Tips for the track

+ Boots & socks. More than on any other multi-day trek I’ve done, you’ll find yourself walking long distances over challenging terrain. Have the right footwear and do the right walking prep, or this hike isn’t for you.

+ Blister protection, prevention. See above. Guides are understandably fierce about feet on the Cape to Cape. You should be too.

+ Smell the wildflowers, literally. Hikers routinely do this as a dogged march, as a result missing many of the magical details. Take your time. And if a highlights version means less hiking but plenty of ocean swims and whale-watching and winery visits, yay.

+ If you’re all about the wildflowers, they will be budding in August, blooming in September, still blossoming October into November.

+ A guided multi-day hike can be the best of travel experiences: your transport and food and accommodation are often sorted but best of all, you have an instant connection with your travel buddies, a shared goal. Perfect for a few days bonding with your mates, but also ideal for solo travellers.