Self Guided - Otter Trail - 45km - 5 Days / 4 Nights - Garden Route - 22-26 Nov 22

The Otter Trail is South Africa's oldest and most iconic hiking route. It is named after the shy Cape Clawless Otter which inhabits the many estuaries and streams in the area. The trail runs along the spectacular coast line between the Storms River mouth and Natures Valley taking place over 5 days and 4 nights where hikers are required to bring their own food and equipment. The trail includes breathtaking views, white sand beaches, dramatic cliffs and endless coastline. 

Start : Storms river mouth National park
End : De Vasselot Rest camp (Natures valley) 

Distance: 45 Km
Days/Nights : 4 Night(s) / 5 Days
Self Guided: Yes
Accommodation: Basic huts, mattresses, no electricity 

Cancellations / Refunds : No cancellations or Refunds. Substitutes welcome.

General Information

• Check in: Allow some time to weigh your bag and watch the 20 minute Otter Trail DVD at the Otter Room next to the Storms River Reception building. The Otter Trail DVD provides a brief outline of changes recently made to the trail.
• Check out: Compulsory check out at De Vasselot Rest Camp where Otter Trail certificates will be issued.

Distances and Durations

The trail is 5 days and 4 nights. The following distances and durations are as follows:

• Day 1 = 4.8km (± 2 hours)
• Day 2 = 7.9km (± 4 hours)
• Day 3 = 7.7km (± 4 hours)
• Day 4 = 13.8km (± 6 hours)
• Day 5 = 10.8km (± 5 hours)
• Total Distance = 45km

Water

There are numerous streams and springs throughout the length of the Otter Trail that are suitable for drinking purposes. Please note though that water from the Kleinbos River is not suitable for drinking (2nd day of trail). However, it may be wise to use purification tablets especially if you are not used to this water and where streams/rivers pass through communities such as the Coldstream/Witels River (3.6km mark of the 4th day) and the Lottering River (7.5km mark of the 4th day). There are rainwater tanks at each overnight hut that may also be used. However, due to erratic rainfall patterns, the level of these tanks may be low from time to time. Water quality is monitored on a quarterly basis.

Firewood

Firewood is provided, however it is not covered from rain and therefore may be wet. Hikers are required to carry their share of wood from a woodpile, close by on the trail. However, it sometimes happens that there is a buildup of excess wood not used by previous hikers that is placed under the steps of the huts, which is usually dry.

Cooking facilities

Each hut has a braai place with a sturdy steel grid. Within each hut there is a table on which food can be prepared. Hikers need to provide their own gas stoves and pots for cooking.

Other Facilities

There are two huts and a single toilet at each overnight stop. Each of the two huts contains 6 beds with mattresses – hikers must provide their own blankets/pillows/sleeping bags etc. Rubbish bins are provided at each of the overnight stops. Field rangers remove the rubbish regularly. There are benches present. Please only use biodegradable soaps on the trail. Hikers are not permitted to remove mattresses from the huts.

Tides

It is important to be aware of the dates and the times of the high and low tides prior to hiking the Otter Trail. This is especially important when it comes to crossing the bigger rivers such as the Elandsbos and the Bloukrans Rivers. It is the hiker’s responsibility to obtain tide tables in order to prepare for their hike.

The Bloukrans River Crossing

The Bloukrans River crossing is on the 4th day of the Otter Trail. It is approximately 10km from Oakhurst Hut that takes about four and half hours (4.5) to reach. This river is best crossed during low tide. Once the river has been crossed it is approximately another 3.8km (two and a half hours) to the next overnight stop. It is wise to arrive well before low tide, so that enough time is available to plan your crossing.

If you are unable to cross the river, you can take the escape route labeled E6. This escape route branches to the right of the trail just before the Otter Trail descends to the Bloukrans River Mouth. The escape route climbs steeply to the top of the plateau. In the case of an emergency, hikers are advised to make their way to the top of the escape route and wait for collection by SANParks Rangers once contact has been made. Do not attempt to walk to the N2.

Detailed information contact [email protected] / 0834616102 / www.starthikingtoday.com