It's great to see South Africans finally picking up on what the Italians have known for centuries, that this is the way life is meant to be lived – slowly and simply, with good food and wine and good company, in a natural, outdoor setting. This 2.5 day, 25km hiking and cycling cultural experience is for those who know how to experience the good things in life.
Over the course of the 2.5 days we follow a route once walked by short-necked giraffe, our common ancestor and the San, then came the early settlers and farmers we know today. We explore some of this history along the way but also enjoy a taste of contemporary culture, olive and wine tasting.
The trail route connects Darling in the interior with Yzerfontein on the coast, with hiking and cycling beginning from the midway point at !Khwa ttu San Cultural Centre. It is made up of three legs connected through a series of marvellous cultural interactions, wine and olive tastings and short transfers.
The first leg on Day 1 is a gentle walk (2km) around picturesque Darling. The second leg on Day 2 is a 10km cycle from !Khwa ttu down to Yzerfontein on the coast. The third leg on Day 3 is a 13km walk from !Khwa ttu across farmlands, up into the olive groves and vineyards of the Darling hills, and down into the town of Darling.
The map provides an overview of the trail but is not 100% accurate. Trails are led by one or more guides who know the route and safeguard guests and natural and cultural heritage embedded in the landscape.
The Trail will be led by one or more qualified guides, supported by various caterers, drivers and other service providers.
The following itinerary may change to suit customized requests, seasonally or due to circumstances beyond our control.
Day 1: Meet over olives at Alexanderfontein, explore Darling (2 km walk).
- 14h00 – Meet at Alexanderfontein for welcome and olive tasting.
- Settle into your comfortable 3-4 star guesthouse, in the heart of Darling,
your home for the next two nights.
- Stroll around town exploring Darling's history (Pastorie Street, Museum) and meet some of the local characters (like artist Nicolaas Maritz).
- Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before retiring to your guesthouse.
Day 2: Visit !Khwa ttu, cycle down to Yzerfontein (10km), wine tasting over lunch at Ormonde, dinner and a show with Tannie Evita or Auntie Ivy.
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Day 3: Hike (13km) from !Khwa ttu through the hills via olive and wine farms to Darling, stopping for lunch in the vineyards.
- 08h00- A delicious breakfast served at the guesthouse
- Transfer to !Khwa ttu and start your walk to Darling.
- Follow a path across the fields and along farm tracks up into the Darling hills.
- After lunch among the vineyards and olive groves, a short stroll (1 hour) brings you back to Darling and the end of the trail.
