South Africa is a fantastic country that is very diverse and is blessed with great natural beauty. Hikers are spoilt for choice when it comes to coastal hiking. The natural air coupled together with awe inspiring scenery makes for a fantastic outdoor experience. Over the next few articles, I am going to list my favourite hiking trails, with some hints and tips.
I hope that you enjoy them….
Otter Trail, Garden Route
Region: Garden Route
Trail Type: Hiking Trail
Duration: 5 Days
Layout: One Way
Difficulty: Difficult
Fitness: Good
Distance: 41 km
Maximum: 12 persons
This is perhaps South Africa's most popular trail, the Otter, has it all: rough terrain, spectacular scenery, exciting river crossings and idyllic, deserted beaches. Hikers need to be fit as the steep ascents and descents become strenuous with a backpack containing food and gear for five days. The great adventure is crossing the Bloukrans River on the fourth day. Since major floods in 2009, it's become more challenging and, even in optimal conditions, hikers must swim through surf or take an escape route! No wonder everyone wants to do this trail!
The Otter Trails runs through the Tsitsikamma National Park which stretches for 80 km along the scenic southern Cape coast and 5,5 km out to sea, it crosses 11 rivers on route to Nature's Valley. The Storms River Mouth rest camp, at the start of the trail, provides overnight accommodation and has a shop and a restaurant, information centre, swimming pool for resident visitors, caravan and camp sites.
Accommodation for the nights prior to the trail and on completion of the trail, is not included in the trail reservation and should be reserved separately. A good suggestion for this is Natures Valley Guest House as it is right at the start of the trail and means you don’t have to worry about arranging a lift to your car.
THE TRAIL:
The five-day trail with four overnight stops run from the Storms River Rest Camp to Nature's Valley. The trail starts just west of the oceanettes at the western end of the Storms River rest camp and is clearly marked with blue otter signs and painted otter spoor in rocky areas.
IMPORTANT POINTS:
The trail starts at Storms River Mouth and ends at Nature's Valley. There are two overnight huts at each of the overnight stops. Each contains sleeping bunks with mattresses for six persons. Barbecue facilities and chemical toilets are provided. Firewood is left at the roadside from where it has to be carried to the huts. Water is available at the huts from nearby streams. Hikers are advised to fill their water bottles at the streams they cross. They have to carry the essentials, such as gas stoves, cooking utensils, crockery, cutlery and sleeping bags, themselves.
Hikers should be reasonably fit as the Otter trail follows a rugged coastline with steep inclines. Several rivers and estuaries also have to be crossed. No person should hike alone. A minimum of four people is recommended. Weather conditions should always be taken into consideration as it could change rapidly.
This is a very popular trail so reservations should be made long in advance!
So, if you are hiking fit and looking for adventure – then this trail is for you!
For more information on South African Holidays, contact African Sands