Walk with Whales
A guided coastal hike during peak whale season in South Africa
5 days / 4 nights / 53 km / 33miles
01 September – 31 October only
(Booking are open for 2026 – 2027)
Slackpacking. Guided. All-Inclusive
Introducing our exclusive ‘Walk With Whales’
Starting just 30 kilometres south of Cape Nature’s famed Whale Trail – an iconic walking trail that we have completed more than 20 times since 2007 – our team has spent over three years meticulously crafting what we believe is the most rewarding all-inclusive Whale Watching experience along the Cape Whale Coast of South Africa.
Each step of the journey has been thoughtfully curated – from to deeply immersive storytelling that brings the local ecology, marine life, history, and culture to life.
Our Walk with Whales is a coastal meander suitable for all people who are walking fit. We offer a complimentary weekly fitness program seven weeks before your start date, to help make this your best walk ever.
We have handpicked, stylish accommodations in prime coastal locations and you choose the accommodation type that suits you. From beautiful shared homes or private en-suite rooms, you’ll enjoy the same extraordinary daily walks and outdoor experiences.
Our professional catering is locally sourced plentiful, nutritious and delicious – and we welcome all dietary requirements.
Our established team will make sure that you have the most incredible, authentic and immersive experience. With our deep logistical expertise and local knowledge, we ensure that every moment of your Walk With Whales is effortless, enriching, and unforgettable.
An Overview
What Makes ‘Walk With Whales’ Unique
Pristine, empty beaches. Elevated rock outcrops perfect for whale viewing. Coastal paths leading to places of cultural and historical significance, including the ancient lifestyle of the Strandlopers. Here, southern right whales often pass within 20 metres of shore — sightings are possible every day.
Scenery: Turquoise seas found only in this region, colourful corals scattered along the shoreline, and abundant fynbos in bloom.
Terrain: Low-tide beach walks on firm sand, barefoot or in shoes. Well-marked trails and koppies with moderate climbs, max elevation 210 m.
Sustainability: We support local communities, preserve heritage, report marine findings, and help with beach clean-ups.
Logistics: The walk starts and ends in Hermanus. Simply get to Cape Town — our team can arrange airport transfers, extra accommodation, and activities, with safe parking for self-drivers.
It is much easier if transfers, accommodation and extra activities are booked and arranged by our team. This allows us to manage them for you while you are walking – and you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Secure your Spot
Solo hikers, small and large groups are all welcome
Do you have a group of 8 or more?
Click below and our team will hold a date for you while you gather your troops!
The I tiner ar y
🌊 A flexible Itinerary for the best possible experience.
Our Walk With Whales itinerary below is a guide, not a fixed schedule.
We may change the days and coastal walks as they are determined by tides and swells. We do our best to keep you on the beaches at low tides when the sand is hard and to get you into the sea caves which are magical. Your safety, experience and comfort are critical to us, and we want to give you the best possible experience.
Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions (4 km)
Our shared transfer departs Hermanus at 12h30, travelling east towards the beginning of your journey. Along the way we stop for lunch (for your own account) in the charming village of Napier, before continuing to the unique fishing village of Arniston.
Your accommodation for the first two nights overlooks the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, where southern right whales are often seen.
After settling in, we head out for an introductory walk. Depending on the tides, we’ll either:
- Explore one of the Cape’s most remarkable sea caves, ancient shell middens and the petrified remains of prehistoric forests, while discovering the story of the Strandlopers who once lived along this coastline.
- Wander through South Africa’s oldest fishing village before continuing to the haunting remains of the Arniston shipwreck and its memorial.
As the sun begins to set, we gather for welcome drinks overlooking the ocean and our team will share what to expect over the days ahead before you settle in for a delicious home-cooked dinner.
Day 2: Pristine Coastline & Whale Encounters (14 km)
The rhythm of today is guided by the tides – so depending on the conditions, your morning may begin with sunrise over the ocean, breakfast en-route, an invigorating sea swim, or a slower start before setting off. If yesterday’s tides didn’t allow access to the sea cave, we hope to explore it today. The walk then follows one of the most spectacular sections of South Africa’s southern coastline. Rugged limestone cliffs, flowering fynbos and vast untouched beaches create an ever-changing landscape, while this stretch of secluded beach offers some of the finest land-based whale watching in the world.
A picnic lunch is enjoyed en route before a leisurely final stretch brings us to an estuary for another optional swim, where our vehicle will be waiting with a cooler box to take you back to Arniston. Arrive home to a gourmet cheese platter, puzzles, chit-chat and more. The evening is yours to relax before another memorable dinner.
Day 3: Marine, Cultural and Historic Encounters(14 km)
After breakfast and check out, we set off towards a colourful fishing harbour. Keep an eye out for Parrie, the resident stingray, a local legend since his release from the Two Oceans Aquarium. Our walk along coastal paths then climbs through fragrant fynbos to a viewpoint perched 210 metres above the coastline, rewarding us with sweeping views across two oceans.
We continue to the second-oldest working lighthouse in South Africa before stopping for lunch at a local restaurant (for your own account).
This afternoon we travel to your accommodation for the next two nights, where there’s time to unwind before gathering around the fire to share stories over another wonderful evening together.
Day 4: Cross Two Oceans (16 km)
An early morning ‘swim to the sunrise’ is optional, then a hearty cooked breakfast. The start of today’s walk takes you across the Southern Tip of Africa, the surreal meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Pass by a historic shipwreck, a testament to the area and the Cape of Storms. Delve deeper into the history of the Strandloper route and see what few in the world will ever get to. Ancient fish traps made 20 000 years ago, that are still being used today (tide dependant). Today is an incredible meditative walk. Back to your accommodation for a fabulous farewell feast!
Day 5: Walker Bay, Café and Farewell(5 km)
After breakfast and check-out, we begin our journey back towards Hermanus, pausing in the beautifully preserved Moravian mission village of Elim, where whitewashed cottages offer a glimpse into another era.
Our final walk follows a spectacular stretch of the Walker Bay coastline, where whales often come remarkably close to the cliffs. When tides allow, we descend into the ancient De Kelders Sea Cave, home to archaeological evidence of Middle Stone Age people dating back 70,000–80,000 years. We also visit a second hidden cave known to very few.
We arrive back in Hermanus around lunchtime, where your Walk with Whales journey concludes in the tranquil surroundings of The Courtyard on Harbour Road. Before saying goodbye, we’ll gather for a fabulous farewell lunch at Christina’s, with time afterwards to relax or browse the Wild Wellness Concierge Café.
From here, you may choose to spend another night exploring Hermanus or depart for Cape Town in time for evening flights from 18h00 onwards. If you’d like to extend your stay, our team would be delighted to arrange accommodation, activities or transfers.
Prices and Packages
PACKAGES & PRICES: | BOTH PACKAGES INCLUDE: | BOTH PACKAGES EXLUDE: |
|---|---|---|
PACKAGE A: SHARED ACCOMMODATION: A combination of twin or double beds and shared bathrooms 2026 Rates: R11 900.00 per person sharing 2027 Rates: R12 950.00 per person sharing PACKAGE B: PRIVATE EN-SUITE ACCOMMODATION: Enjoy the privacy of your own bedroom and bathroom, while still being part of the communal spaces. (these are limited and offered on a first come, first served basis) 2026 Rates: R15 200.00 per person sharing R18 420.00 - 20% single supplement. 2027 Rates: R16 750.00 per person sharing R20 250.00 - 20% single supplement. | All accommodation is in beautiful homes and prime locations. Food and drinks: Delicious dinners catering to all dietary requirements and allergies. Wholesome rusks and daily breakfasts. A variety of teas, filter or instant coffees. Fine Cape wines, beers, ciders (non-alcoholic too) cool drinks, mixers and waters. Evening snacks and after dinner treats. Lunch boxes on Day 2 and 4 and a fabulous farewell lunch. Slack packing: Transfer of your luggage between homes, so that you only walk with a light day pack. Transport: All transport between the start and finish of the hike. Guidance: Experienced hike leader with local and marine knowledge, and Level 1 First Aid certification. Permits: All conservation permits and entrance fees for SA citizens only. International clients will incur an additional R1400.00 for 2026 to cover international rates. 2027 Rates TBC. Complimentary fitness program: specifically curated for our walks by a Biokineticist, sent to you 7-weeks before your start date. Hands on assistance: A comprehensive packing list, booking of airport transfers, booking accommodation in Hermanus either side of your hike and additional activities. | Lunches: Lunch in restaurants on Day 1 and 3. Snacks: If you feel like additional snacks, please bring your own. Spirit Drinks: Please bring your own, we supply mixers. Transport: If you require any transport that is not included in the itinerary for personal purposes, we will invoice AA rate. If you are travelling from out of town: For out-of-town travellers, we provide airport transfers and can arrange additional accommodation before and after the hike. (Details available under 'Traveling from Out of Town' below). If you are driving to Hermanus: There is safe parking in Hermanus near the meeting point for R100 per day, so R500 for the hike. Emergencies or any additional requirements not mentioned above. |
Solo travellers, small groups and large groups are all welcome. A minimum of 8 and a maximum of 12 (18 on request) | If the minimum number is not reached, we will transfer your booking to a suitable date or refund you. Because of the limited time that the Walk with Whales takes place, the minimum number is generally not a concern. Just book so you don't miss out! | If you prefer own exclusive group, please book at least 8 places. |
The Details
There is a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 12 people *
- We welcome solo travellers, small groups and large groups.
- We strive to match solo travellers and small groups with like-minded people.
- If the minimum is not reached, we will transfer your booking to a date suitable to you, or refund you.
- * If you prefer own exclusive group, please book all 12 places.
- * We will accommodate groups of up to 18 upon request.
You need to be able to be on your feet for at least 6 hours a day, and walking fit.
Quite simply, the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy this walk.
To help with this, we will supply you with a free 6 week fitness program carefully designed for our hikes, to specifically build you up to a level that you will be able to enjoy the whole experience, be walking fit and strong around your knees, ankles and thighs.
Although we encourage you to have the full experience:
On Day 4 (the longest day of 16km), there are points en-route that we can pick you up.
Anyone needing a days break, is welcome to stay at the accommodation and we will transfer you to the next accommodation.
This is a slack packing experience, which means that your luggage is taken between houses by us, and you only hike with your day pack.
You are welcome to rent the following from us. Pre-booking is imperative.
- Daypacks (R200)
- Trekking poles (R200 per set)
What if you have to cancel?
- More than two months prior to your start date: We will refund all monies paid to date, less a 10% admin fee.
- Less than two months prior to your start date:
Our team will try their best to resell your place/s and encourage you to do the same. Once your place has been confirmed and secured under a new name, we will refund you all monies paid to date, less a 10% admin fee. - In the event that a replacement cannot be found for your booking, all monies paid to date are unfortunately non refundable under any circumstances what-so-ever.
What if our team has to cancel?
In the event that we have to cancel for any reason what-so-ever, a full refund will be issued on all monies that you have paid to date, with the exception of:
- Extreme weather that prevents safe walking.
- Government imposed travel restrictions
By booking this hike you understand, accept and agree that any information given as well as any service providers, locations, packing lists, transport options, accommodation, routes etc or any part of the tour whatsoever is the Intellectual Property of Wild Wellness. All images are protected by copyright and all rights are reserved.
In Hermanus at the Tourism Centre which is situated at the Old Station Building on the corner of Mitchell and Lord Roberts Street, Hermanus.
Our courtesy vehicle will depart from there on your first day at 12h30 and drop you off around 14h00 on your last day.
There is safe parking for your car nearby for R100 per day.
Please see the table above for the total price of your Walk with Whales.
A R3000.00 deposit per person secures your place and is payable within one week of your booking. The balance is payable in full, two months prior to your start date.
For bookings made within two months before your start date, the full amount will be due upon booking.
No problem!
It is much easier if airport transfers, additional accommodation and extra activities are booked and arranged by our team. This allows us to manage them before you arrive and while you are walking – and you don’t have to worry about a thing.
- Airport transfers between Cape Town International Airport and the start and end point of your hike.
- Accommodation before or after the start of the hike. Why not spend an extra night in Hermanus? Let us know and we will help you book!
- Driving in from out of town? Not to worry, we have safe parking for your car at R100.00 per day.
Why not have some extra fun by booking one of these additional activities while you are in the Cape Whale Coast?
Let us know which you would be interested in and we will arrange it for you, and manage the details while you are on the hike:
- Boat based whale watching
- Sunset cruise
- Sea kayaking
- A visit to an abalone farm
- Fat bike riding on a beach
- Horse riding in the valley with wine tasting
- Shark cage diving
- Quad biking
- Kite surfing rentals or lessons
- Zip lining
- Wine tours and tastings
- Snorkelling or Scuba diving
- Massages
- River cruises
- Yoga or pilates classes
- Spa treatments
A comprehensive packing list will be emailed through to you on confirmation of your hike.
By booking this hike and making the final payment, you agree to be bound by Wild Wellness indemnity terms and conditions. Wild Wellness, it’s staff, employees, suppliers and partners will not be held responsible for loss, injury, death or damage, including consequential loss of any nature whatsoever while on this hike, in any transport, the accommodation or during an activity of any sorts – under any circumstances what-so-ever. Wild Wellness will also not be held responsible for any loss or damage to your luggage and personal possessions. By booking this hike you understand and accept this.
You will be requested to sign an indemnity prior to the start of your hike. Failure to do so will result in you not being allowed to hike, and no monies will be refunded.