|  | For two magical days one can now hike the magnificent Tsitsikamma Coast with no heavy backpack, and spend three nights in comfort at different luxury venues!
- Indigenous forests
- Spectacular coastal views
- Portered hiking
- Luxurious accommodation
| Fitness
A great deal of the charm of this untamed coastline lies in its rugged and wild nature, and hiking it is therefore not a mere "stroll in the park". It is however achievable by people of all ages who have maintained a reasonable level of fitness and agility, and a relatively active lifestyle. Many walkers who would have been discouraged by the need to carry a heavy pack are now able to take the challenge and enjoy what is a strenuous but attainable hike through some of South Africa's most beautiful scenery.
Age Limit
Due to the nature of the trail we regret that we do not accept bookings for children under the age of 12 years. No upper age limit has been set as it is determined purely by the fitness of the individual. We have had many hikers in their 70's that have come through with flying colors! |
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| Start: Tsitsikamma National Park
Closest airport cities are Plettenberg Bay (limited scheduled flights), Port Elizabeth, George and Cape Town.
Cape Town (via Garden Route) to Tsitsikamma = 615km
Port Elizabeth to Tsitsikamma = 195km
Plettenberg Bay to Tsitsikamma = 68km | Day 1 Tsitsikamma National Park
Any time after 12 noon: Guests arrive and check in for the Dolphin Trail at the Tsitsikamma National Park Reception. After moving in to the quaint Dolphin Trail chalets they are free to enjoy what remains of the afternoon at their leisure.
18h00: All hikers are requested to meet in the Otter/Dolphin Room at Reception for snacks and a trail briefing. Here they meet their guides and fellow hikers and watch a short video on the Dolphin Trail.
19h00: Dinner is served at the Sharks Den in the Parks Restaurant complex | Day 2
Early risers can enjoy the stunning beauty of their surroundings, and are welcome to go bird watching or walking before breakfast.
09h00: Hikers to be packed and ready at their chalets to hand over their luggage to the Storms River Adventure vehicle. They then proceed to the Restaurant for breakfast.
10h00: Depart along the boardwalk to Storms River Mouth and the Khoisan Cave. Weather permitting there will be a 25 minute boat trip into the river gorge.
11h00: After crossing the Storms River on a suspension bridge, hikers follow a steep and rocky path to the lookout point with a wonderful view of the Tsitsikamma National Park. This is also good for whale and dolphin spotting and offers an endless view of the Indian Ocean. The hike continues level for a short distance before beginning a long descent through indigenous forest to sea level. This is the perfect place for a picnic lunch, either in the shade of trees at the streams edge or on the rocks in the sun. Hikers should take a good break here as the climb up Steilkop (Steep Hill) is quite taxing and follows immediately. Remember that there is no rush so walk slowly and admire the magnificent views as you go. Once at the top of Steilkop it is a comfortable forest walk to Misty Mountain Reserve.
+/- 16h00: Arrival at Misty Mountain where guests are welcomed by their hosts David and Val. Enjoy an ice cold drink or a hot cup of tea before being shown to your luxury chalet with a 180 degree view of the Indian Ocean. At this stage you can either collapse and relax for the balance of the afternoon, or take advantage of the opportunity to go bass fishing in the dam. A swimming pool is available for use by the guests, and a variety of exotic and local water birds, as well as buck and ostriches can be seen around the chalets.
18h30: Meet at the restaurant for pre-dinner drinks and watch the sun setting over the sea, before dinner is served at 19h30. | Day 3
08h30: Breakfast in the restaurant.
09h30: Hikers follow a steep path from their chalets straight down to the rock pools. Today's route is mainly at sea level and the morning walk along the coast is magnificent. Enjoy the beautiful plant life and rocky scenery, and keep your eyes open for the spoor of the Cape Clawless Otter in "Otters Alley".
13h00: In a natural amphitheatre hikers stop for a well earned rest and picnic on the rocks. For those who are hot and enjoy adventure there is a good rock pool for swimming at this point. After lunch the path takes one on a clamber over rocks that are often damp from the sea spray, so please take care. This is followed by a stiff climb up the cliff on to level ground. The hike from here remains fairly level and takes the group for a further 3 km through indigenous fynbos and forest to Forest Ferns.
+/- 16h00: Hikers arrive at the Fernery and are welcomed with drinks at the bird hide overlooking the dam. They are then shown to their beautiful chalets along the river and can spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Several activities are available for those who are still feeling energetic, such as boating, cycling, and bird watching. A swimming pool, Jacuzzi and sauna are available for the guests' enjoyment, and a browse through the Fernery and nursery facilities is also worthwhile.
18h30: Hikers meet at the Fernery where they have pre-dinner drinks and watch a short video on the growing and exporting of ferns. A farewell dinner follows in the Otters Holt Restaurant. | Day 4
The weary can sleep in for a while and enjoy the peace of their chalets, while early risers are welcome to go bird watching or visit the packing operation at Forest Ferns.
09h00: Breakfast in the Fernery
10h00: Guests are collected in a 4x4 vehicle for a scenic trip through the old Storms River Pass. A mid-morning snack is enjoyed at the low water bridge en route and the vehicle makes a brief stop in Storms River Village where guests can acquaint themselves with the activities of Storms River Adventures if they so wish.
12h00: Arrival at the Tsitsikamma National Park from where hikers go their separate ways. | End: Tsitsikamma National Park
| Rate includes
- all meals, from dinner on the day of arrival to breakfast on the day of departure;
- the attendance of well trained local guides;
- a boat trip (weather permitting) into the Storms River Gorge;
- a 4x4 drive through the old Storms River Pass; and
- the transportation of all luggage by vehicle between overnight stops so that guests need hike only with a light pack containing a few personal items. | Note:
Minimum group size: 2
Maximum group size: 12 | Walking tour type: Escorted and scenic
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