The Tsitsikamma Trail is a southern Cape hiking paradise, journeying through extensive indigenous afromontane forest and mountain fynbos. This slightly shorter variation of the full 6 Day hike lets us enjoy just enough of the enchanted mountain landscape.
The Bloukrans hut is situated on the verge of a cliff and offers incredible views of the river gorges below and the Tsitsikamma Mountains to the north. A couple of hundred metres beneath the balcony a coca-cola coloured waterfall tumbles away. The hut can be reached via the access route from the old Blaaukranz forest station or, for a long hike option can be reached from the Natures valley camp 17.7 Km away.
The following day takes one deep into the Tsitsikamma Mountains and forest. The trails weaves through a selection of fynbos over the ridges and enchanted patches of indigenous forest as the trail begins its eastward course through the mountains. The crossing of the Bloukrans River at Waterwitelsgat is always exciting and provides a wonderful swimming and resting place. Shortly before reaching Keurbos hut there are rockpools resembling natural Jacuzzis at the Twintubs. The hut is situated in the wetter Keurbos forest.
The third day passes through very diverse habitat types and has many exciting river crossings. After an approximate 1,5km gradual descent from Keurbos hut through very tall fynbos the Lottering River is reached. Once over the saddle, large pockets of untouched indigenous forest become visible in remote mountain regions. Heuningbos indigenous forest has many hidden secrets awaiting hikers further ahead. After the final descent towards the hut, you will cross the Kleinbos River twice before reaching the Heuningbos Hut. A very pleasant swimming pool lies within rolling distance away.
Day four is the longest trail section and will see hikers negotiate two saddles on route to Sleepkloof hut. Most of the day passes through pristine mountain fynbos where many interesting species occur. The crossing of the Witteklip River marks the day’s half-way point and the second saddle’s ascent begins shortly thereafter. The view from the top of Nademaalsnek is a just reward. Sleepkloof hut nestles on the slopes of a densely forested gorge where wood was dragged out during the woodcutter era. The hut has magnificent views of the Tsitsikamma mountains lurking in the distance.
The hiking trail exits on day 5 to the Storms River Bridge on the N2 Storms river Bridge and is a short hike of 3.4km. An alternative route can be used through to Storms river Village through the Tsitsikamma National Park forest. The route heads down Bosvaringpad and crosses the N2 highway into Plaatbos on the Skuinsbospad trail. This adds 3 extra kilometres to the trail but is worth every step.Accommodation
Basic cooking pots and braai grids.
Wood
Transfer
all additional cost
guides
Optional equipment porterage (slackpacking) now provides hikers with the chance of having their equipment transported between overnight huts. To be arranged prior to the Hike.
Thank you for looking after the trail and overnight huts. The new additions at the huts are amazing. The extra 6 bed room, plus 3 x 2 sleepers. Also the donkey that was added for hot water. It was once again a lovely experience to hike this route. - Joalitha
A group of 12 of us (5 adults & 7 kids) recently completed the 5 day version of the Tsitsikamma hike. It was a truly fabulous experience! We opted for porterage of our clothes and food, which made the walking much easier. The new cabin & A-frame huts at each camp are also lovely! We had an issue with no water at our last hut (Sleepkloof), but this was due to vandalism of the pipe by baboons, so no fault of the MTO Group. I'll definitely want to hike it again. - Kerryn
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