Blue Mountain Trail
Attractions
THREE DAYS OF LUXURY SLACKPACKING
REASONS TO WALK THE BLUE MOUNTAIN TRAIL
FYNBOS
Fynbos is a distinctive heathland unique to the Western Cape of South Africa. It is both the smallest and the richest floral kingdom in the world, with an extraordinarily high number of its plant species found nowhere else. The Green Mountain and Blue Mountain Trails take hikers through exclusive areas within the Kogerlberg Biosphere, a 100,000-hectare area within the Fynbos which is the world Hot Spot for plant diversity and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are several endemics, among them the Marsh Rose (Orothamnus zeyheri), the Silver Pagoda (Mimetes hottentoticus) and the critically endangered Mace Pagoda (Mimetes stockoei).
FARMS
All the farms we visit are family owned and each has its own story.
WILDEKRANS COUNTRY HOUSE is a historic 1811 homestead with a rambling country garden. Home to a private collection of South African contemporary art and antique furniture, the atmosphere is relaxed, quirky and ancient, all rolled into one. View more details on Wildekrans Country House
Iona – Hikers are treated to a visit to Iona at the end of the second day’s hike. The philosophy at Iona is to make wine that expresses the soils and climate as closely as possible, making use of sustainable farming methods and to maximise the use of natural products in farming and winemaking. Everything is done in-house. From the vineyard to the wine distribution, for Andrew and Rozy Gunn, Iona is the sole source of their focus, passion and great joy.
Almenkerk Wine Estate – The Blue Mountain Trail ends with a lunch at a small, family-owned wine estate, Almenkerk. The estate is owned by the Belgian/Dutch van Almenkerk family and run by Natalie and Joris van Almenkerk. Whilst Joris has fun making award-winning wines, Natalie is in charge of sales and marketing, PR and admin. Patriarch, Joep, helps out with sales, frequent wine tastings and as a mentor on the business side.
FOOD
The combination of fresh air and hiking never fails to build an appetite. The diversity of the area is also appreciated by the palate, where the food and wines enjoyed by hikers reflect the differences in soils and rainfall. Feedback from hikers describes the food as a “veritable feast” and it’s as much a gourmet experience as it is a hike. The cuisine is seasonal and fresh, produced on many of the participant farms. Olives, brinjals, asparagus, basil, lemons, tomatoes, gooseberries, apples, pears, plums and peaches are just a few of the locally grown ingredients that find their way onto the dinner plates of Blue Mountain Trail hikers. Hikers frequently ask for the recipes of the dishes served on the trail, so we figure we’re on the right track! Some of the favourites are melanzane parmigiana, slow-cooked lamb shanks, fresh herbed fish poached in Sauvignon Blanc, and berry pavlova.
FAUNA
On the higher reaches of the trail, hikers may catch sight of klipspringers, standing like sentinels against the sky. Nesting Verreauxs eagles are another special sighting for the area. Duiker and Grysbok may be seen on the lower mountain slopes while secretive Mountain Leopard and Caracal slip by unseen or by night leaving their tracks along the trail. With over 200 species of birds sighted in the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, the hiker can expect to be rewarded with the endemic Orange Breasted Sunbird and Cape Sugarbird and on the farmlands below the regal Blue Cranes are often seen striding through the fields or giving their melodic trumpeting call as they soar gracefully above the horizon.
TRIPADVISOR REVIEWS - WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT THE BLUE MOUNTAIN TRAIL
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Looking for an amazing trail or country accommodation outside Cape Town or Chianti, Italy?
Whether you are looking to hook up with another group to take one of our lovey hikes or just looking for a relaxing getaway, Green Mountain can cater to your every need. Click the button below to make a booking.
