Common questions

Where does the Otter Trail start and finish?

Where does the Otter Trail start and finish?

Storms
The trail starts at Storms River Mouth National park and ends at De Vasselot Rest Camp (Nature’s Valley). Total distance – 45km. Total elevation gained (over 5 days) – 2600m. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, no GPS needed.

How difficult is Otter Trail?

Difficulty rating: 7/10: The Otter might not be as demanding as some other longer trails, like the Amatola or Outeniqua, but it should not be underestimated. It has some steep climbs and descents, as well as technical river crossings.

How long is the Otter Trail hike?

Otter Trail
Length 41 km (25 mi)
Location Garden Route, South Africa
Trailheads Storms River Mouth Nature’s Valley
Use Hiking

What is the best time to do the Otter Trail?

You can hike the Otter Trail at any time of year. Spring and summer (October—April) are the warmest months and probably one of the best highlights is being able to swim along the way. It’s also the best time to see the wildflowers.

How do you prepare for the Otter Trail?

Otter Trail packing tips

  1. Pack light!
  2. Trekking poles help on the way up and down.
  3. Be prepared for water; pack all sensitive items in dry bags or Ziploc bags.
  4. Take along lightweight, quick drying, good wicking and UV resistant clothing.
  5. Pack a rope that you can also use while hiking the Otter Trail.

How safe is the Otter Trail?

The most common safety threat on the Otter Trail is the river crossing at Bloukrans River mouth, where hikers have been washed out to sea in the past. The advice is to cross no more than an hour before or after low tide. Rather wait until it is safe to cross and do not cross alone.

How much does it cost to hike the Otter Trail?

SANPARKS Otter Trail booking fee R 1,150 per person for the total 5 days/ 4 nights. 12 people commence the hike on any given day. It’s a one way route from Tsitsikamma (Stormsriver) to Natures Valley. There are stipulated huts to stay along the route at each night.

Can you do Otter Trail alone?

It is named after the elusive otter which some hikers may be lucky to glimpse. There are 2 huts at each campsite that accommodate a maximum of 6 people each on bunk beds. Be welcoming to that person – nobody should hike the trail alone, especially at the river crossings.

Is there cell phone reception on the Otter Trail?

There is no cell phone reception along the Otter Trail. In the case of an emergency, hikers are advised to make their way to the top of the escape route where cell phone reception is available.

Is there cell phone signal on the Otter Trail?

Cell phone reception is intermittent along the trail and you will only have reception at the first hut.

Are there leopards on the Otter Trail?

Why We Like This Hike rich variety of bird and animal life including Cape Clawless Otter, Seal, Caracal, Genet, Leopard, Duiker, Bushbuck, Bushpig, Badger, Vervet Monkey, Baboon, Dolphin and Whale. there are two huts and a single toilet at each overnight stop.

Can you Slackpack the Otter Trail?

The best known of these is probably the five day Otter Trail, but there are many weekend excursions. Over the last 15 to 20 years a different type of trail has emerged that we like to refer to as ‘Slackpacking’. The hiking is not always easy, although it can be – it’s on these trails that we focus.

Where is the Otter Trail in South Africa?

The Otter Trail is a beautiful five-day hike along South Africa’s rugged eastern coastline. Running from Stormsriver to Nature’s Valley in the Garden Route, it’s named after the Cape Clawless Otter. A shy, nocturnal creature that only a handful of hikers have seen.

Where are the peaks of Otter hiking trails?

Peaks of Otter Hiking Trails. Sharp Top Trail (1.5 miles to the summit) This is the most popular trail at the Peaks and originates at the Nature Center across the Parkway from the Visitor Center. This is a steep and strenuous route and should be attempted only by those in good health.

How did the Otter Trail get its name?

Running from Stormsriver to Nature’s Valley in the Garden Route, it’s named after the Cape Clawless Otter. A shy, nocturnal creature that only a handful of hikers have seen. Opening to the public in January 1968, the Otter Trail became the first multi-day hike in the country.

Where is the Otter Trail in Eastleigh Hampshire?

Otter Trail and Hawksley Memorial Garden via Itchen is a 3.6 mile loop trail located near Eastleigh, Hampshire, England that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is accessible year-round.

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Ruth Doyle