The Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail
The Tsitsikamma Trail was South Africa's first officially accredited hiking trail.
The Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail in it's full length is a 6 day, 5 night hike starting from Nature's Valley and traversing 64kms to Storms River through the forests of the Tsitsikamma. It is the twin of the Otter Trail, the 42km, 5 day hike from Storms River to Nature's Valley.
Although the Tsitsikamma is a full 6 day hike it is possible to do sections from two day, one night to all six days! And because the trail is not as famous (but no less beautiful!) as the Otter Trail there isn't a year long waiting list to book a hike. You can arrange hikes on the day you want to leave.
The Trail will take you on a journey through extensive indigenous forests and mountain fynbos, over ancient rivers and down magnificent gorges. There are many fine specimens on the Outeniqua Yellowwood, South Africa's national tree, to keep watch over adventurous hikers.
Optional equipment porterage (slackpacking) now provides hikers with the chance of having all their equipment transported between overnight huts, allowing you the luxury of carrying only daypacks on each day's journey. Field guides and binoculars are definitely recommended along this exciting and unpredictable journey. Many of the forest giants are labeled with their tree names and hikers can have much fun with guessing and identification games along the route.
Accommodation Facilities
The overnight accommodation on the Tsitsikamma Trail is in comfortable huts located at beautiful points along the way. The huts sleep up to 24 people in dorm style accommodation and have ablution facilities, braii areas and firewood readily available. Each hut has a selection of cooking utensils such as large cast iron pots, kettles and braii grills.
Animal Encounters
Some of the animals that you are likely to encounter on your journney include Baboons, Vervet Moneky, Bush Buck, Large Spotted Genet and Bush Pig. The remoteness of the trail also allows for a better chance to spot Leopard, Caracal, Serval, Honey Badgers and Blue Duiker. Of course you cannot forget the multitude of different bird species that you will encounter!
Tsitsikamma Trail Costs
The cost to hike the Tsitsikamma Trail is charged at R90 per person per night. For example a 3 day, two night hike will cost R180 per person hiking. This includes your permit to hike the trail and a stay in the overnight hut with use of all facilities. This does not included any extras such as the Equipment Portarage Service. See the Official Site below for the cost of any extras.
Shuttle Services
The Wild Spirit Lodge operates a shuttle service for guests staying at the lodge. We can take you to the start point of your chosen hike and pick you up from the end. Please contact us for more information, click here to go to our contact information
For a more detailed breakdown of the individual day stages please check out the official site located here:
MTO Ecotourism - Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail Official Site.
Click Map to Enlarge
