There are hiking trails that are for the thrill-seekers. Those that take you up rugged mountains, through lush nature reserves, and along roaring rivers. And then there are others that allow you to pause and enjoy the scenery. Schaap Eiland Hiking Trail falls in the latter category; it's a leisurely amble, approximately two kilometres long. Starting from the main beach of Yzerfontein, it runs in a southerly direction (direction to Cape Town) towards the harbour. Get to know more about this windswept coastal wander.
Follow Schaap Eiland Hiking Trail's route
The trail is generally safe for all ages and is well maintained thanks to the work of the Yzerfontein Bewarea Conservancy. It's good to take water, snacks, and a warm jersey as the breeze can get cold.
1. Yzerfontein main beach: Schaap Eiland Hiking Trail starts on the popular 16-mile main beach, so it's ideal for incorporating into your itinerary after enjoying the watersports on offer. Take the footpath covered in crushed mussel shells; it is clearly signposted with white footprints to show the way.
2. Koeskatgat: Not far from the start of the trail, you'll come upon a rocky outpost in the sea. This is called Koeskatgat and is home to the first colony of dassies. Also known as rock hyraxes, these cute creatures spend most of their time sunbathing, so you may catch a welcome glance at them.
3. Die Vishuis: After passing Koeskatgat, you'll come to Die Vishuis (The Fish House), the oldest building in Yzerfontein. This whitewashed and thatched structure is now home to Yzerfontein's Tourism Office. Pop in to see black-and-white photographs showing life in the village from days gone by. There is also a replica of a lime kiln that can be seen on the way to Yzerfontein.
4. Fishing coves: Continuing on the Schaap Eiland Hiking Trail, you'll pass a number of fishing covers, each with its own local name. These include Blaasgat, Hoëbank, Starck's Bank, Duiwenes, Deurspring, Spuitgat, Gladdebank, Skuimgat, College, Draaibank, Grasbank, and Kreefgat.
5. Schaap Eiland: The final point of the trail is Schaap Eiland. This isn't a real island but a small peninsula which is separated from the mainland during high tide. Schaap Eiland was previously used by Darling farmers as a safe holding spot for their sheep and other cattle thus it got its name (Sheep Island translated in English).
After your hike, you can catch your breath on the wooden benches nearby and gaze out at sea. The peaceful setting with views of Dassen Island and Table Mountain is a lovely way to cap off your journey. You can use the tarred road to return to Yzerfontein.
Enjoy bird sightings on the trail
If you're an avid birder, Schaap Eiland Hiking Trail is perfect to tick some feathered friends off your list. You can encounter several indigenous coastal bird species including the once-endangered African black oystercatcher, black cormorants, and gull species such as the black kelp gull, Hartlaub gulls, and the grey-headed gull.
Stop by during the flower season
From August to the beginning of October, parts of the West Coast give rise to stunning displays of wildflowers. This endless display of colour can be seen on the Schaap Eiland Hiking Trail. The area where you see the fishing coves is a hotspot for flowers and often showcases stunning succulents, aloes, and small flowers like purple Cinerarias and yellow strand gousblomme.
Witness the majestic sight of whales
During the whaling season (around July to December), Southern right and humpback whales journey to Western Cape shores to mate and calve. While Hermanus is considered the whale capital of South Africa, you can see them in Yzerfontein. The area forms part of the Whale Route and Schaap Eiland Hiking Trail's elevation provides the ideal area to catch sight of them. Die Vishuis is a great place to sit and watch for them. In fact, there are even information boards available on the different species.
Walk this footpath every day
For years, Schaap Eiland Hiking Trail has captured the hearts of local residents and visitors with its scenic beauty. By moving to the area, you can walk or hike the path whenever you like. Seeff offers breathtaking properties for sale or properties to let in the area. Then get in touch with our team to get started.