Eve's Trail

About Eve's Trail

30 kilometres in 2 and a half days:

One of five slackpacker trails that take place in the Cape West Coast Biosphere, Eve's Trail is a wilderness hike that starts on the white sands of the beach south of the West Coast National Park.

The theme of this trail, as the name suggests, is walking in the footsteps of Eve, who is regarded as the mother of all human life. The spectacular scenery and lack of human activity gives one an idea of what it must have been like to be governed only by the sun, the stars and the tides. The idea is that you spend the next 2.5 days without a watch, and live at the same pace as nature to replenish your soul.

Your two nights are spent in accommodation in the West Coast National Park and your first day includes a sunset walk with your guide to the dunes overlooking Langebaan Lagoon. Day two starts at the southern end of the park heading north along the endless 16 Mile beach, with a swim in the icy Atlantic ocean (if you can bear it).

After this you will head over the dunes and make your way along a sandy track to Abrahamskraal. Along the route learn about the small plants and animals of the coastal plains. The day ends with a ride to the village of Kraalbaai where Eve's footprints were found. Your evening meal is probably a fish braai.

Day two, after breakfast, takes you on a walk toward Geelbek along the road to the salt marsh that surrounds the lagoon. You will follow the track past the salt marsh and the old Bottlery Farmstead and head to the lagoon edge, then along the banks with views over Churchaven. The walk turns inland and up to the highest point in the park, ending at the historic Seeberg Cottage. A weekend of spectacular views.