Trail Reviews & Hiking Groups

"Best and most insightful hike with professionals. We were a group of 12 ladies/friends and I would recommend this trip anytime to anyone. Jason, Billy and the rest of the team made the trip so interesting, sharing so much information that made us stand in awe of how wonderful God created the heavens and earth. They were very hospitable, and friendly. The accommodation was of high standard, the food, venues, atmosphere were great. There is not even loadshedding at this great, sea-view accommodation. The caves and climbs were the highlight with the perfect ending at the guesthouse in De Kelders, with quiche and salads and lovely cake. This slack packing trip sets itself apart from the rest because of Jason and Billy’s most amazing way in which they presented it."

"I can’t find words to describe how wonderful the Perlemoen Hiking Trail is. The scenery is spectacular, the trail exceptionally well organized and the trail guides are knowledgeable, interesting and have a great sense of humour. The guest house is comfortable and felt like home. The food was too good! I would do it again in a heartbeat 💓"

"Ideal Active & Outward bound experience for nature lovers! It was 4 days hiking along 50km of largely pristine & natural coastline – under the good care & guidance of very knowledgeable & personable guides – comfortable beach house accommodation – surprisingly good catering – exceptional value – and a gain in knowledge & appreciation of Life! Our weather was perfect for hiking – and our group dynamic was super."

"Hi Jason. Many thanks for a most amazing time in Pearly Beach! I really enjoyed the whole adventure, the knowledgeable guides and especially being spoilt by the hospitality and good food. The video after is like the cherry on top! You have a winning recipe! Thank you again."

"The Beachcomber guide walk was amazing. The views were spectacular. The guide Jason was very informative and knowledgeable. Nothing was too much trouble for him and he made sure our stay was one to remember. From great accommodation, great food, friendly atmosphere. Overall a real gem."

"Idyllic setting, manageable walks, luxury accommodation, very knowledgeable guides, flexible and accommodating organisers. Perfect for families and first time hikers. Take the fully catered option, the food is lovely! One of your best holidays and memories."

"What an incredible way to see this stunning part of the coast and we thank Jason with his guides Christoff and Gareth for making this 4 day walk so worthwhile and memorable! The trip was perfectly planned for us to enjoy as well as learn so much by peering into the rock pools, smelling and tasting the fynbos, ambling peacefully along the almost isolated beaches and swimming in the healing waters of the Druip cave… good for body and soul. Delicious food prepared for packed lunches or in local restaurants each with an individual flair. Highly recommended!"

"What an amazing experience!!!! All was just perfect!! Breathtaking, insightful, and good for the soul!! Jason and Christoff were excellent guides! They truly love what they do!! Will definitely return."

"The 4 day slack packing Beachcomber trail was one of those once in a lifetime experiences. Jason is an excellent guide, giving us a renewed appreciation and understanding of the fine and delicate web between man, ocean, fauna and flora. Everything was taken care of in exceptional detail. I could just Be, breathe, reconnect to friends, time and life in this most pristine setting."

"We had an awesome time from the word go. Great accommodation, great food, knowledgeable guides! What an experience! I can recommend this trail to young and old. I was very impressed with all the interesting facts about the sea life and plants."

"Stunning beach walks, great accommodation and wonderful, knowledgeable guides. Just an amazing experience."

"An easy trail for everyone to enjoy. The views are spectacular and our guides Jason and Christoff are both knowledgeable. One can sense their passion for the fauna and flora as well as conservancy in the region. The food at the various local restaurants and the accommodation were excellent."

"Serene views with turquoise water, numerous whales, vast beaches, a walking stick and friends makes for relaxation and good times! Add to that the insight and knowledge of our expert guides, Jason and Christoff, who even plan the dates of the trail according to the tides for the convenience of the group. A very good value for money trip that exceeded my expectations!"

"This was the most enjoyable four days with great friends and two superb guides, Jason and Christoff. Thanks guys we learned a lot and your accommodation was great, not to mention the superb organisation and meals. Robin your wraps were superb, will do this anytime again."

"Have just completed a 4 day Trail with Jason along the beaches around Pearly Beach. It was such a relaxing enjoyable time as everything was well organised and yet still fun and very informative especially concerning the medicinal plants, conservation efforts and relationship of the community and the environment along the route. Best calamari ever."

"We truly discovered the beauty of a shoreline previously unknown to us. The dedication and passion of our guides Jason and Christoff was inspiring. From the wonderful guesthouse we spent our nights at, to the delicious food eaten in unique local eateries and bonding with our fellow hikers, the experience was unforgettable."

"Celebrating a family gathering to mark a 70th birthday with three generations doing the trail. Another delightful experience. Jason at his best keeping the interest of the youngest generation and ever caring and thoughtful. The dream of the 70 year old came true. Best whale sightings ever."

"There are no words to describe how beautiful this coastline is. If you are looking for an interesting and easy hike with two remarkable and knowledgeable guides, then this is the hike for you! From an abundance of whales and seals and birdlife to the smallest little creatures that they manage to find. The packed lunches are thoughtful and delicious and the accommodation is exceptionally clean and comfortable. We had a magical 4 days!"

"A great walking trip. Jason and Christoff guided 8 of us along the coastal regions around Pearly Beach. They guided us for 3 days, easy walking of about 13km each of the first 2 days and a short 5km on the last day, and gave us information about the oceans, fynbos and birds. They were knowledgeable and passionate about the area. The operation is seamless and worked well."

"A fabulous hike put together by owner Jason who runs a very slick operation. He is informed and committed to the preservation of Pearly Beach and surrounds. We stayed in a lovely guesthouse as we were a group of 10 couples/friends. Local is lekker! Our daily packed lunches during the walks were varied and excellent too. We had the most amazing time!"

"Was part of a group of 12 women who embarked on our 3rd annual walking adventure. Just loved loved loved this. Jason is a remarkable guide – he was always prompt, organized, positive and passionate about the environment which is his home and he shares so enthusiastically with his clients. If you love the beach, this is the walk for you!"

"We were a small group – 6 people who didn’t know each other to start with but we came away richer with the experience. Jason is a fantastic guide and passionate about flora! He made us so aware and we will be looking at Fynbos with a different eye in future."

"The four day trail along Walker Bay and Quoin Point in the Overstrand is beautiful. There are many interesting things to see along the way and Jason is a really knowledgeable, fun guide. His knowledge of the sea and marine life is vast and he shares it in an entertaining way. Thoroughly recommended."

"We were 12 ladies together and have done a few slack packing trails. This one definitely stands out above others we have done. Jason and Christoff gave us so much information about marine ecology, fynbos, and also the history of area and shipwrecks. The guesthouse spoiled us with great breakfasts and Jason's wife made the most amazing lunch wraps. Trail is a must on all slackpackers' bucket list!"

"Spent a wonderful 4 days walking the scenic trails. Not even the rainy weather could dampen our spirits. Thanks to Jason for sharing all his incredible knowledge and to the Pearly Beach locals for welcoming, entertaining and feeding us delicious meals. Thanks for a very well organised trip."

"Thank you Jason, for making our 4 day hiking trip a wonderful memory for the rest of our lives. Jason shared his knowledge for marine ecology, nature and his passion for the environment with us. Highly recommended!"

"We did the 4 day hike with Jason Stonehewer. What a great experience! The packed lunches that his wife Robin prepared were delicious and the hike was not too strenuous. Watching the whales while having lunch on the last day was definitely the cherry on top!!!"

"We had the most wonderful 4 day guided walk in the Pearly Beach / Gansbaai area. Jason was the most knowledgeable and entertaining guide. Accommodation was also excellent. A definite 'must do' for families or groups."

"We enjoyed a stunning four day walking tour in the Pearly Beach area with Jason Stonehewer. I cannot recommend him and this tour highly enough. We were privileged to have a guide who shared his expertise and passion for everything maritime along one of the most breathtaking coastlines in the world."

"We have just finished doing the 4 day walk with Jason and we cannot begin to tell you what an amazing time we have had! The first 3 days were beach walking and ranged from 12-15km and the last day was more hilly and around 4km. Jason is a font of information about the flora, fauna and marine life around this beautiful coastline."

"What an incredible experience to walk along unspoiled parts of South Africa’s magnificent coastline with the fantastic and knowledgeable Jason Stonehewer as your guide! As a group of thirtysomething city slickers we had a whale of a time. The Perlemoen trail is magical and I would recommend it highly!"

"Having backpacked and latterly slackpacked the beach walks in South Africa, Mozambique, Mauritius, Zanzibar and Seychelles, we have just completed another gem – The Beachcomber Perlemoen Trail from Die Dam to De Kelders. The guide/organiser, Jason Stonehewer, stays in Pearly Beach and his extensive knowledge of the flora and fauna was gladly shared. He is also Chairperson of the Pearly Beach Conservancy."

"Consider this as an option for a weekend away or when a friend comes into town. Jason, our guide, has developed a superior business model based on ethical eco-tourism that should be replicated everywhere in SA. Affordable experience and easy hiking on one of SA’s most beautiful coastlines with creative incorporation of the community. Jason is authentic, organized, and extremely well-informed."

"My family of 5, including an 11-year old, 16-year old and 19-year old thoroughly enjoyed this guided nature/beach walk with Jason Stonehewer. The accommodation and meals were superb. The walk along beautiful unspoilt beaches and nature reserves recharged my soul. Highly recommended!"

"As a family of three we joined two other families on the Perlemoen trail led by Jason. The hike meanders along the sea shore for four days beginning at Die Dam and ending at De Kelders near Gansbaai. Jason is a passionate guide and we learnt many new things about our beautiful coastline. Highly recommended for anyone wanting an informative and completely stress free beach hiking experience."

"A group of 13 of us (7 adults, 6 children ranging in ages from 10–13) did an all inclusive trail with Jason. Highly recommended as a family holiday – long, peaceful days exploring the coast with a knowledgeable guide who tailored the pace to our needs. We explored natural features including the cave at De Kelders, breathtaking shell middens and rock pools. A rare chance to really engage with the environment."

"Our Slackpacking group recently completed the 4-day Perlemoen Trail from Quoin Point to De Kelders. This is the eighth consecutive walk we have done and we all agreed it was one of the very best. The scenery is stunning – enhanced by the flowers and the whales – and our guide Jason was outstanding. An excellent Trail in every respect!"

"As a group we walk regularly and this walk is without doubt one of our absolute highlights if not the best excursion and semi-remote walk we have ever been privileged to do. It offers time for reflection, an escape from today into a time zone of tranquility, yet its accessible and safe. The daily limits are well considered and delivered with a good sense of humour."

"A group of 11 ladies – Jason was the ultimate tour guide. Calm, interesting, with a broad general knowledge and a passion for his coast. We never felt rushed, stressed or bored – and laughed for every kilometer of the 42 we walked. The accommodation was comfortable, the food delicious, and the locals colorful!"

"As a group we have now done 12 annual slackpacking hikes, mostly around the SA coastline. Beachcomber Guide rates up there at the top! From our arrival to our leaving we loved every moment. Jason has taken the initiative to establish a Marine museum, herbarium and with the community a fynbos garden. We as a group would recommend Beachcomber guide to anyone who loves hiking."

"From the very first experience on the Beachcomber website to the last day of our trip, you will not have a better experience. Jason comes with a wealth of knowledge about the area. Accommodating to the T on every aspect of the trip. On the accommodation side, it's brilliant, a worthy reward after a long day of walking, laughing, eating, and experiencing nature like you have never experienced before. You will never regret a Beachcomber trail."