 6 or more people and save R2400*

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL
Guests arrive from 14:00 at their accommodation, which is 16 km south of Elands Bay. Nestled along the quiet stretch of a coastal road, guests feel their adventure has begun with the first impressions of the West Coast. Guests are treated to a delicious meal with the sound of the ocean in the background. You will get a chance to meet your guide as well as other members if you are joining a group. The group will be treated to a hearty home cooked meal prepared by local community members.
Overnight in the newly renovated Rocherpan Nature Reserve cabins:
http://www.capenature.co.za/reserves/rocherpan-nature-reserve/

DAY 2 – HIKING:
For those early risers, day two is a great opportunity to watch the sunrise. Mornings on the West Coast are magical! Guests are encouraged to enjoy a walk to the bird hide or visit the beach, which is just a stone’s throw away from your accommodation. After a simple breakfast, guests will meet their guide and depart for their day’s hike. Guests get their first experience of the empty beaches and fresh Atlantic air. Highlights include South Africa’s very first Provincial Heritage site called Baboon Point. Your guide will show you the cave where there is evidence of San hunter-gatherers and Khoekhoe descendants. The evidence, according to lead archaeologist, Professor John Parkington “date back as far as 100 000 years and as recently as 300 years ago”. Finishing the tour of the cave, guests are treated to a taste of Darling’s one and only Darling Brew, a local craft beer for sundowners. Then it’s off to the old Crayfish Factory to hear about some of the history and politics of the local fishing industry. Relaxing accommodation for the night is provided by the Vensterklip team who are famous for their hospitality. Overnight at the iconic Vensterklip guest farm: www.vensterklip.co.za

DAY 3 – HIKING:
Terrain: Flat beach/Jeep track
Guests will be met by their guide, ready to depart promptly at 8:00. Day 3 is the longest of the hiking days with the option of beach or jeep-track. Highlights include fantastic birding opportunities as well as the chance of seeing seals, dolphins, whales amongst some of the smaller critters that frequent the strandveld. Guests are able to see where the name ‘Crayfish Trail’ comes from; be sure to ask your guide why! Steenbokfontein is the destination for the night. Your host Kitta will provide hospitality from her Plaaskombuis (farm kitchen).
Overnight at Steenbokfontein on the Sea Farm: http://steenbokfonteinaccommodation.co.za/

DAY 4 – HIKING:
While one of the shorter days in distance, day 4 is certainly a busy one. Your new local guide will lead you in the footsteps of the San as well as the Khoekhoe herders who first arrived in the area some 2,000 to 3,000 years ago. Hikers then follow a 3-hour walk to Bird Island, one of 6 sites in the world where Cape Gannets breed (also the only breeding site which is easily accessible to the public). Visit: http://www.capenature.co.za/reserves/bird-island-nature-reserve/ for more information on Bird Island.
Guests will be introduced to local fishers at the harbour to hear more about fishing on the West Coast. They will experience first-hand the social movement called Abalobi which uses mobile applications to empower and equip small scale fishers. See more here at Abalobi App http://abalobi.info/. We have lunch at one of Lamberts Bay’s top seafood restaurants, where the seafood basket comes highly recommended (there is certainly more than just seafood). Time permitting we may visit the museum.
Guests are treated to a chocolate and wine tasting followed by dinner in Lambert’s Bay.
Overnight at Arendzicht: http://westcoasteaglesnest.co.za/ or http://www.gnal lambertsbay.com/.

DAY 5 – HIKING:
Both routes start from Doringbay and traverse what we call “The Golden Mile”. This stretch of single track path is nothing like you have ever seen along the West Coast. To your left are the majestic waters of the Atlantic Ocean. To your right is a myriad of wildflowers, fynbos, renosterveld and Namaqualand vegetation. In the distance, the Olifants River beckons, its water a welcoming sight to any hiker. Following an adventurous and sometimes muddy path along the Olifants River bank, guests discover the beauty of this estuarine ecosystem.
Guests spend their final night at a choice of our beach holiday house accommodation in Strandfontein
Leoni’s accommodation: http://www.leonis.co.za/

DAY 6 – DEPARTURE
Distance hiked: 0 km
Check out time is 10h00
Guests will be transported back to their vehicles. Alternatively, a transfer must be pre-arranged with the organizers. Return to Cape Town between 15h00 – 16h00.