African Sun Road

Specialists in Hiking & Walking treks of Hermanus region
Established in – 2015
FYNBOS & WINE DAY WALKS - Hermanus

1)    ROTARY WAY – HAMILTON RUSSELL and BOUCHARD FINLAYSON         5 km    2.5-3 hrs

A scenic, mostly downhill & easy walk from the top of Rotary Way though aromatic mountain fynbos to sample the fruit of Hamilton Russell‘s Estate vineyard.  Hamilton Russell is one of the most southerly wine Estates in Africa and pioneered viticulture & winemaking in the Hemel & Aarde Valley.

“We are not so much using Hamilton Russell Vineyards to make Pinot noir and Chardonnay as we are using Pinot noir and Chardonnay to express the beauty and personality of Hamilton Russell Vineyards. Our terroir, in effect, "chose" these varieties as it’s most individual and beautiful expression.”
- Anthony Hamilton Russell

Stroll on to the most awarded boutique wine estate - Bouchard Finlayson, for a superb tasting and deli platter which can be enjoyed in their unique cellar or beautiful garden. Transport to be arranged. Starts at Rotary Way Lookout and ends at Bouchard Finlayson Estate.

2)    FERNKLOOF RESERVE  - JEEP TRACK - HAMILTON RUSSELL & BOUCHARD        10 km    4-5 hrs

Stretch your legs on a guided walk from Fernkloof Reserves visitors’ center to the waterfall and Boekenhout’s Bos (Afro-montane forest) and up the Adder Ladder and onto the Jeep Track. A gentle rolling track dressed with colourful fynbos takes us to Hamilton Russell Estate where we relax and reward ourselves with a wine tasting.

Then a stroll to Bouchard Finlayson, globally acclaimed for producing the best Pinot Noir in South Africa as well as exceptional Chardonnays’ & Sauvignon Blancs. The deli platter will not disappoint as you enjoy the beautiful garden setting. Starts at Fernkloof Reserve and ends at Bouchard Finlayson.

3)    GALPIN HUT - JEEP TRACK- HAMILTON RUSSELL & BOUCHARD        14 km    5-7 hrs

Rated moderate to difficult the first 5km of this trail ascends through Fernkloof Reserve to Galpin Peak (596m) for spectacular views of both Walker Bay and the Hemel & Aarde Valley.
We take a break for refreshments at Galpin Hut before we descend, picking up the Jeep Track to make our way to the vineyards of Hamilton Russell  and Bouchard Finlayson to enjoy well earned wine tastings and a delicious deli platter.

Trip includes tea, coffee & light snack at Galpin Hut.

Starts at Fernkloof Reserve and ends at Bouchard Finlayson Wine Estate.
Other walks & trails –

Grotto to DeKelders Beach Walk(18km)
Grotto-Sopies Klip (12km)
Kogelberg to Harold Porter Botanical Gardens (6km)
Kogelberg Reserve
Fernkloof Reserve

Registered Cathsseta Tourism & Wine Tour Guides, FGASA Field & Marine Guides
OVERBERG WINE WALK
DAY WALKS

These walking trails are designed for those who enjoy walking at a leisurely pace in natural environments, who appreciate award-winning wines and great food in unique settings. The Hemel & Aarde Valley lends itself to this magical experience. 
Many of the wine estates owners in the valley have partnered with the conservation sector –WWF-SA’s Biodiversity & Wine Initiative with the aim of preserving and regenerating biodiversity in the Cape Floral Kingdom. These threatened remnants of fynbos are the corridors of floral splendour we explore on our journey.

  • 1) Babylonian–storen Mountain Wine Walk
Scenic valley stroll on farm roads and single track trails alongside the impressive Babylonian–storen & Kleinrivier Mountains, through olive groves and vineyards.
  • 10 to 11kms (3-4 hrs walking time)
  • Moderate walk
  • Fynbos, vineyards and farms
  • Wine Tastings at Ataraxia and Spookfontein
  • Lunch option at  Spookfontein – or – nearby Moggs Country Cookhouse (for own pocket on the day)
  • 750ml bottled water
 
  • 2) Bouchard Finlayson Experience
Fynbos & vineyard ramble from La Vierge hilltop through to Bouchard Finlayson Estate, the most awarded wine estate in the valley.
  • 6-7 km (2hrs walking time)
  • Easy walk
  • Protea fynbos, farm lands, Afromontane forest & vineyards
  • Wine tastings at La Vierge & Bouchard Finlayson
  • Deli platter included (2 people sharing)
  • 750ml bottled water
 
  • 3) La Vierge 3 Tasting Route
Start the adventure with a Newton Johnson wine tasting, enjoyed with a fabulous view of the Hemel & Aarde Valley wine valley. From here the trail winds through vineyards, orchards and paddocks to Bosman Framehouse for a wine tasting.  Country roads and fynbos tracks lead us to La Vierge for another excellent tasting of the valleys best. 
  • 10 km  ( 5 to 6 hr total time)
  • Requires a later start time (from 10 a.m)
  • Moderate walk
  • Wine tasting at Bosman Winery and Newton Johnson and La Vierge Winery
  • 750ml bottled water
 
  • 4) Newton-Johnson  + La Vierge Route
Start the walk at Newton Johnson Family tasting room after sampling their exceptional wines in their tasting room with a panoramic view of the vineyards and mountains. Navigating single tracks in beautiful mountain fynbos our next stop is La Vierge for a unique wine experience in their “Garden of Eden” themed tasting venue.
  • 4 km (3-4 total time including tastings)
  • Easy-moderate walk
  • Includes wine tastings at Newton-Johnson and La Vierge
  • 750ml bottled water

SPOOKFONTEIN RESTAURANT - CLOSED ON MONDAYS & TUESDAYS (open for tastings)
BOSMAN WINERY - CLOSED ON MONDAYS
LA VIERGE - CLOSED ON MONDAYS
ATARAXIA - CLOSED ON SUNDAYS
NEWTON JOHNSON - CLOSED ON SUNDAYS

EXCLUDES: transport & wine purchases
Nature guided walks & trails
 
LIST OF DAY WALKS & TRAILS
 
  • Grotto Beach Walk         12 km    3hrs      Marine guided barefoot walk to SopiesKlip
  • Grotto to De Kelders      18 km     full day                Transport one-way
  • Hermanus Cliff path          10 km    5hrs      New harbour to Piet se Bos Milkwood Forest
  • Fernkloof Nature Reserve – Nature hikes
  • 3 km Waterfall & Flower Walk
  • 5-8km Route
  • 10-14 km Galpin Peak, Sculpture Corner, Aasvoelkop
  • Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve (this is 45mins from Hermanus)
  • Palmiet River Walk          10 km    3-4 hrs
  • Oudebosch-Harold Porter 6 km  4 hrs
  • Kogelberg Trail  24 km    9 hrs
  • 3 Sisters Trail      8 km      6 hrs (tough)
CONTACT US -
Gilly 0829034569    Ralph 0824621505   
www.africansunroad.com
Email us
Tour Operators, Tour Guides and Tourism Transport based in Hermanus - covering Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Garden Route and all of the Western Cape province, South Africa
Tour Operators, Tour Guides and Tourism Transport based in Hermanus - covering Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Garden Route and all of the Western Cape province, South Africa
HATT is totally endorsed, fully encouraged and 100% supported by the local -

1) Tourism Department of the Overstrand Municipality - and -
2) Road Traffic Police Dept. of Hermanus/Overstrand

Manager: Tourism Marketing Overstrand Municipality
Hermanus Association of Transport and Tourism (HATT)
Providing incredible tourism experiences to all the tourists that visit our wonderful region
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