Stage 5 of the Whale Trail covers 7.1 km from Vaalkrans to Koppie Alleen, with 135 m of ascent and 99 m of descent. The highest point is 52 m. Allow about 3 hours of walking, plus breaks.
Distance, climb and elevation come from the Outest route data. Difficulty and time are estimates from distance and climb; your pace will vary with heat, pack weight and photo stops.
Ten campsites with braai and ablution block plus five simple twin rondawels with shared showers at the De Hoop Opstal, about 14 km by reserve road from Koppie Alleen. Run by De Hoop Collection, not CapeNature; book campsites directly with their reservations team.
Nine whitewashed 3-bedroom self-catering cottages (sleep up to 6, linen provided) at the De Hoop Opstal beside the vlei, about 14 km by reserve road from Koppie Alleen; catered options exist. Good for a night after the trail; book directly with De Hoop Collection.
Licensed restaurant at the De Hoop Opstal, open daily 08:00-21:00 for breakfast, lunch, dinner and coffee, also for day visitors; picnic baskets must be ordered ahead. About 14 km by reserve road from Koppie Alleen.
The shuttle included in the trail fee collects hikers at the Koppie Alleen parking (from about 09:00, latest 12:00) and drives about 45 minutes back to the Potberg office and parking, where your luggage boxes wait. Koppie Alleen has toilets and showers; there is no overnight stay for hikers here.
Checked online in October 2026. Places marked "not confirmed by the operator" are listed on OpenStreetMap or in guides but could not be checked on an official page. The Whale Trail huts can only be booked together, as part of the 5-day CapeNature trail for a group of 6 or 12; you cannot book a single night or sleep anywhere else on the trail.
Emergency: call 10177 (112 from a mobile) or WSAR 021 937 0300. Emergency & health guide
Pharmacies, ATMs, shops and stops: © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hospitals and health centres checked online.
The full stage works offline in Outest, with the route, elevation, water and village points, and a trail guide you can ask about conditions and the next place to sleep.