Stretching from the Storms River Mouth to Nature’s Valley, the 27-mile Otter Trail hike is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful trails in the world. With coastal mountains, scenic rivers, lush forests, and pebbled beaches, it’s no surprise the Garden Route of the south-eastern coast of South Africa is recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Expert guides take you through the breathtaking Tsitsikamma National Park, which stretches along the coastline to the best photo-ops, otter spotting, and challenging trails. Expect an epic multi-day hike!
Your first destination hiking on Otter Trail is a lagoon surrounded by forested hills. From there, you’ll hike past ancient, towering trees, fresh streams and waterfalls, and dramatic coastal vistas. If you feel like paddling, canoeing is an option. Expect five to seven hours of hiking daily.
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Cars just don’t do the Otter Trail justice. Why view this breathtaking landscape passively through a window, when you can walk through lush native forests, past roaring waterfalls and breathe in the smell of the ocean? Hiking is undoubtedly the best way to enjoy Otter Trail’s striking landscapes and experience the untouched nature around you.
What you get in this adventure:
Otter Trail’s remoteness and untouched wilderness are its strongest selling points but also potential drawbacks. To avoid any hiccups, like getting lost due to the spotty cell signal, it’s best you book a guide. Not only will you be getting the most of your trip, thanks to their extensive knowledge of the area, they’ll let you in on the hidden gems along the way and know just what to do if the weather takes a turn.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Optional:
Day One:
The trail begins at the Groot River bank, a forested walk that will take you to the first hut. Today you’ll hike for 5 hours. You’ll be able to spend your afternoon swimming in the lagoon or at Natures Valley beach, both very close to the hut. When you get back, your guide will cook dinner.
Day Two:
The three-day option offers a canoe trip. If you prefer hiking, you can head out on a trail, instead. After breakfast, you’ll hike through the indigenous forest, until you reach the Groot River valley below the Tsitsikamma Mountains. You’ll hike for seven hours and rest at the Blaauwkrantz Hut, which offers breathtaking views of Peak Formosa, the highest peak in the Tsitsikamma, as well as stunning waterfalls and enormous natural pools.
Day Three:
Starting in the ancient Tsitsikamma forest, you’ll hike along the steep escarpment looking over the Pig’s Head viewpoint. From here, we’ll descend to Nature Valley’s beach, where the dark water of the Groot River flows into the ocean. After trekking for about six hours, you’ll rest at a hut. If you chose the three-day option, this will be your last day.
Day Four:
If you opted for the five-day trip, you’ll have a full day of fantastic hiking ahead of you. You’ll make your descent to the Lottering River, ascend up to Rushes Pass and then enjoy the view of the mountains surrounding you. The trek follows the Elandsbos River before crossing it. Your hut awaits you in Heuningbos forest, where you’ll find a river perfect for swimming.
Day Five:
On your last day on the trail, you’ll explore the Tsitsikamma Mountains some more. During your climbs, you’ll see rare endemic flora and descend to the suspended Storms River Bridge. From there, you’ll be transferred to your last night’s accommodation.
Day Six:
Today you say farewell to the Otter trail. Your guide will take you back to where you started your adventure, with plenty of new memories to reminisce about on your journey home.
You need to be able to hike for five to seven hour days, carrying a full daypack. Each day you will hike between seven to ten miles. You’ll also encounter some uphill hiking and challenging river crossings. That said, if you are looking for adventure and up to the task of multiple days of full-day trekking, you’ll be rewarded immensely.
Anyone 12 to 65 years old is welcome on this adventure. If you or a member of your party are younger or older, contact us prior to booking. It is possible to have age requirements waived, but on a case by case basis.
Groups usually consist of seven people, but you can arrange a trip with up to 12 people, if you’re traveling with a larger party. All pricing is per person.
As the saying goes, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad preparation.” You can expect your guides to be fully prepared for anything. Inclement weather can always get in the way of hiking, but your guide will know the best alternatives if the weather takes a turn.
It’s highly recommended that you cover all your bases with travel and medical insurance. While hiking might seem like a low-risk outdoor activity, accidents can happen anywhere and we recommend insurance to avoid paying out of pocket for costly medical expenses. And as we’ve recently seen, travel plans can be abruptly halted, so it’s a good idea to have cancellation insurance that also covers lost baggage. It’s tried and tested, and it works.
You’ll meet your guide at De Vasselot, a rest camp in Nature’s Valley. If needed, the guides offer transfer from Storms River car park to the trailhead in Nature’s Valley.
Day Trips Cancellations
Fully refundable within the initial 48 hours from booking, unless the trip date is less than 7 days from the time of the booking.
Cancellations up to 7 days prior to the trip date are refundable 100%.
Cancellations within 7 days prior to the trip date are non-refundable.
