Activity Description

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 Kalander hut is situate only a stone’s throw from the Natures Valley beach. The first day hike is a brief 3.4km from the Nature’s Valley rest camp with an option of entering the trails from the beach from Natures valley of via the coastal forest route.

Day two begins with a climb up the escarpment. Most of the day’s hike however, will take you through indigenous afromontane forest as you venture inland towards the foothills of the Tsitsikamma Mountains. The Bloukrans hut is situated on the verge of a cliff and offers incredible views of the river gorges below and Peak Formosa and the Tsitsikamma Mountains to the north.

The third 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 following 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. Hikers should proceed slowly up Rushes Pass, pausing regularly to appreciate the majestic views. Once over the saddle, large pockets of untouched indigenous forest become visible in remote mountain regions. The path then descends for a similar distance to follow the western bank of the Elandsbos River for almost a kilometre before reaching the Elandsbos River crossing point. 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.

The hike exits south towards the Boskor Sawmill 5 km away ready to be collected by a shuttle.

Arrangements

Requirements

Inclusions and Exclusions

Notes