Launch of Vergelegen's Guided Hiking Trail

Vergelegen Wine Estate in Somerset West is launching a full-day guided 13km hike across the estate. The first hike on the new Vergelegen Trail takes place on Saturday, 15 March 2025, and will thereafter be offered twice a month, weather permitting.

The new Vergelegen Trail offers a captivating full-day guided 13km hike across the estate. Guests will have the unique opportunity to explore the farm’s rich history, discover its diverse flora and fauna, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic vistas. This immersive experience grants access to hidden gems of the property that are typically closed to the public, making it a must-do for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

The route, set against a spectacular backdrop of the Helderberg and Hottentots Holland mountain ranges, traverses:

• Manor house and gardens: Vergelegen is a provincial heritage site, and the route starts in the historic precinct for hikers to admire the lush gardens and beautiful homestead.
• Lourens River and orchards: The trail leads to the Lourens River, where a section of land is a Protected Natural Environment, then passes through orchards.
• Nguni cattle grazing areas: The route continues into the grazing area of the docile Nguni cattle herd – numbering about 400 indigenous cattle with spectacular multi-coloured hides – and resident bontebok.
• Fynbos biome: Vergelegen is home to the largest privately funded alien vegetation clearing project in South Africa. Find out more about this visionary conservation initiative, and view fynbos, wetlands, and renosterbos.
• Game camp: Hike alongside the fenced game camp, with possible sightings of wildlife such as eland, rare Rau quagga, black wildebeest and small antelope.
• Vineyards and wine cellar: Finally, the trail ascends to the vineyards and concludes at the wine cellar, providing a fitting end to the hike.

Afterward, hikers will enjoy a wine tasting and a three-course à la carte lunch at Stables with wine.

Cost: R2 900 per person

Time: 08h00

Duration: Full day

Capacity: Max 8 pax

Includes: Entrance to the estate; the guided hike; a Vergelegen trail essentials kit with a branded cap and water bottle; an exclusive wine tasting experience; a 3-course lunch; and a bottle of Florence Rosé to take home.

Click HERE to book.