Green Mountain: Spectacular Slackpacking in the Overberg

Ditch the Heavy Backpack and Explore with Ease

Imagine a hiking adventure where you can leave behind the burden of carrying a heavy backpack, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of nature. Welcome to Green Mountain, an extraordinary slackpacking experience in the scenic Overberg region of South Africa.

When you choose Green Mountain, you’re choosing a hiking experience that goes beyond the ordinary. Slackpacking is a trailblazing concept that lets you enjoy the splendor of the outdoors without the physical strain of carrying all your gear. It’s like a weightlifting session for your soul!

So, how does it work? Well, instead of lugging around a heavy load on your back, you’ll have the luxury of walking with just a daypack. This means you can move freely and comfortably, allowing the stunning surroundings to captivate your senses.

The Overberg region is renowned for its awe-inspiring landscapes, charming towns, and diverse wildlife. By embarking on the Green Mountain slackpacking adventure, you’ll have the opportunity to explore this captivating area at your own pace.

Picture yourself strolling through pristine fynbos fields, breathing in the fragrant mountain air, and spotting unique bird species. With each step, you’ll feel a sense of wonder and connection with the natural world.

One of the highlights of slackpacking is the chance to experience local culture and hospitality. Along the way, you’ll have the pleasure of staying in comfortable accommodations, where warm welcomes and delicious meals await you. It’s like being a guest in someone’s home!

As you traverse the various trails on Green Mountain, you’ll be accompanied by expert guides who possess a wealth of knowledge about the area. They’ll regale you with captivating stories, fascinating facts, and insider tips, enriching your hiking experience in ways you never thought possible.

So, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a novice explorer, the Green Mountain slackpacking adventure is an ideal choice for anyone seeking an escape from the mundane. Leave behind the stress and strain of everyday life and treat yourself to a rejuvenating journey through the heart of nature.

If you’re ready to embark on an unforgettable hiking experience, Green Mountain is waiting for you. Lace up your boots, grab your daypack, and get ready to immerse yourself in the magnificence of the Overberg region. Your next adventure awaits!

Book your Green Mountain slackpacking adventure today!

A fantastic day’s walk rewarded with wine, dinner, and cozy beds – doesn’t that sound amazing?

Outdoor adventures are about embracing the fresh air, taking in breathtaking views, and exploring less-traveled paths. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in unspoiled nature and enjoy the energy-boosting benefits of physical activity. It’s like giving your legs a good stretch while feeding your soul. If you’re longing for this kind of escape but don’t want to sacrifice your comfort, I know just the place for you – and it’s just an hour’s drive from Cape Town.

Welcome to the Groenlandberg, also known as Green Mountain. Located within the Kogelberg Biosphere, a UNESCO-designated area in the Overberg region, this place offers a picturesque landscape of orchards, farms, vineyards, forests, and slopes covered in fynbos. It’s a sanctuary centered around the charming towns of Elgin, Grabouw, and Bot River. What sets this place apart is that it’s not just a wine route. It’s the world’s first biodiversity wine route, promoting conservation and responsible farming.

Come on over to Wildekrans Country House in Houw Hoek, near Elgin, and you’ll have the perfect starting point for your adventure through this amazing countryside. We’ve got three fantastic hiking options that take you across our private land. And the best part? We’ve thought of everything! Our packages include delicious home-cooked meals, wine tastings, transfers to and from the start and end points of each day’s hike, experienced mountain guides, and cozy four-star en-suite rooms with all the amenities you need – like hot showers, comfy beds, and wifi.

So, are you ready to step into your hiking boots? Come join us and let’s get started on this exciting journey!

The Adventure Awaits

Welcome to an exciting two-day journey that will take you through breathtaking landscapes and offer you unique experiences. Get ready to embark on “The Weekend Route”, a shortened version of the famous Green Mountain Hike. In just 22km, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the Houw Hoek Trail and the Leopard and Ox Wagon Trail, while also indulging in wine-tasting and lunch in Bot River.

Are you ready for an adventure that will leave you in awe? Let’s dive into the details:

Day 1: The Houw Hoek Trail

On the first day, we’ll conquer the Houw Hoek Trail. Get ready to witness stunning views over the golden wheatfields and Walker Bay. The 11km hike will take you through diverse landscapes, offering a moderate level of difficulty. Throughout the four to five-hour journey, you’ll embrace the beauty of nature and challenge yourself in the most exhilarating way.

Day 2: The Leopard and Ox Wagon Trail

As we enter day two, get ready to immerse yourself in the captivating Leopard and Ox Wagon Trail. This trail will lead you down into Bot River, where you’ll have the chance to indulge in wine-tasting and a delicious lunch. The 11km hike will take you through unique sceneries and provide an experience like no other.

By following “The Weekend Route”, you will have the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing wonders of nature, challenge yourself physically, and indulge in the delightful pleasures of wine-tasting. So gear up and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

Hey there! I’m excited to tell you all about this awesome three-day hiking adventure called the Green Mountain Trail. It’s a 50km trail that takes you through the beautiful southern part of the Elgin Valley. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this!

So, on Day 1, we start off by exploring the hills above Bot River. It’s a bit of a climb, but totally worth it! And guess what? We get to take a break and do some wine-tasting at the fabulous Paul Cluver wine estate. Now, that’s my kind of hiking trip!

Day 2 is just as exciting! We’ll be walking above Kleinmond and Paardeberg. The views are absolutely breathtaking! And to make things even better, we’ll get to do some more wine-tasting at the famous Iona Vineyards. Can you think of a better way to spend a day?

Finally, on Day 3, we’ll be exploring the Kogelberg and Palmiet River. This part of the trail is so serene and peaceful. And to top it all off, we’ll end our journey with a delicious lunch and more wine-tasting at the beautiful Almenkerk Estate. I can’t wait!

Now, I know you might be wondering about the level of difficulty. Well, don’t worry! This trail is suitable for hikers of moderate skill level. Each day, we’ll be covering around 12km to 18.5km, which takes about four to seven hours. It’s a perfect balance between challenge and enjoyment.

So, what are you waiting for? Join me on the Green Mountain Trail and let’s embark on an incredible adventure together!

This is the ultimate trail. Over four days and 60 kilometers, you’ll uncover the very best of the Groenlandberg. The adventure starts with the untouched beauty of the Kogelberg Conservancy, where we’ll conquer the Nuweberg on Day 1. On Day 2, we’ll venture through mountain fynbos and vineyards, stopping for a picnic lunch at Oak Valley Estate and a wine tasting at Paul Cluver Wines. Day 3 takes us along the Houw Hoek Trail, and on Day 4, we’ll make our way down the Leopard and Ox Wagon Route, ending in Bot River for a visit to Beaumont Wines. Along the way, prepare to be amazed by breathtaking sea views, encounters with local wildlife and birdlife, and the extraordinary flora of the region. Our knowledgeable guides will share captivating stories about the area’s rich history. Expect to walk between 11 and 18 kilometers each day, for four to six hours, with a moderate level of difficulty. Ready for the full adventure? Check out the detailed itinerary. And get ready for a warm welcome and genuine hospitality throughout your journey.

At Wildekrans Country House, you’ll experience the ultimate in comfort after a long day of hiking. Our charming property boasts a stunning garden adorned with statues, cozy rooms adorned with a private collection of South African art, a library and lounge complete with a crackling fireplace, and a veranda where you can enjoy refreshing sundowners.

When it comes to dining, we’ve got you covered with delicious meals made from locally sourced, farm-grown ingredients. Breakfast and dinner are included in the cost of your stay, and we also provide lunches either on a scenic mountaintop or at a local farm. And don’t forget about our wine-tasting experiences at nearby estates.

But that’s not all – as a special treat, every hiker at Wildekrans gets to “walk with an alien.” These unique walking sticks are crafted from cleared alien trees as part of a community project, adding an extra touch of magic to your hiking adventure.

Important information

• Please plan to arrive at Wildekrans Country House the night before your hike, between 4pm and 5.30pm.

On the Green and Blue Trails, check-in happens on Monday. To get the best experience, it’s recommended to visit during the week as it’s a “working farm” experience. Checkout can be done on Thursday or Friday after lunch. The hike requires a minimum of seven hikers, but it can accommodate up to 10. If you’re not part of a group, the organizers can include you in another group.

If you’re bringing non-hikers along, there are plenty of activities in the area or they can relax at Wildekrans Country House, which has a pool and boules court.

The rates include accommodation, all meals, and trail snacks. You’ll also get personalized wine tastings, a walking stick (which you can keep), and knowledgeable guides.

Please note that the hiking itinerary is subject to change based on the weather or unforeseen circumstances at the hosting farms.

Pricing:
Weekend Walking (2 days): R3,500 per person sharing per day (R7,000 total)
Blue Mountain (3 days): R3,785 per person sharing per day (R11,350 total)
Green Mountain (4 days): R3,650 per person sharing per day (R14,600 total)
Single supplement: R1,400 per person per day
Rates valid until 1 August 2023

Availability:
January – May; August – December (closed June + July)

Contact:
Phone: 028 284 9827
Email: info@greenmountaintrail.co.za

Location:
Wildekrans Country House, off the N2, Houw Hoek, Elgin Valley, Overberg