The Perlemoen Trail

About

The Perlemoen Trail stretches along 50km of the Atlantic coastline and is divided into a four-day slackpacking hike. Each leg of the trail varies in character and offers a unique view of this beautiful stretch of the Overberg. 

Professionally interpreted by your host Jason Stonehewer and his knowledgeable guiding assistants, you will gain insights into marine ecology, indigenous fynbos, medicinal plants, Khoisan history dating back thousands of years and also hear fascinating stories about the many ships that floundered in these waters. 

The rich diversity of wildlife found in what is known as the Cape Floral Kingdom offers spectacular natural scenery around every point including an unforgettable gastronomic foraging experience. These natural wonders combined with the freshest air on the planet and great company make this a first-class adventure for family and friends.

The Perlemoen Trail Itinerary

The Perlemoen Trail is about adventure and fun on an unforgettable four-day slackpacking journey along a 50km stretch of coastline.

Trail Day 1

• Location - Quoin Point (Die Dam, Buffeljagsbaai)
• Distance - 15km (lighter version 12km)
• Terrain - Medium with a light gradient over dunes

Trail Day 2

• Location - Pearly Beach Nature Reserve (Bufflesjagsbaai, Pearly Beach) 
• Distance - 16km (lighter version 14km)
• Terrain - Medium to easy

Trail Day 3

• Location - Uilkraal Reserve (Pearly Beach, Franskraal)
• Distance - 14km (lighter version 12 km) 
• Rating: Medium to easy

Trail Day 4

• Location - Walker Bay Nature Reserve (Gansbaai Harbour, Walker Bay, Die Plaat)
• Distance - 6km (lighter version 4km)
• Terrain: Medium to easy

Perlemoen Trail Dates, Packages & Rates

The trail dates and packages for The Perlemoen Trail are as follows:

Trail Dates

• Trail Season: September to June
• Trail Dates: 16 Perlemoen Trail dates per year (planned according to ocean tides)

Packages

• Trail Group Size: six to 12 hikers

Please Note

• Bookings of 10 or more hikers will be exclusive-use unless there were previous bookings for that date
• The pricing structure is calculated on a sliding scale (the more hikers in your group booking, the better the price you get)

Package Options

The Perlemoen Trail has two package options.

1. Fully-Catered 

All meals provided, a cooked breakfast, healthy picnic lunch, trail snacks & light refreshments included. Dinners are braais at the house and an outing to a local restaurant.

2. Self-Catering

You supply and prepare your meals, drinks and trail refreshments. There is a shop in Pearly Beach for backup supplies. Accommodation is well suited, equipped and comfortable for entertaining and there are a few rustic eating places. There is no bottle store in Pearly Beach.  A housekeeping service can be arranged.

Rates

For more information about trail dates, packages and rates, contact The Perlemoen Trail directly.

Short Trails

While the majority of people join The Perlemoen Trail for the full four day / four-night experience, it is possible to join trails for day hikes or partial trail experiences. This is dependant on availability.

For more information on trail dates, contact The Perlemoen Trail directly. 

The Perlemoen Trail Accommodation

(sleeps 16 people)

The Perlemoen Trail has exclusive use of Lucky Fish, a spacious five-bedroom house with a garden flat in Pearly Beach, about a 20-minute drive from Gansbaai. 

Ground Floor

The double story house has a fully-equipped open-plan kitchen, dining area with a large 12-seater dining table and a comfortable lounge with an indoor fireplace on the ground floor. This magnificent living space with partial sea views opens out onto a sheltered terrace that has a braai area with another 12-seater table. An open garden with trees and a rustic braai area offers a second alternative to outdoor relaxation.

There are two bedrooms and two bathrooms on the ground floor.

First Floor

A second lounge with a balcony and sea views can be found on the first floor. 

There are three bedrooms and two bathrooms on the first floor.

Garden Flat

The garden flat has a separate entrance. It has an open-plan living arrangement with a kitchenette, seating area and an indoor braai. 

There is a sleeping nook and a bathroom.

Reviews

“A memorable experience with our group of friends. This four-day event has been wonderful. The beach walks are incredibly beautiful. Jason and his guides are very knowledgeable. We stayed at Jason's Lucky Fish Guest Lodge. The accommodation was great and the common areas so comfortable and tastefully decorated. Amazing breakfast, yummy packed lunches and dinners with a difference. We also had the best fish and chips at the local clubhouse. Then an unforgettable evening at a local restaurant. Would love to do it again in whale season. Check out the video clips on YouTube for Beachcomber Guide that Jason puts together for his guests.”  Enid Son

“I had a wonderful four days with my friends hiking along the beaches of this beautiful part of the coastline. Our host was very attentive and all the guides were highly knowledgeable. The accommodation was beautiful and super-comfortable. I highly recommend The Perlemoen Trail!”  Leana Duffus

“Great accommodation, excellent food, professional guides, beautiful scenery, peaceful getaway, time out with friends. All these reasons make me even more grateful for the wonderful experience and nature getaway I was able to take part in. Thank you for your excellent hikes, knowledgeable and experienced guided trails and wonderful tasty meals. All in all a relaxing time away from home and a fun time to bond with friends.”  Leanne Suarez