Hiking Trail

The La Motte Hiking Trail offers the ideal opportunity to explore some of the estate’s greatest natural assets and breathtaking Franschhoek Valley views.

La Motte hiking trail is closed for winter from 1 June and will reopen as soon as weather allows in September

Explore La Motte’s flora and fauna

The Sustainable Hike is a further expression of La Motte’s commitment to the highest conservation and biodiversity standards and the protection of precious indigenous flora and fauna in the mountain area surrounding the estate and the adjoining Wemmershoek mountain range. It offers the ideal opportunity to explore abundant birdlife, a protea garden, sustainably farmed vineyards, a wealth of flora, resident mammals and reptiles and the breathtaking vistas of the Franschhoek Valley.

The circular route, which starts at the La Motte Tasting Room, stretches over five kilometres, with the hiking trail section covering two kilometres. The time required to complete the trail is about two hours when walking and three hours when strolling.

The trail has a Grade 1B rating and requires a fair degree of fitness. It is therefore not recommended for children under the age of 10 and we do not permit infants in back packs. Prospective hikers are reminded that dogs and mountain bikes are not permitted. Maximum group size of 10. Safe convenient parking is available. Prior online booking is essential.

Guests are also invited to a Guided Hike where a well-informed and passionate guide will indicate points of interest along the way while sharing information on the flora and flora on the mountain slopes, the sustainably farmed vineyards, La Motte activities as well as the Franschhoek valley. Hikers receive a hiking trail map, bottle of water and will be treated to light refreshments when stopping for a breather at the Lapa. Prior online booking is essential.

Important information:

  • It is a circular 5 km route beginning and ending at the La Motte Tasting Room and encompasses the vineyards of La Motte as well a section of the mountain behind the estate. It is not possible to walk only a section of the trail.
  • The trail has a Grade 1B rating and requires a fair degree of fitness.
  • It is not recommended that children under 10 walk and we do not permit infants in back packs.
  • Dogs and mountain bikes are not permitted.
  • We suggest sturdy closed shoes, sunscreen and a hat.
  • The hiking trail is also closed in the event of temperatures in excess of 35 degrees Celsius, rain or inclement weather, please feel free to call the tasting room on the morning if you are unsure, 021 876 8820.
  • Maximum group size of 10 as we limit the amount of daily hikers for environmental considerations.
  • Safe and convenient parking is available.
  • Please note that La Motte requires photo identification (Passport, Identity card/document or Driver’s licence) for security check-in.
  • Booking is essential.
  • Download birds to be seen along Trail.

Opening Hours:

Self-guided hike: Tuesday to Sunday, from 09:00. Reservations essential.
Latest starting time for our self-guided hike is 14:00
Guided hike: Tuesday to Sunday, as per the arranged time. Reservations essential.

Closed on Christian Religious public holidays.

The trail is closed annually during the winter months, June to September.

Guided Hike: Guests are also invited to a Guided Hike where a well-informed and passionate guide will indicate points of interest along the way while sharing information on the flora and flora on the mountain slopes, the sustainably farmed vineyards, La Motte activities as well as the Franschhoek valley. Hikers receive a hiking trail map, bottle of water and will be treated to light refreshments when stopping for a breather at the Lapa. Prior online online booking is essential.

Cost (includes a detailed map and a bottle of water):

Self-guided hike: R90 per person. Reservations essential.
Guided hike: R200 per person. Reservations essential.

Contact Details

T: +27 (0)21 876 8820
E: tasting@la-motte.co.za

All reservations to be made online.

Book for Self-guided Hike

Book for Guided Hike

Cost (includes a detailed map and a bottle of water)

Self-guided hike: R90 per person. Reservations essential.

Guided hike: R200 per person. Reservations essential.

Contact Details

T: +27 (0)21 876 8820
E: tasting@la-motte.co.za

Please note that as a safety measure, the hiking trail will be closed in rainy conditions or when temperatures exceed 35°C. Please see the latest weather update for La Motte as per the website.

FRANSCHHOEK WEATHER