I Been Searching for a Trail to Follow Again
The Otter trail is officially the oldest and undoubtedly the most iconic hiking trail in Due south Africa. The trail, which runs along the spectacular coastline between the Storms River mouth and Nature's Valley, was opened in 1968 and is considered one of the finest multi-day trails in the globe. It is named after the shy, mostly nocturnal, Cape Clawless Otter which inhabits the estuaries and streams of the Southward African coast.
Dazzler: The definitive v/v
Difficulty rating: 7/10: The Otter might non be as demanding as another longer trails, similar the Amatola or Outeniqua, but it should non be underestimated. Information technology has some steep climbs and descents, as well as technical river crossings.
Technical rating: Mostly standard trail walking interspersed with "walk-through" river crossings. However, the main technical difficulty of the trail is the Bloukrans River crossing which involves swimming beyond the river and climbing up steep terrain by employ of a rope.
Elapsing:45km
The distance is below average for v-day hikes (just virtually 45km) only the diverseness and splendour of the landscapes brand it truly mesmerising. Any fit hiker will probably be able to stop each day earlier lunch time, merely the trail offers so much to savour along the way that days are blissfully spent swimming in rivers and streams, walking through dumbo coastal wood, relaxing on beautiful beaches, gawking at huge waves crashing into the shoreline, enjoying the rich floral, insect and bird life, exploring the underwater world in tidal pools, or gazing at dolphins playing in the waves.
Start and finish
I has to study to the Storms River Park Reception to pay conservation fees, get the trail map and watch a short video which highlights the trails most recent changes. The trail starts nearby at a parking area.
The trail finishes in Nature'southward Valley. There is a compulsory check-out at De Vasselot Residual camp where Otter Trail Certificates are also issued.
Day 1: First to Ngubu huts – 4,8km (2-hours)
The brusque and relatively easy start twenty-four hours allows for a late offset, but do non bustle by the beautiful features along the way! The hike starts with a steep descent through coastal forest to an abrupt entry onto seaside rocks and magnificent scenery.
Around the halfway mark on Day 1, you volition see the Jerling River waterfall, which cascades into a large pool. Information technology is a perfect spot for a break and a swim, if you lot can handle the chilly water. After that there's a climb through natural forest and then on to the huts with their large communal braai-area.
Mean solar day 2: Ngubu to Scott huts – seven,9km (4-hours)
The second twenty-four hours provides the first existent challenge with some steep ascents and descents in the littoral forest, with the steps beingness loftier and irregular. Be sure to walk across to the meridian of Skilderkrans (2km mark) for some spectacular panoramic views, simply also proceed an heart out for birdlife and surprises offered by the micro environment.
From Skilderkrans, the trail goes through its characteristic ascents and descents to reach the Kleinbos River with its sizeable pools and steep flanks – a worthy spot for a intermission and a swim.
Bloubaai beach at the 5km marker is a fantastic lunch & swim spot in fair weather. The descent to the beach is steep and information technology is a adept choice to leave backpacks near the main trail if it is for a quick stop only.
Mean solar day iii: Scott to Oakhurst huts – 7,7km (iv-hours)
This is arguably the all-time day on the Otter, with forested sections, several streams, a lovely tidal pool, walks forth beautiful stretches of coastline and some visits to the plateau. In-flavour wild flowers abound. The terrain is likewise a bit easier than day 2.
In that location'southward a tidal pool with a skillful bound (accept care!) early on in the solar day. It is worthwhile to bring a diving mask to explore the underwater globe of colourful fish, bounding main anemones and starfish that inhabit the pool.
It is advisable to try and cross the Lottering River close to low tide – at high tide y'all may be in for a swim with your backpack. Subsequently the river crossing, the Oakhurst huts are close past and are situated in a spectacular location – it is worthwhile arriving before sunset to explore the surface area.
Day four: Oakhurst to Andre huts – 13,8km (half-dozen-hours)
24-hour interval four presents the greatest challenge for both altitude and river crossings. The trail undulates through forest and dramatic littoral sections for the first 10km, after which the famous Bloukrans River crossing is reached.
It is important to cross the Bloukrans close to low tide, which might necessitate a pre-dawn kickoff.
Even at depression tide the river is likely to crave a brusk swim and 1 therefore must accept survival numberless in which to float your backpack. If the river is flooding, or you arrive at that place when the tide is full and the body of water is crude, it is strongly recommended to rather brand utilise of the escape route (see map).
If conditions are favourable for a crossing, it is a good idea to send a strong member of the party across to identify a suitable landing spot before everyone goes beyond – there is a sandy gully almost the mouth of the river (when the tide is low) or a rocky landing in a small cove which volition require some scrambling, but a safety rope is stock-still in identify.
After the river crossing there is a steep and long climb to the plateau. The path then descends to Andre huts on the banks of the Klip River.
Day 5: Andre huts to De Vasselot / Nature'due south Valley – ten,8km (five-hours)
The day starts with a brusque walk on a rocky beach, and and so a steep climb upward to the plateau. From in that location the trail stays generally on top of the plateau on easy terrain. Rich fynbos and Erica's abound. As well keep an middle out for rex proteas. There are some skilful lookouts on the spectacular cliffs as you approach The Point.
The panoramic views of the Groot River estuary and Nature'south Valley beach announces the end of the trail. There is a slight sting in the tail after the descent, with 4km of embankment walking left to De Vasselot – an appropriate time to celebrate and reflect on a remarkable trail.
Group size and bookings
The trail takes a maximum of 12 hikers at a time. If not fully booked by a group, the remaining spots will exist bachelor for booking by the public. It should also be noted that the minimum and maximum ages are 12 and 65 respectively.
It is essential to program and book long before the fourth dimension – the trail is normally booked for upwards to a year in advance in all except the winter months. There are, from fourth dimension to time, spots open on short notice due to cancellations.
Reservations are made through SAN Parks:
Telephone: +27 (0) 12 426 5111
Fax: +27 (0) 12 343 0905
E-mail: specialisedreservations@sanparks.org
Check for availability and other info on the official SAN Parks website
Facilities
In that location are 2 huts that sleep six-people each at the end of days 1 to 4. The huts are equipped with bunk beds and mattresses. At that place'due south a toilet (often with a breathtaking view), a braai area with firewood, a cold shower, a rainwater tank and a purse/bin to dispose of rubbish.
Water
There are many streams and perennial rivers along the way. The tea-coloured water from mount streams are generally safety – do non be put-off by the nighttime hue, it is due to the tannins from the indigenous fynbos. Water from the larger rivers frequently runs past human settlements and should preferably be treated or filtered. Run into the SAN Parks website for updated data on h2o.
River crossings and prophylactic
There are several river and stream crossings which should be approached with care. After heavy rainfall, even small streams can go difficult to cross. Consult the map for the location of larger rivers and be sure to pack a large, durable plastic bag (survival bag) in which to float your haversack. For the Elandsbos, Lottering and Bloukrans rivers it is advisable to cantankerous at low tide. The Bloukrans River crossing tin can look daunting, just if done at low tide it may be surprisingly easy.
Source: https://www.hikingsouthafrica.co.za/the-otter-trail/
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