Magical Slackpacking

When you close your eyes and think of a trail, what do you see? You might picture unwashed, malnourished thrill seekers shuffling down a mountain side, or making their way through some river gorge that would fill the most ardent adventurer with trepidation. It's all about lugging a ton of pots and pans, dried food and tins of bully beef, right? And who can forget about the prospect of finding some sort of creepy crawly inside one's sleeping bag, having to shake it out before bedtime. There are some that can't get enough of this… but chances are, you're not one of them.

It may well be that you do, in fact, enjoy a day out in the wilderness, soaking up all that’s best about the great outdoors. Whether it’s on foot, on a mountain bike, or in a kayak, you may be one of those folk who can appreciate nature as being one of the best things in life, but would really prefer to finish the day with a great steak and a beer, or two, before heading off to a comfortable bed in a luxurious room. Why can't a trail be a relaxing weekend getaway, instead of a six-day grind? After all, you work hard enough as it is. While a resort just hasn't got the excitement, it would be nice to get four star pampering as well as an adventure that only mother nature can provide. Welcome to the world of slackpacking!

Here on the West Coast, on the southern tip of Africa, we have an area that is rich in biodiversity and culture. In fact, it's unique enough to be recognised by the United Nations. Carrying only a day pack containing a water bottle, a raincoat, and a snack, a slackpacker quickly discovers that the trails of the Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve aptly showcase this region and everything that is best about it. Employing the slackpacking model, a visitor can expect an experience that has its foundation in the ethos of UNESCO's "Man and the Biosphere" program. Without taking away any of the spoil and exclusivity that is so special about these products, one leaves knowing that one has made a contribution to something that is bigger than the sum of its parts. The unspoiled natural beauty is breathtaking, the cuisine is mouthwatering, and everyone you meet is welcoming to a fault. You've had the time of your life but, unknowingly perhaps, you’ve made an impression that it is far more lasting than your footprints. It feels good to know that what was a holiday to one was also an exercise in poverty alleviation, social upliftment, and the promotion of sustainable tourism. One person can indeed change the world, one trail at a time!

The Beauty of Darling

The question everyone asks themselves when taking a holiday is "what can I expect, and what is this going to cost me?" Most of us live in cities, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of daily living. Along with everything we do comes a certain level of stress, necessary to be productive, but emotionally taxing and physically tiring. The only way to escape is to take a trip "away from it all” to some far-flung destination… Or is it?

Situated within an hour and a half drive from Cape Town is the quaint, picturesque town of Darling. Famous for its resident celebrity, Pieter-Dirk Uys a.k.a. Evita Bezuidenhout, it is one of the West Coast’s best kept secrets. The Darling Stagger is a trail product that was born out of recognition of what this little town and its surrounds had to offer. As per the website, one is promised "a little bit of Italy, West Coast style" when going through the itinerary. It's all about wine and olive tasting, connecting with nature, and enjoying some great live entertainment when the day is done. One can certainly tick all these boxes, emphatically so. What is surprising, however, is what exactly it means to live "West Coast style".

 

One of the first things one notices upon arrival is the distinct culture one finds oneself immersed in. Everyone you meet is so friendly. Generally speaking, South Africans are a friendly bunch, but the folks on the West Coast take it to a whole new level. From the guide who shows you around, the host/hostess you meet on arrival at your accommodation or sitting down to your meal, to the average local you bump into on the street; it seems as though everyone here knows something about life that you don't… and you can't help but smile. 

The information in the brochure, or on the website, may be what brought you to these parts. Perhaps it was the promise of a chance to relax, or the anticipation of experiencing the best the West Coast has to offer in wine and cuisine? With every experience a maximum of 20 minutes away, whether on foot or by vehicle, one can't help but be impressed at the variety on offer. However, when all is said and done, it is the effect that the people of the West Coast have on one that keeps one coming back again and again. One doesn't simply do the Darling Stagger. This experience allows one to fall in love with life again, and in so doing, rediscover the best parts of oneself.

Important Links

Follow us on ...

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CWCBTrails
Twitter: @CWCBTrails

To view the trails or to book go to www.capebiosphere.co.za/trails

NEW Cape West Coast Biosphere Trails open for bookings!

NEW Cape West Coast Biosphere Trails open for bookings!

It's been three years in the making but the Cape West Coast Biosphere portfolio of trails are now one of the newest trail products on offer in the Western Cape. Funding secured from the Development Bank of SA (DBSA) some three years ago enabled a team of consultants to prepare a trails feasibility plan and more recently the National Lotteries Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF) came to the party by providing funding for the implementation of the five trails.

The trails are an exciting way to grow the local economy by supporting existing and emerging tourism and hospitality services in the region and sustaining the livelihoods of the guides, caterers and drivers. Over the past 8 months, 3 new hiking trails have been launched, and a canoe trail and a cycle trail will be launched early in 2012.

The trails are suited to hardcore mountain lovers, twitchers and botanists as well as family groups and modern-day strandlopers. These slackpacking trails, without the schlep, are guided and catered, comfortable and safe. Hikers carry a small daypack, lifts and luggage are organised and local folk and restaurants prepare meals in traditional West Coast style.

All 5 of the trail experiences are now open for bookings:

A gentle 2.5 day, 28km coast hugging hike between the fishing villages of Paternoster and Jacobsbaai

A 2.5 day, 30km wilderness hike through the unique vegetation and tranquil lagoon of the West Coast National Park

An Italian style slow-paced, mouth-watering 2.5 day, 25km trail from Yzerfontein on the coast up into the hills and through wine and olive farms to Darling

A 2.5 day, 120km ride through time for recreational cyclists keen to experience the back-roads and beauty of the West Coast from the seat of a bicycle.

A 2.5 day, 40km downstream kayak from Hopefield to Velddrift with farm stays en route.

The trails are power breaks of 2.5 days duration and the starting point is less than an hour and a half’s drive from Cape Town.

Eve’s Trail is already an accredited Green Flag Trail indicating that is strives to be environmentally and socially responsible. The other trails are in the process of being certified.

The trails all make use of existing facilities and services in the region with an estimated R21 million in direct local spend over 5 years. The development of additional businesses that can support and benefit the trails is being encouraged. Direct local spend in the West Coast over the past year has been more than R500 000 (spent on guesthouses, catering, shuttles, etc). Additionally 3 new jobs have been created for historically disadvantaged individuals and the sustainability of existing jobs improved.

These five new responsible tourism products are operated by the Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve (CWCBR), a credible, non-profit organisation caring for people and the environment. The CWCBR has appointed and are training a team of people from local communities, to manage and run the trails.

Upcoming Trail Dates and Prices (Proceeds go to a good cause)

JOIN A SET TRAIL DATE

Join other guests on one of the following set trail dates in 2012.

Five Bay: 21-23 Jan, 9-11 May, 14-16 Oct, 16-18 Nov, 24-26 Dec

Eve's Trail: 19-21 Jan, 4-6 Apr, 17-19 Aug, 9-11 Sep, 12-14 Oct, 22-24 Dec

Darling Stagger: 27-29 Jun, 20-22 Jul, 19-21 Aug, 7-9 Sep

The price is R2500 per person, with a 10% discount for groups of 8 or more.

JOIN AN EXPLORATORY TRAIL

Join us on a subsidized exploratory trail in 2012:

Wheels of Time: 3-6 Feb, 17-20 Feb, 2-5 Mar, 13-16 Mar

Berg River Canooze: 15-17 Jun, 29 Jun - 1 Jul, 6-8 Jul, 18-20 Jul

The price is R2000 per person.

CUSTOMISE YOUR TRAIL

You can choose your own dates and we will customize a trail for you. You may even want to do 2 or 3 of the trails back to back for an overall West Coast experience. Itineraries and quotes are provided on request.

PRICE

The price is fully inclusive of accommodations in 3-4 star guesthouses, dinners, breakfasts, lunches, guides, activities, equipment, luggage transport and local transfers. Terms & Conditions Apply.

BUDGET OPTIONS

Ask us about our shortened and/or self-catering budget options which range from R1600 - R2000 per person.

For more information on the trails and to book go to www.capebiosphere.co.za/trails

For further details or to book contact Val on media@capebiosphere.co.za or

0861TRAILS (872 457)

Some comments from our hikers:

"Coming down to earth with a bang, I realised why this weekend was called the Darling Stagger. After all this fabulous food, serious walking is no longer an option. So we just staggered to !Khwa ttu, where Ivan gave us an introduction to San medicinal knowledge of the Fynbos vegetation. From !Khwa ttu we walked through the fields, vineyards, and olive groves of Ormonde and Alexanderfontein with stunning views of Table Mountain, Dassen Island, and the Atlantic Ocean behind us. The terrain varies from sandy & grid tracks to some tarmac roads or just through the fields.

The trail is not hard, you only carry your daypack and the distance is limited to about 15 km. I had no problems at all, so basically anybody in reasonable shape can do it. After about three quarters of the hike, we arrived at an idyllic setting in the olive groves, where a Bedouin type tent was erected, straw bales set out to give the old legs a good rest and a delicious light lunch of salads ready to be devoured. Natasha, Kyle and Morgan had done a sterling job!"

- Louise de Waal, Baobab Travel

"I was so impressed by the enthusiasm and obvious attention to detail that has gone into the trail. Without any exception the inclusion of locals in making the trail so enjoyable is a great tribute to the developers of the trail."

- Mike Lillyman, Freelance Journalist

"Well catered for! Loved the champagne and snacks at Kraalbaai and the meal at Suurberg. (flowers also were magnificent)."

- Shaun Bloch, hiking enthusiast

"A relaxed and comfortable hiking and cycling experience, with wonderful food, wine, olives and interesting evening activity that makes it a real treat for both locals and tourists alike."

- Frank Dwyer, promoter of trails

2011 - NEW Cape West Coast Biosphere Trails open for bookings!

It's been three years in the making but the Cape West Coast Biosphere portfolio of trails are now one of the newest trail products on offer in the Western Cape. Funding secured from the Development Bank of SA (DBSA) some three years ago enabled a team of consultants to prepare a trails feasibility plan and more recently the National Lotteries Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF) came to the party by providing funding for the implementation of the five trails.

The trails are an exciting way to grow the local economy by supporting existing and emerging tourism and hospitality services in the region and sustaining the livelihoods of the guides, caterers and drivers. Over the past 8 months, 3 new hiking trails have been launched, and a canoe trail and a cycle trail will be launched early in 2012.

The trails are suited to hardcore mountain lovers, twitchers and botanists as well as family groups and modern-day strandlopers. These slackpacking trails, without the schlep, are guided and catered, comfortable and safe. Hikers carry a small daypack, lifts and luggage are organised and local folk and restaurants prepare meals in traditional West Coast style.

All 5 of the trail experiences are now open for bookings:

A gentle 2.5 day, 28km coast hugging hike between the fishing villages of Paternoster and Jacobsbaai

A 2.5 day, 30km wilderness hike through the unique vegetation and tranquil lagoon of the West Coast National Park

An Italian style slow-paced, mouth-watering 2.5 day, 25km trail from Yzerfontein on the coast up into the hills and through wine and olive farms to Darling

A 2.5 day, 120km ride through time for recreational cyclists keen to experience the back-roads and beauty of the West Coast from the seat of a bicycle.

A 2.5 day, 40km downstream kayak from Hopefield to Velddrift with farm stays en route.

The trails are power breaks of 2.5 days duration and the starting point is less than an hour and a half’s drive from Cape Town.

Eve’s Trail is already an accredited Green Flag Trail indicating that is strives to be environmentally and socially responsible. The other trails are in the process of being certified.

The trails all make use of existing facilities and services in the region with an estimated R21 million in direct local spend over 5 years. The development of additional businesses that can support and benefit the trails is being encouraged. Direct local spend in the West Coast over the past year has been more than R500 000 (spent on guesthouses, catering, shuttles, etc). Additionally 3 new jobs have been created for historically disadvantaged individuals and the sustainability of existing jobs improved.

These five new responsible tourism products are operated by the Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve (CWCBR), a credible, non-profit organisation caring for people and the environment. The CWCBR has appointed and are training a team of people from local communities, to manage and run the trails.

Upcoming Trail Dates and Prices (Proceeds go to a good cause)

JOIN A SET TRAIL DATE

Join other guests on one of the following set trail dates in 2012.

Five Bay: 21-23 Jan, 9-11 May, 14-16 Oct, 16-18 Nov, 24-26 Dec

Eve's Trail: 19-21 Jan, 4-6 Apr, 17-19 Aug, 9-11 Sep, 12-14 Oct, 22-24 Dec

Darling Stagger: 27-29 Jun, 20-22 Jul, 19-21 Aug, 7-9 Sep

The price is R2500 per person, with a 10% discount for groups of 8 or more.

JOIN AN EXPLORATORY TRAIL

Join us on a subsidized exploratory trail in 2012:

Wheels of Time: 3-6 Feb, 17-20 Feb, 2-5 Mar, 13-16 Mar

Berg River Canooze: 15-17 Jun, 29 Jun - 1 Jul, 6-8 Jul, 18-20 Jul

The price is R2000 per person.

CUSTOMISE YOUR TRAIL

You can choose your own dates and we will customize a trail for you. You may even want to do 2 or 3 of the trails back to back for an overall West Coast experience. Itineraries and quotes are provided on request.

PRICE

The price is fully inclusive of accommodations in 3-4 star guesthouses, dinners, breakfasts, lunches, guides, activities, equipment, luggage transport and local transfers. Terms & Conditions Apply.

BUDGET OPTIONS

Ask us about our shortened and/or self-catering budget options which range from R1600 - R2000 per person.

For more information on the trails and to book go to www.capebiosphere.co.za/trails

For further details or to book contact Val on media@capebiosphere.co.za or

083 708 4007 (Cape West Coast Biosphere Hub R27)

Some comments from our hikers:

"Coming down to earth with a bang, I realised why this weekend was called the Darling Stagger. After all this fabulous food, serious walking is no longer an option. So we just staggered to !Khwa ttu, where Ivan gave us an introduction to San medicinal knowledge of the Fynbos vegetation. From !Khwa ttu we walked through the fields, vineyards, and olive groves of Ormonde and Alexanderfontein with stunning views of Table Mountain, Dassen Island, and the Atlantic Ocean behind us. The terrain varies from sandy & grid tracks to some tarmac roads or just through the fields.

The trail is not hard, you only carry your daypack and the distance is limited to about 15 km. I had no problems at all, so basically anybody in reasonable shape can do it. After about three quarters of the hike, we arrived at an idyllic setting in the olive groves, where a Bedouin type tent was erected, straw bales set out to give the old legs a good rest and a delicious light lunch of salads ready to be devoured. Natasha, Kyle and Morgan had done a sterling job!"

- Louise de Waal, Baobab Travel

"I was so impressed by the enthusiasm and obvious attention to detail that has gone into the trail. Without any exception the inclusion of locals in making the trail so enjoyable is a great tribute to the developers of the trail."

- Mike Lillyman, Freelance Journalist

"Well catered for! Loved the champagne and snacks at Kraalbaai and the meal at Suurberg. (flowers also were magnificent)."

- Shaun Bloch, hiking enthusiast

"A relaxed and comfortable hiking and cycling experience, with wonderful food, wine, olives and interesting evening activity that makes it a real treat for both locals and tourists alike."

- Frank Dwyer, promoter of trails

Trail Maps & Itineraries

Check out the five posts below this to see the map and itinerary for each of the trails. Just click on a map if you want to enlarge it.

WHEELS OF TIME CYCLE TOUR

Description

Take a mountain bike ride through time as you explore the secondary roads of the West Coast. This ride is not aimed at adrenalin junkies or Absa Cape Epic trainees, but rather recreational cyclists who are keen to experience the back roads and beauty of the West Coast, from the seat of a bicycle. Destinations and overnight stops vary greatly and the journey in between is filled with some awesome scenery, and fun riding. A support vehicle provides you with food and refreshments en route and you can hop aboard anytime if you feel like taking it easy.

Itinerary

Day 1: Atlantis – Darling (45km)

Rise and shine with the birds for an early rendezvous with your guide and support vehicle at the Atlantis Environmental Co-operative and Tourism Information Centre. Choose your bike and kit and head out. Following the wheels of time the first “Mission to Modern” leg of your journey takes you from Atlantis, along “Blue Gum Avenue” to the Moravian Mission Station at Mamre, across historic farmsteads to Darling, home of eclectic artists, wine, olives and flowers. A welcome dinner and guesthouse of your choice await you in Darling.

Day 2: Darling – Elandsfontein (35km)

An early breakfast and your’e back on the road. The second leg of your journey takes you along the gravel roads of the Eastern Darling Hills past the Hildebrandt Monument, onto a cyclable but rather soft, sandy road to Elandsfontein Game Farm. Elandsfontein dunes are the resting place of three-toed horse and short necked giraffe fossils that are millions of years old. The farm entrance brings an end to the days cycle. At the entrance you will be met by an off road vehicle and driven to the lodge, where a warm welcome awaits. After settling in, take a short drive to pick up your quad bike. A quick lesson and its off to the dunes to search for fossils. A sunset game drive returns you to the lodge in time for pre-dinner drinks and a well earned dinner.

Day 3: Elandsfontein – Duinepos, West Coast National Park (30km)

After breakfast, grab a lift to Elandsfontein’s western gate, where your support vehicle will meet you as you embark on the “Fossil to Footprint” leg of your journey. Cycle down to the R27 and across into Gate 2 of the West Coast National Park. Enjoy a beautiful cycle past Soutpan Farm, Mooimaak Farm to Seeberg and finally Duinepos, where your days cycle comes to an end. After lunch and a rest, take a walk to the nearby dunes to look for plant fossils from an ancient marsh, or get a lift to Kraalbaai, the site where ancestral Eve’s footprint were found and also a great spot for swimming in the tranquil waters of Langebaan lagoon. Of course if you are feeling fit, it’s a lovely cycle to Kraalbaai. What ever you choose, end the day with a fish braai and good company around the pool at Duinepos Chalets, where you spend the night.

Day 4: Duinepos - !Kwha Ttu San Cultural Centre (36 km)

After breakfast, embark on the final leg of your journey that takes you forward in time from Eve to the San. Head south through the West Coast National Park, keeping an eye out for wild ostrich, snakes and tortoises. Exit the Park, where you turn right to Yzerfontein. Make your way through Yzerfontein to a sandy track running parallel to the beach all the way to Tygerfontein Farm. From the homestead follow the track inland, crossing the R27 to head up to !Kwha Ttu, where your cycle comes to an end. Explore the San Cultural Centre at your leisure, especially the great photographic museum. After a lovely lunch at the restaurant, join a guided tour at 2pm to experience how San live and track game, or if you prefer, your support vehicle will transport you straight back to Atlantis and your car.

Price

The trail has not yet been developed but the itinerary described above is 70% of the way there and already a great experience. If you have a group of people interested in doing the trail as it currently is, we can arrange for you to do a Trial Run at cost and according to your tailor-made choice of itinerary, accommodation and catering. Interested? Contact Janette du Toit at jdutoit@capebiosphere.co.za