The Otter Hiking Trail

Description

This trail, built and run by the National Parks Board (NPB), is clearly marked with the otter emblem painted yellow in rocky areas. The Otter trail is named after the Cape clawless otter. It is a very shy creature that is at home in fresh and sea water. They are usually active during the early hours of the morning and the late evening.

The information centre at the Storms River provides a wealth of knowledge about the Tsitsikamma National Park and the various trails in it. Here you can watch a video about the trail and obtain details of the tide tables, which is essential for the river crossings. At the reception desk, you will be asked for your permit and be provided with a map of the trail.

Each overnight stop has two wooden log huts that accommodate six people per hut. Each hut is named after people who have worked at the NPB, with the exception of Oakhurst hut.

Since this trail is one way and not circular, one has to organise transport at each end. The best is to leave your vehicle at the Nature' Valley Trading Store and organise a shuttle to Storms River. Hikers Haven in Nature's Valley, run by Ian & Pat Bond (+27 4457 6805) provide this type of service at a reasonable cost.

One can also enjoy a restful stay at the Hikers Haven after the trail. It is essential to book this trail at least 12 months in advance, due to its popularity.

Summary

Rating : less than 15 km's per day, slow pace (2km per hour or more), average terrain. Distance : 41 km's.

Duration : 5 days. Terrain : rocky coastline, tropical forests, river crossings.

Climate : temperate, rain is possible all year, but is mainly concentrated in Mar, Aug, Oct, Nov. June & July are the driest months. Sea mists possible during May & June.

Elevation : 0-200 meter's Access road : access controlled tarred road.

Accommodation : log huts containing bunks with mattresses, fireplaces and firewood, outside toilets, water available but sometimes tanks are dry. Group limit : 12 people.

Features : coastal scenery with tidal pools rich in marine life, indigenous forest & fynbos, cave middens, the Guano Cave, waterfalls, Elansbos & Lottering & Bloukrans river mouths.

Possible hazards : rock clambering, cliff top paths, river crossings.

Booking authority : South African National Parks, +27 12 343 1991, Fax: +27 12 343 0905, +27 21 422 2810, E-mail: reservations@parks-sa.co.za

Permit needed : Yes.

Cost : R275 p/p (07/07/99)

Fauna Cape clawless otter, dolphins, seals, whales, daisies, bushbuck, grysbok, blue duiker, klipspringer, baboon, vervet monkey, bushpig, leopard, honey badger, grey mongoose, water mongoose, spotted genet, 210 bird species such as black oystercatcher, sooty shearwater, arctic skua, Knysna loerie.

Flora Outeniqua yellowwood, stinkwood, saffronwood, elder, Cape beech, white milkwood, Cape chestnut, fynbos, proteas and various other flowers.

Updated Mon, 24 September, 2001 http://www.rocksport.co.za