May 2018
The Otter Trail is undoubtedly the most well known and popular of South African hiking trails. Aptly named South Africa's oldest official multi-day trail, having hosted hikers since the early sixties. The well trodden trail starts from Storms River Mouth in the east and finishes at Nature's Valley in the west. The 44km trail takes five days to hike and hugs the rugged and lush coastline of the Tsitsikamma National Park. Our trip started off with pouring rain but moderate temperatures and cleared up beautifully on the second morning, we were treated to moody skies and perfect still days as we traversed the magnificent coastline.
Our accommodation each night; warm and cosy log cabins
Every day we travelled through a different type of environment, from lush dense forests to rugged and rocky coastline.
Storm peers up at one of the many century-old Outeniqua Yellowwood brutes, in the forests along the trail. These mighty and ancient trees are currently protected in South Africa.
The Bloukrans river crossing at low tide
Swimming in the Bloukrans river mouth at high tide, the warm Indian Ocean now in full flow up the river.
Setting off before sunrise in order to make our second river crossing during the low tide
Dropping down into Nature’s Valley on the last day of the trip