Training for a long-distance walk? Searching for a reason to stay fit during winter? Looking for a reason to visit St Francis in Winter? Why not join the inaugural St Francis Walking Weekend from 4 – 6 July 2025?
Walking comes highly recommended by medical practitioners to people of all ages and fitness levels. Also, It Is proven to be beneficial to many serious and less serious medical conditions as well as to mental health. Also, spending time in nature also gets the creative juices flowing – all good reasons to join in the fun.
It is Not A Race, No Winners
Three distances will be walked on Friday afternoon, Saturday morning and Sunday morning. It is not a race; there will be no winners. However, to ensure safety, you must finish within a certain time.
More details here: Walking Weekend
On Friday 4 July, between 16h00 and 18h00, walkers can enjoy a circular 5km walk from Port St Francis along sections of the Two Harbours Walk and the streets of Santareme to the Community Garden. The number and map collection will take place from 15:00 at Quaysyde on Squid Square, Port St Francis. The entry fee is R50, and the route briefing will take place at 15:45.
On Saturday morning, walkers will walk from Jeffreys Bay to St Francis Bay. The 21km route starts at the Albatros Parking area in Akasia Street, Jeffreys Bay, following the coastline all the way to the Kromme Mouth. Thereafter, the river crossing will be conducted by dedicated barges, taking you to the Small Craft Harbour, which serves as the finish line.
Shuttles can be privately organised through JBay Cabs (083 6111 003) or Simpiwe’s Shuttles (083 957 1331). The number and map collection will take place from 07:00. The briefing will be at 07:15. Walkers can set off at 07:30. Your allocated time to finish is 12:30.
Self Sufficient
A food truck will be at the finish line for you to enjoy lunch. Please note that there will be no water points along the way, and walkers must be self-sufficient. The entry fee is R250, which includes the cost of the river crossing.
On Sunday morning walkers will enjoy a 14km figure 8 walk. It is starting at the Cape St Francis Resort, following the shoreline past Shark Point and into the nature reserve. Thereafter, coming back to the Full Stop Restaurant from where you will walk down to Sunset Rock, turn west to the Seal Point Lighthouse following the shoreline all the way again to the Cape St Francis Resort. Time allocated is 08h00 – 12h00. Further, the number and map collection will take place from 07:00, with a briefing at 07:45. The entry fee is R140.
Enjoy a finishers’ brunch at the Cape St Francis Resort.
Also, all routes will be available on Strava and AllTrails and will also be well-marked. Roaming marshals and Traffic
Officials will be on the route.
Online entries at EntryNinja.
To those interested in educational walks and talks, Harry Bateman will offer a few Strandlopers Experience Walks over the weekend.
The Blowhole walk
The Blowhole walk (5km, 4 hours) covers the wild side coastline from Sunset Rock. It explores the Strandlopers’ dependence on ocean resources for 165000 years, the shipwreck history, and medicinal plants, with an opportunity to picnic at the blowhole while resting.
The Flower Reserve walk
The Flower Reserve walk (6 km, 3 hours) explores the incredible biodiversity of the largest floral kingdom in the world, while showcasing the shipwreck memorial and Seal Point Lighthouse.
The Shark Point walk
The Shark Point walk (4 hours, 5 km) focuses on a tool factory, middens, fish traps, edible landscapes, and more.
Walks are suitable for all ages and are done at a slow pace. The rate is R300 per Person, and bookings can be made directly with Harry Bateman on 0826240124.
On Saturday afternoon, you can join a special Walkers Americano Paddle Tournament at The River Club at a special rate.
Further, participating partners will also offer special rates for deep-sea fishing, whale watching tours, canal and river cruises, a visit to the Seal Point Lighthouse, and a calamari tasting as part of a special package for the weekend, organised by St Francis Tourism.
For more information, please contact Hantie van der Westhuizen at office@stfrancistourism.co.za or 042 294 0076.
The St Francis Walking Weekend is organised by St Francis Sport, hosted by the Cape St Francis Resort, and the beneficiary is St Francis Tourism.
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