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The Whale Journey ties in with the race event but gives a unique opportunity for just a dozen decadent lovers of life and trail to gallivant along the route over two days, and be utterly spoilt for three nights.
Sometimes an ultra-distance run is better undertaken as a luxurious two-day affair, punctuated with a swim and a nap and fireside fun camaraderie. Sometimes a route offers so many diversions that racing through it leads to intense FOMO. Sometimes you do just have to stop and smell the fynbos. And watch the whales. And explore the rockpools. And take the photos.
Consider the exclusive Whale Journey 2026.
Fully catered from the moment you arrive at the haven of De Hoop Collection with every detail carefully considered. Nothing more to do but indulge in the magnificence of the reserve.
As a member of the small group you are invited to run at your own pace, either fast or meandering.
There are two Journey events on offer, each to just 12 trail runners who appreciate the finer side of life. Both give the unique opportunity to run the 53km route as a two day adventure, with three nights fully catered.
The planned closure dates for maintenance of Whale Trail facilities – originally scheduled for May through end of July, CapeNature have now changed to 1st June – 31st August. Unfortunately this means we will be unable to use the overnight hut at Noetsie and have had to cancel the Whale Journey event for 2026.
WHALE JOURNEY 1
12 soon-to-be-friends arrive Thur afternoon at De Hoop, and start their first day running on Fri, with no-one else on the trail. Waking up at the charming beach hut on Sat morning, they then join the main Whale race from that point to complete the second half and get to enjoy the festive vibe of the big event without any race day stress. Accommodation that night is at De Hoop Collection with a dedicated table at the prizegiving dinner celebrations.
WHALE JOURNEY 2
Can be exclusively booked out by a group of active friends for the ultimate private party indulgence. Instead of joining the main race, Journey 2 gets complete privacy and freedom of the Whale trail by arriving Fri, starting to run on Sat after all the racers have long set off and completing the route on Sun when no other racers are anywhere near the beach or trail. Fully catered and organised so that your party can focus on the fun and not the admin.
Both Journeys include:
Day 1
Arrive in the afternoon at De Hoop to register and travel by boat across the vlei to beautifully restored Melkkamer Manor House where a private chef will prepare your dinner.
Day 2
After breakfast and a 40min transfer to the trailhead, let your legs take you 28km over the Potberg mountain and through fynbos valleys until the coastline calls a stop at the welcoming Noetsie hikers Hut. Continue to explore the wild beach cove or relax around the firepit and put your feet up for the afternoon whale extravaganza put on in the bay.Your overnight bag awaits you as well as a freshly prepared sumptuous feast.
Day 3
After a leisurely breakfast, set off on the second half of the Whale of Trail, covering 25km of rocky cliff ridges, open beach and flowing coastal path. Without anyone chasing you down, you can divert to investigate the caves if you wish, frolick a while wherever the desire strikes you, and run that infamous beach stretch on fresh legs.
Rest the night in one of the Village houses at De Hoop after another wonderful meal.
Treat yourself!
Entry Fee: R 12,000
Entries Online – 13 Oct – A deposit of R 3,600 will be required to secure your booking with the remaining R tbc being payable before the 31 March 2026. Please email should you want to make arrangements for payment in installments
Refunds: 70% refund (of total entry fee) possible up until 15 May 2026 (3 months before the event date) following a written notification of withdrawal. Please note: Most of our costs for this event are incurred and committed to long before you even start training. As such, it is to both our benefit that a substitute is found and we have a very fair substitution policy.
Substitutions: Substitution are possible up to 12h00 Friday 7 August 2026 (8 days before the event) with a fee of R400. Substitutions will be offered to the wait list first. Should you want to make a substitution, contact the organisers.
Deferrals: Deferral possible up to 12h00 Friday 31 July 2026 (15 days before the event). 70% of your full entry fee paid will be transferred towards your entry for the 2027 Whale of Trail Event. You can only defer your entry once and it will not be eligible for refund or substitution in 2027.
Cancellation: Should the event scheduled for the July Whale of Trail event 2025 be cancelled due to National Restrictions, entries will be transferred to the 2026 Whale of Trail event.
Goody Bags: Gift items included in race entry are only for those who compete in the event and will not be handed to third party recipients.
Runners Information: Runners must be prepared to be self sufficient for both days along the route in terms of nutrition, hydration and emergency kit. However there will be water and food available.
Medical: There will be emergency services on standby but participants must under normal circumstances, be fit, healthy and able to complete the event safely without aid. Should the race medic declare any participant unfit to continue, he or she will be forced to withdraw from the event. This is a serious challenge. EACH PARTICIPANT MUST TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY.
Overnight Gear to be sent to Noetsie Hut
Noetsie Hut: Competitors will spend Friday night at the newly renovated basic hiking facility, Noetsie Hut, along the coastline with beautiful views. There are four rooms with bunk beds and a bathroom with two toilets and a gas geyser for hot water showers.
Our staff and your overnight bag will be there to greet you. Snacks and drinks will be available and a warm and hearty dinner will be prepared. Buffet breakfast will be on offer in the morning and the next day’s start is at a leisurely time of 09h30 (late start to ensure Journey runners do not impede leaders of the 53km ultra).
