Newsletter / Blog


2016-04-22
OTTER HIKE


OTTER HIKING TRAIL

Why is the Otter Hiking Trail so fascinating?

The Otter Hiking Trail is one of South Africa's most popular trails and is known world-wide. It is a five-day trail, commencing at the Storms River Mouth Rest Camp and stretching westward as far as the Groot River estuary at Nature's Valley, a distance of about 43 km. Accommodation is provided in four beautifully appointed overnight camps, i.e. Ngubu (named after the first Game Ranger sergeant of the Tsitsikamma National Park), Scott (a Park's official who assisted with the initial layout of the trail), Oakhurst (the name is derived , from the homestead above the huts originally built by the Whitcher family) and André (named after André Kok, a former camp manager in the Tsitsikamma National Park).

Inauguration of the trail took place in 1968, making it the oldest official hiking trail in South Africa and is named after the elusive otter, which is found in fresh water and at sea.

Hikers tend to do the Otter repeatedly. Why? The main reason (apart from the physical challenge) is perhaps the lure of its scenic beauty which varies continually along the route and can only be described in superlative terms. One is left breathless by the magnificent scenery and astonishing rock formations. Gushing water forms rivers and waterfalls, which carve their way through ravines and give birth to tranquil freshwater pools and crystal clear streams, winding through the forest with its diverse flora, fragrant fynbos and fungi. A variety of diverse animal species also survive in this environment and insects and birds form a backdrop of sound and song. Huge indigenous trees with moss-bearded branches, watch over their domain like giant guardians.

The environment is unique in that it encompasses the best of both worlds - the exquisite beauty of the forest as well as pristine coastal shores. The trail often meanders very close to the coastline and clear pools teeming with a variety of marine life reveals a world of kaleidoscopic colours and an underwater world which is ideal for snorkelling. Sudden changes in weather conditions result in interesting contrasts, which provide exhilarating challenges to photographers and hikers alike!

 

 

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