The Western Cape Mountains Loop: Hiking, Biking, Trail-Running & Wine

22 Waterfalls

Your journey begins at the dramatic 22 Waterfalls trail, a steep and adventurous hike that climbs beside a chain of waterfalls. The path rises sharply up the mountain face, crossing cool pools and rocky steps as the views open wider with every section. From the top, you look back across the whole valley while the sound of water echoes below. 🥾 Run/Hike: steep waterfall trail (non-running day)

🚐approx 1.5 hours

Into the Cederberg & Sanddrif

Travel into the rugged Cederberg, entering red-rock valleys and sandstone towers. At Sanddrif’s beautifully maintained, small-scale campsite, take a short walk down to the river to swim in clear mountain pools fed by small waterfalls. In the late afternoon stroll to Cederberg Private Cellar for relaxed tastings of award-winning high-altitude wines. As darkness arrives, enjoy a braai under huge cliffs with excellent stargazing. 🥾 Short hike + swimming rock pools (non-running day)

🚐approx 2 hours

Wolfberg Cracks & The Arch

A spectacular run–hike takes you up into the Wolfberg Cracks, where deep sandstone corridors and narrow fissures open onto the high plateau. Continue to the Arch, a natural sandstone bridge with sweeping views across the Cederberg. Return to camp for a refreshing swim in the river. If it’s a Saturday, join the Cederberg Observatory for a guided stargazing evening. 🥾/🏃‍♂️ Run–hike: 6–12 km depending on chosen loop

Cederberg Trails & Into the Karoo

Start the morning with a 5–20 km trail loop around Sanddrif, with options through valleys or up to viewpoints. Later drive deeper into the mountains and wind along gravel roads into the edge of the Karoo, where the landscape opens to quiet plateaus and wide silence. Spend the night at another remarkable campsite far from civilisation, under an immense canopy of stars. 🏃‍♂️ Run: 5–20 km (your choice)

🚐Drive: Cederberg gravel roads into Karoo

Karoo Morning & Mount Ceder

Wake to a calm desert atmosphere before driving back toward the eastern Cederberg valleys. Arrive at Mount Ceder for private, peaceful campsites surrounded by sandstone cliffs. Enjoy river swims, easy trail options, mountain-bike-friendly gravel tracks and the chance to kayak on the private estate lake. End the day dining at the restaurant or braaiing under a warm night sky. 🏃 Easy optional run: 5–10 km

🚐Drive: approx 1.5 hours

Arrival in Franschhoek

Head south toward Franschhoek, arriving in the afternoon in time to explore the town’s galleries, cafés and small boutiques. The valley scenery shifts from rugged mountains to vineyards and manicured gardens. In the evening enjoy high-quality dining, with tasting menus and wine pairings among South Africa’s best.

🚐Drive: approx 2 hours

Vineyard Run & Wine Tram or Motor Museum

Start the morning with a scenic vineyard run from Mont Rochelle, weaving through farm roads and gentle slopes. Afterwards choose between the Franschhoek Wine Tram or the classic Motor Museum for a relaxed afternoon. Evenings here blend fine dining, cosy wine bars and the serene atmosphere of the valley. 🏃 Morning run: 5–10 km

Jonkershoek, Nectar Gardens & Stellenbosch/Vergelegen

Drive to Jonkershoek for a beautiful 7 km run-hike through its amphitheatre-like valley, surrounded by waterfalls and steep peaks. Afterwards visit the Old Nectar gardens for a tranquil wander through shaded paths and sculpted landscapes. Close the day with either lunch and wine tasting in Stellenbosch or at Vergelegen. 🏃 Run-hike: 7 km

🚐Drive: short transfers

Cape Town

Spend your final days in Cape Town with time to explore the city’s oceanfront, cafés, markets and viewpoints. Choose between iconic running routes on the Twelve Apostles, Lion’s Head or parts of Table Mountain, each offering a different perspective on the city. Outside of running, enjoy beaches, the V&A Waterfront, museums, the cable car and the city’s vibrant food scene. 🏃 Optional runs: 5–12 km (various routes)

Departure or Extensions

Enjoy a relaxed final morning before departing. Alternatively extend your adventure with onward options such as the Garden Route, Kruger National Park, a Western Cape game reserve, or a beach week in Mauritius.