NEW: 16 Mile Beach Challenge slack-pack walk
The 3-Day guided 16-Mile Beach Challenge along the West Coast National Park offers a unique experience of the West Coast between Langebaan and Yzerfontein in the Cape West Coast Biosphere.
The group stops for a snack break and chat before continuing with the 16 Mile Beach Challenge
What is included?
Your 3-Day stay includes accommodation in the famous West Coast National Park and Yzerfontein for 2 nights, plus all meals and limited beverages, an expert West Coast dinner with West Coast wine pairing and tasting at the Die Stalle in the West Coast National Park and qualified professional guiding by a West Coast local. Plus receive the official guide of the SANParks Honorary Rangers of the West Coast Region. All guests receive a T-Shirt and Certificate of Achievement.
RATE: 3-Day and 2-Night Guided Trail of the West Coast National Park: R4 700 per person subject to a group of 7 to be booked
A 2-Day and 1-Night option is available.
Book via 0861 321 777 or [email protected]
Expert guidance by West Coast locals with field guiding, trail guiding and biodiversity expertise.
How fit should you be?
The hike has been designed to suit any walking fit (Level 4 fitness) individual looking for a challenge and an escape from daily routine and includes a unique introduction to the region and specifically the West Coast National Park, tasting the acclaimed local wines before enjoying a typical West Coast dinner and walking the 16 Mile Beach (27 km), a hike along the longest uninterrupted sand beach in South Africa.
Wine pairing and tasting from locally sourced wine by Nelda van Zyl
Environmental Information Session about the region and Estuary System of the West Coast National Park given by the park representative
Wine and dine the West Coast Way
The best way to know about the West Coast is to wine and dine like the locals. Nelda van Zyl from the Wine Tender Company, who is a sommelier with a Wine & Spirit Education Trust WSET Level 3 qualification, will give an introduction to wine pairing and tasting. The demonstration is done using locally sourced wines from Groote Post.
The first day of the experience has all the walkers taking part in the challenge meeting in Yzerfontein for car and parking arrangements. After that we head out to The Stalle to check in and have a small informative session about the region and the West Coast National Park.
After spending the night at The Stalle, you depart at 5h30 to start the walk along the West Coast National Park coastal line
The 16 Mile Beach Challenge is a 27 km walk along South Africa’s longest uninterrupted coastal line on the famous West Coast National Park in South Africa
Our 3-Day plan unpacked
Day 1
14h00 Depart from the secure parking in Yzerfontein to West Coast National Park
15h00 Welcoming in the West Coast National Park by SANPark People and Conservation Officer and check in at Die Stalle back-packer accommodation
15h30 Introduction to Biodiversity and estuarine life around the Langebaan Lagoon. All walkers will receive a My 16 Mile Beach Challenge T-shirt.
18h00 West Coast wine tasting and pairing and traditional West Coast dinner in the West Coast National Park
Day 2
04h30 Depart to Tsaars Bank in the West Coast National Park
(Driver will return with overnight luggage to Yzerfontein)
05h30 Start the trial (depending on the weather conditions)
We expect the walk to stretch between five and eight hours depending on the fitness of the group.
14h00/15h00 Back at Yzerfontein to meet as group for refreshments and to receive certificate of achievement.
16h00 Arrive at Yzerfontein Accommodation for a well-deserved rest
18h00 Traditional West Coast Fish Braai and celebratory My 16 Mile Beach Challenge cocktail Sundowner
Day 3
09h00 West Coast Breakfast served before heading home in own vehicle
The fee for this 3-Day Trail includes:
- Accommodation (West Coast National Park and Yzerfontein)
- West Coast Dinner x 2
- Entry Fees to West Coast National Park
- Refreshments before and after the hike
- Registered guide
- Wine pairing and tasting
- Commemorative T-shirt
- Certificate of Achievement
- Honorary Game Ranger Commemorative Book of West Coast National Park
- Breakfast
Departure dates and days:
Night 1 is always on a Friday – the walk happens on a Saturday morning –
Night 2 is your Saturday stay in Yzerfontein with departure on Sunday.
2019 Departure Dates
June 7-9
July 5-7
August 2-4
August 20-22
September 2-4
September 17-19
October 3-5
October 18-20
November 15-17
December 14-16
December 28-30
2020 Departure Dates
January 8-10
February 6-8
February 20-22
March 7-9
March 20-22
April 5-7
April 20-22
May 5-7
May 20-22
June 3-5
June 18-20
July 2-4
RATE: 3-Day and 2-Night Guided Trail of the West Coast National Park: R4 700 per person subject to a group of 7 to be booked
A 2-Day and 1-Night option is available.
Book via 0861 321 777 or [email protected]
IMPORTANT:
FOR OVERNIGHT: Own bedding & towels; Valid ID, Passport or Drivers License.
FOR TRAIL: Comfortable day pack to carry the following items – hat, sunscreen, personal medication, 2 litres of water, nutritious breakfast and lunch pack (provided) toilet paper, plastic bag for litter, light rain jacket , warmer jacket, comfortable walking shoes (trainers suggested for sandy conditions) and long socks and a head light for night walking.
OPTIONAL: Binoculars, cameras, cellphone
No Alcohol, pets or firearms allowed
GOOD TO KNOW
Fitness Level 4 and age: The trail requires hikers to be walking fit on Level 4 (someone who walks 35 minutes for 3 to 5 times a week) and is suitable for a group or family but with no children under 16.
Group size: Reservations for groups of 7 and maximum 15
Temperatures vary depending on the season but this stretch of the coast have moderate temperatures between 17 and 32 degrees / www. windguru.co.za
Rescue: emergency rescue support is provided by Station 34 by the NSRI Yzerfontein.
Tides play an important role during the hike. As the beach has changed significantly in the past few years which means we have to take tides into account when doing this hike.
The beautiful bird’s eye view of the Cape West Coast National Park
The gushing beautiful waves along the Coastal Line with gulls feeding
Interesting websites to check out: www.sanparks.org / www.westcoastway.co.za
West Coast Way is Your Route To Nature
West Coast Way is your ultimate gateway to experiencing the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Cape West Coast of South Africa. As a premium tourism brand, we offer six uniquely themed trip plans that promise an unforgettable journey: Cape, Culture, Foodie, Tractor, Berg, and Wild.
Discover over 101 incredible things to see and do with West Coast Way:
Savour the delights of wine, craft beer, olives, and Rooibos tea tastings. Indulge in authentic Weskus cuisine and the traditional braaivleis (barbecue). Feel the thrill of swinging into Citrusdal on a zipline or challenge yourself with Cederberg bouldering. Rejuvenate in natural warm pools and embark on serene cruises across lagoons and rivers. Explore the diverse landscapes of nature reserves and a National Park, or embark on exciting game drives. Hone your skills in archery and angling, or amp up the excitement with sandboarding and quad-biking. Enjoy horse riding, immerse yourself in the unique San culture, and experience the vibrant Riel dancing. For water sports enthusiasts, kite- and windsurfing, surfing, and kayaking trips await. Go beach hopping, learn about bees and whales, and delight in birdwatching in a twitcher’s paradise – all within South Africa’s renowned wildflower reserve.
For more information on the best places to visit on the West Coast, road tripping routes, hikes, tours, and trails, explore westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777. Follow us on on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn @WestCoastWaySA.West Coast Way is South Africa’s road trip with the most twists. Explore a unique collection of 101 road trip stops along themed routes by planning a self-drive trip or guided tour for a nature and adventure-filled Cape West Coast vacation. The new West Coast Way “basket” of free routes on offer include the West Coast Way Tractor Route, the West Coast Way Berg Route, the West Coast Way Foodie Route, the West Coast Way Cultural Route, the West Coast Way Wild Route – as well as the newly launched Cape Way Route – all of which are designed to showcase the many attractions and activities that are already on offer on the Cape West Coast and inland areas – but may be unknown to many.
For more information on West Coast Way, the other routes on offer, and the list of 101 Things to Do on the West Coast visit westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777. Connect with West Coast Way on Facebook and Twitter at WestCoastWaySA.