Mountain Hike
(Minimum 2 persons)
Golden Hour at the Lady Slipper! Experience the Van Stadens Mountain Range like never before when all turns to gold at sunset. Leaving the late afternoon heat behind, we guide you up through pristine, fynbos-covered slopes as the day winds down. The steady incline rewards you at the summit with stunning views of the rugged mountain folds and distant coastlines. As the sun dips below the horizon, you will witness the landscape transform under a spectacular African sunset, all while enjoying a warm beverage before safely navigating back down under the stars.
ADVENTURE DETAILS
Trail Specifications and Difficulty
💪 Difficulty rating: Moderate Hiking
🥾 Walking Distance: ~ 5.2 km (3.2 miles) (Round trip)
📈 Elevation gain: ~ 317 meters (1,040 feet)
🏔️ Altitude: 603 meters (1,978 feet) MSL
🏋️ Energy required: ~ 4000kJ (956 kcal)
⏱️ Duration: ~ 4 hours (Including breaks)
🏞️ Terrain Type: Mountainous, Forest or Woodlands, Rocky, Beaten trail
Comfort
👣 Pace Style: Moderate, steady climbing with open rock platforms for resting
⚖️ Pack weight: Ultra-light daypack
🎒 What to pack: Water (750 ml), High-energy trail snacks
👖 Essential clothing: Hiking boots or sturdy shoes, Warm clothing (jacket, beanie, gloves)
Base Amenities
🍭 Trail café (exclusively open for last-minute snack purchases)
⛱️ Base Facilities: Picnic or braai (barbecue) spots
🚻 Bathroom Facilities: Flush toilets
Logistics
🧭 Guide: This tour is fully guided by a professional adventure guide
☕ Pre-booked stops: Optional add-on
🚙 Transport: Optional add-on
⌚ Travel: ~ 30 minutes from Gqeberha CBD
Inclusions
🎫 Permits: All permits are arranged beforehand and are included in the price
➕ Optional add-ons: See Value Added Services on the Next page
Destination and Scenery Value
📸 Capture tight macro shots or wide portraits as the low-angled afternoon sun illuminates the fine textures of the endemic plant life. Shoot directly into the setting sun to capture dramatic, high-contrast silhouettes.
🏟️ Crowd Factor: None (Exclusive trail rights)
🌤️ Best Season: The absolute best seasons for a sunset hike up Lady Slipper are autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November), as the sun sets at a highly comfortable time (between 17:30 and 18:30). This allows you to start the ascent in the pleasant, cooler late afternoon and still get back to the base carpark before the night becomes freezing.
Risk and Safety Information
🪁 Altitude risks: Acclimatisation is not required
🚁 Emergency: Qualified guides (first aiders), first aid kits, headlamps, full cell coverage, satellite mapping, paper mapping, escape routes, rescue procedures/responses, radio-linked guides
🧑🤝🧑 Group Size: Minimum 2 (12 hikers per guide for safety)
⛔ Not permitted: Drones, Pets, Dogs
