Green Mountain Trail

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The Green Mountain Trail is a 4-day, luxury slackpacking experience around the Green Mountain (Groendlandberg) in the Overberg region of the Western Cape.

The Trail Experience

Different to the traditional multi-day hiking trail setup of one day following on the next, the Green Mountain Trail is made up of selected day hikes which showcase the varied landscapes of the Overberg.

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The immense biodiversity of this area is generally lost on the uninformed, but our lead guide, Jeff Groenewald, was a walking encyclopaedia when it came to fynbos and the rich history of the Overberg region – from getting down low to investigate little wax twiners, to knowing where to find ancient stone tools.

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Ranging from plant species endemic to South Africa, to types of fynbos that only occur on certain parts of a specific mountain, we were continually enthralled by the complex magic that makes up this landscape.

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The term “slackpacking” often conjures up ideas of gentle strolls that require little to no effort – not so with the Green Mountain Trail. It is a proper hike in the mountains with decent inclines and declines, rough terrain underfoot at times and all the mountaintop rewards that come with the effort of a good hike. Distances aren’t trivial either, with the longer days ranging from 18-23km. The main benefit is that you don’t have to carry a heavy backpack.

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Two of the participants in our group have been hiking for most of their lives, but due to old injuries they are unable to have any loadbearing on their shoulders or backs – the Green Mountain Trail offers a proper multi-day, mountain hiking experience, in a pristine landscape without the burden of a heavy backpack. The guides carry coffee and snacks and all that’s left for the hikers to carry are a few warm layers, water and a light, packed lunch – luxury!

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Speaking of layers, do not underestimate the weather conditions either. As this is a mountain hike, the varied and rapidly changing weather conditions of mountains are part of the package. We experienced everything from blue skies and balmy afternoons to strong, cold wind, clouds and low visibility.

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Owing to the massive diversity of plant life in this area, it is also home to a wide variety of interesting and beautiful insects, birds, lizards, antelope and wild cats. Although we did not see any leopard or caracal, there was regular evidence of their presence on the trail, as well as klipspringer and duiker spoor. In addition to the lovely sugarbirds and sunbirds, we also spotted a pair of African harrier hawk gliding on the thermals, but the highlight must have been our encounter with the Cape dwarf chameleon – its stunning display of camouflage and methodical movement had us all mesmerized.

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Accommodation

The Green Mountain Trail replaces the usual multi-day hiking experience of 2-minute noodles and sleeping bags with gourmet meals, four-poster beds (or King or twin, if you prefer) and warm showers. Sitting around the fireplace at night after a lovely walk in the mountains is the most beautiful contrast and very quickly makes you forget that life was ever any different.

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The accommodation is also located close to nature, so there’s never a separation, even off the trail. The Wildekrans Country House property borders on the mountain and the garden is filled with art and beautiful nature scenes that are an immersive nature experience all on their own.

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Food

If you enjoy a good hike, but also love delicious food and beautiful wines, then this is the hike for you! At the end of each day, we would leave the trail and be transported to one of the local wine farms to sample some of their amazing creations. From there, we would be taken back to our accommodation where, after a hot shower, we would be presented with meals that are nothing short of praiseworthy. From starters that are pure flavour explosions, to perfectly cooked fish, to one of the best lamb shanks I’ve ever had. They also cater to all dietary requirements, so there is something for everyone.

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Conclusion

Amazing trails, stunning scenery, brilliant guides, luxury accommodation, gourmet dinners and beautiful wines – the Green Mountain Trail ticks every box. In short, this is the perfect luxury getaway for any hiker.

Bookings & Information

To find out more about this stunning hike visit https://www.greenmountaintrail.co.za/

Contact them on +27 28 284 9827 or email info@greenmountaintrail.co.za

About Arno van der Heever 54 Articles
Co-founder of Hiking South Africa, Arno loves the outdoors and finds joy in sharing it with others. He is a qualified mountain guide, a keen rock climber and has a "thing" for technical footwear and backpacks.

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