Image related to website content

CapeNature introduces South Africa’s first slow overnight hiking trail at De Mond Nature Reserve

27 Sep 2024

CapeNature is excited to announce the launch of South Africa's first slow hiking trail at the beautiful De Mond Nature Reserve, just a stone’s throw from the historic seaside town of Arniston. The Damara Trail is a new immersive experience in nature and invites visitors to slow down and enjoy the environment at a leisurely pace. Launched in celebration of World Tourism Day, held annually on 27 September, the trail embraces this year’s theme of peace.

On this World Tourism Day, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation reflects on the profound connection between tourism and peace. Sustainable tourism can transform communities – creating jobs, fostering inclusion and strengthening local economies.

This slow hike has been designed for ages 8-years and older and all fitness levels and offers a unique outdoor experience. Unlike other strenuous hikes, this two-day route features a gentle slope, smooth terrain, and scenic rest stops situated along the route.

On day one, hikers embark on a 5km hike (approximately 1 hour 45 minutes) leading to an overnight wooden deck facility, where you can set up your tent accompanied by the sounds of the ocean beneath the night sky. Day two extends the journey with an 11.5km hike (approximately 3 hours 45 minutes) along a scenic coastal route, where the trail will end on the beach in Arniston.

Hikers have the option of spending the second night at any of the accommodation establishments in Arniston and are encouraged to take in the local sights, sounds and experiences that this quaint fishing village has to offer. Thereafter a dedicated shuttle service will collect visitors and transfer them back to the De Mond Nature Reserve.

Hikers are encouraged to take their time and savour the experience and natural beauty of the trail. Interpretive signage has been installed along the route. It allows hikers to get to know their surroundings better, with factoids and interesting information on the plants and animals of De Mond and the culture, heritage, shipwrecks, amazing geological formations, and the renowned Waenhuiskrans Cave that make this region an unforgettable destination.

The Damara Trail is perfect for families, groups of friends, and anyone looking for an accessible hike and a peaceful escape from the world.

Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature, says, “This hike allows people to connect with nature at a slower pace and fully enjoy their surroundings. We are proud to constantly innovate in our tourism products, whether it be through our accommodation or hiking offerings, and the Damara Trail is sure to be yet another popular activity for loyal and new CapeNature visitors.”

De Mond Nature Reserve, located on the southwestern Cape coast, is known for its picnic spots, thriving birdlife, and unparalleled coastal views. With the addition of the Damara Trail, it becomes the ultimate destination for soft adventurers and seasoned hikers alike, who are looking for a new way to explore the Western Cape’s natural heritage.

If you are ready to take on your next unforgettable journey, bookings open from 4 October! Contact CapeNature at 087 087 8250 or reservation.alert@capenature.co.za to secure your spot and be part of the slow hike experience.

Image related to website content
Image related to website content
Image related to website content
Share:

Related News

Conservation Review 2025 Group Image
27 Jun 2025
Conservation Review 2025 highlights Western Cape’s biodiversity and conservation resilience and adaptability

CapeNature showcased its significant achievements in conservation operations and exceptional biodiversity protection over the past year.

The central message throughout the event and central to the theme was an emphasis on the successful partnerships the Entity has cultivated with stakeholders. Many of these partners were also in attendance, showcasing delivery on collaborative projects. The Entity relies on the productive co-operation of many partners to successfully execute its mandate in the Western Cape.

De Hoop Nature Reserve Bontebok
26 Jun 2025
2025 State of Conservation Report highlights progress and priorities in protecting Western Cape biodiversity

CapeNature launched the 2025 State of Conservation Report this morning at its annual Conservation Review, offering a clear, evidence-based view of the Western Cape’s biodiversity and how conservation efforts are measuring up.

Key themes emerging from the report include sustained efforts to build biodiversity resilience in the face of climate change, the value of strategic partnerships, and the growing integration of monitoring data into planning and policy.

20160529 072239 W12 1921
19 Jun 2025
A Win for Renosterveld Conservation as Haarwegskloof Declared a Provincial Nature Reserve

In a major victory for biodiversity conservation, Haarwegskloof, which includes the largest remaining connected stretch of renosterveld left on Earth has officially been declared a provincial nature reserve.

The reserve is owned by WWF South Africa and managed by the Overberg Renosterveld Trust (ORT), a non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting and restoring the fragile renosterveld ecosystem that once covered large parts of the Overberg.

Social Media Image cropped
18 Dec 2024
Forge’s top five family-friendly hikes to do this festive season

It’s the festive season, baby! And for many families across South Africa, that means packing the boogie boards and hiking boots and heading out of town. CapeNature reserves are naturally a first choice for family vacations over the festive season, and we want to help you get the most out of your next trip.

12 Days of Christmas Newsletter2
9 Dec 2024
Win Big This Christmas with CapeNature

CapeNature is in the Christmas spirit and we are giving back to our loyal nature lovers! We, together with our valued sponsors are kickstarting the celebrations with our 12 Days of Christmas daily prize giveaways.
Going LIVE on the 13th of December on our Facebook and Instagram accounts!