The Tulbagh Disa Trail
Tulbagh, Western Cape
The main purpose of the trail
The Tulbagh Disa Trail hosts an annual 4 day hike of approximately 75km through our beautiful valley.
The main purpose of this hike which takes place exclusively once a year in spring, is to raise funds for the NPO’s in the Tulbagh valley.
This year the main beneficiary will be Huis Disa, the home for the elderly in our town. Other NPO’S who request funds, will also receive consideration.
The starting point.
We start hiking on Thursday 12 September 2024.
Who will benefit from the hike?
The local home for the aged, Huis Disa, celebrated its 50th birthday in 2018. The building has become very outdated, and renovations are needed. Funds are urgently needed for this and our local community is under great financial pressure from schools, organisations and increasing poverty.
Tulbagh Disa Trail committee
This event is run by volunteers who do not benefit from or receive any of the funds nor do they have rights to anything.
Registration process
The fee for the 2024 hike is R7 500 per hiker (non-refundable.)
This is per person sharing accommodation.
An additional fee of R2 500 is applicable if you want a room to yourself.
A deposit of R3 750 is payable on registration with the final R3 750 payable by 15 July 2024.
The fee includes the following:
- 4 nights accommodation at a luxury venue, Saronsberg Vineyard Cottages..
It is compulsory for all hikers to sleep at this accommodation.
- All meals will be provided as well as light snacks at the destination of each day’s hike.
- All the transport from the accommodation to each day’s starting point and ending point.
- Goody bag
Route and conditions
The four day route that the group of hikers traverses during the fundraising event, consists of various types of terrain. There are sections of sandy roads, and hard fynbos trails. The route courses through the mountains with orchards of white and pink blossoms and past clear mountain streams. It includes hiking through wine farms and visiting historic venues, The hiker’s experience the magnificent natural surroundings as well as friendly Boland hospitality.
This hike takes place in spring and the weather remains unpredictable and hikers should be prepared for any type of conditions like rain or early summer heat.
Prospective hikers should pay attention to the following:
- Your shoes need to be walked in.
- Your feet are the most important part of your body to condition before the hike. Hiking 5 to 7 hours a day for 4 days after each other poses a greater challenge to your feet than a once a week hike. The secret to a comfortable hike is to walk more often.
- Lubricate your feet by rubbing them in petroleum jelly before and during the hike.
- Active sportswear is recommended. The weather can be unpredictable. A rainproof jacket with hood is a necessary piece of clothing that will help to keep you warm in the rain and cold. A sunhat with a broad brim is essential for the hike.
- Your own 25 to 35 litre day pack with a rain cover is recommended.
- The main problems that hikers experience are sore feet, blisters, etc. Each hiker is responsible for his/her own well-being and health during the hike. Pack your own first aid bag which includes anti-septic cream, waterproof plasters, pain killers, burn shield, etc.
- On request there will be a physiotherapist and medical help at the camp at the end of each day.
Catering
All meals will be laid out buffet style.
Each hiker must have his own water bottle. Water points will be available to refill their bottles, Hikers will be able to pack lunch bags and snacks for each of the days during the breakfast each morning.
Equipment checklist
In addition to the backpack, each hiker must bring his/her own
- Active wear hiking clothing, light weight rain jacket, sun hat
- A warm jacket (there can still be snow on the mountains)
- Comfortable shoes and socks
- Warm pyjamas
- Head light
- Personal toiletries
- First aid bag
- Lunch box
Please provide your own snacks like biltong, sweets, etc.
Fitness
The Tulbagh Disa Trail requires strong legs from each of the hikers for the 4 day 75km hike.
Although Tulbagh is surrounded by mountains, the trail will not include actual climbing. There will be different types of terrain like bush tracks, gravel roads, etc. but never extreme climbing. The highest steepness or slopes of the hiking trail vary from 300m to 750m over the 4 days. Some days are moderately easy and some have more difficult terrain.
It is recommended that each hiker should practice 3 or 4 hikes a week, with one long distance hike of 12 km once a week.
Examples of the elevation of 2 typical days:
Date of arrival
Registration begins at the conference centre at the venue at 16h00 on 11 September 2024.
The Tulbagh Disa Trail begins at 7h00 on Thursday 12 September 2024.
All hikers spend the previous night (Wednesday) at Saronsberg Vineyard Cottages.
Everyone will be transported to the point of departure and then back from the destination every day.
Accommodation
Saronsberg Vineyard Cottages consist of 2 sleeper (1 bedroom) as well as 4 sleeper (2 bedrooms) self catering cottages with fully equipped open plan kitchen and lounge areas. There is a swimmimg pool at the venue. Registration and all meals will be served in the conference centre.
Rates
R7 500 per hiker (non-refundable.)
This is per person sharing accommodation.
An additional fee of R 2 500 is applicable if you want a room to yourself.
Admin Fee:
- R55.00 once off per reservation.
Registration Form