One of the world's best trails is 3 hours from Cape Town
The De Hoop Nature Reserve is a scenic 240km drive from Cape Town - and what awaits travellers there is something truly magical.
So magical, in fact, that Time Out Travel named the reserve's famous Whale Trail as one of the 20 best hikes in the world!
The 55km trail from Potberg Hut to Koppie Alleen takes five to six days to complete and apart from being able to experience this stunning part of South Africa up close and personal, if you go at the right time of the year, you will likely be able to witness a natural wonder of epic proportions.
Between June and November every year, hundreds of endangered southern right whales breech, breed and calf close to shore.
This annual event is considered to be among the best land-based whale-watching experiences in the entire world.
Pro Whale Trail tips
For the best possible chance of seeing these massive creatures, it is advised that you look to visit between mid-August and mid-October, but that's not to say you won't see them throughout the June to November window. We're just trying to maximise your chances.
Also, when you reach Stilgat Bay, you can trade in your hiking boots or trail shoes for fins and masks in order to snorkel around tidal pools. This is a glorious opportunity for you to swim amongst the array of marine life.
Which other trails and hikes made the cut?
If you have already been lucky enough to complete the Whale Trail and want to hike more of Africa, then Time Out Travel believes you will love Mount Meru in Tanzania.
Outside of our continent, the Tour du Mont Blanc in Switzerland, Italy and France made the list, while Wales' Mount Snowdon is very much a bucket list hike.
For those not able to leave Cape Town for a hike/trail adventure, don't forget that we have some brilliant options spread right across Table Mountain. To find out more, read our guide to Cape Town's best hikes.
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The De Hoop Nature Reserve is a scenic 240km drive from Cape Town - and what awaits travellers there is something truly magical. So magical, in fact, that Time Out Travel named the reserve's famous Whale Trail as one of the 20 best hikes in the world! The 55km trail from Potberg Hut to Koppie Alleen takes five to six days to complete and apart from being able to experience this stunning part of South Africa up close and personal, if you go at the right time of the year, you will likely be able to witness a natural wonder of epic proportions. Between June and November every year, hundreds of endangered southern right whales breech, breed and calf close to shore. This annual event is considered to be among the best land-based whale-watching experiences in the entire world. Pro Whale Trail tips For the best possible chance of seeing these massive creatures, it is advised that you look to visit between mid-August and mid-October, but that's not to say you won't see them throughout the June to November window. We're just trying to maximise your chances. Also, when you reach Stilgat Bay, you can trade in your hiking boots or trail shoes for fins and masks in order to snorkel around tidal pools. This is a glorious opportunity for you to swim amongst the array of marine life. Which other trails and hikes made the cut? If you have already been lucky enough to complete the Whale Trail and want to hike more of Africa, then Time Out Travel believes you will love Mount Meru in Tanzania. Outside of our continent, the Tour du Mont Blanc in Switzerland, Italy and France made the list, while Wales' Mount Snowdon is very much a bucket list hike. For those not able to leave Cape Town for a hike/trail adventure, don't forget that we have some brilliant options spread right across Table Mountain. To find out more, read our guide to Cape Town's best hikes.
