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You will require a self-drive car to be able to book this Garden Route Active Escape. Contact us for our competitive car hire rates.
Level of Fitness: A great deal of the charm of this untamed coastline lies in its rugged and wild nature, and hiking it is therefore not a mere "stroll in the park". It is however achievable by people of all ages who have maintained a reasonable level of fitness and agility, and a relatively active lifestyle. Many walkers who may be discouraged by the need to carry a heavy pack are now able to take the challenge and enjoy what is a strenuous but attainable hike through some of South Africa’s most beautiful scenery.
Age Limit: Due to the nature of the trail we can unfortunately not accept bookings for children under the age of 12. No upper age limit has been set as it is determined purely by the fitness of the individual. We have had many hikers in their 70ies who have come through with flying colours!
Day 1 (Saturday, Sunday or Monday):
Depart Port Elizabeth, George or Cape Town in your rental car, and drive towards Tsitsikamma on the Garden Route. We recommend at stop at the Blaukranz Bridge to see (or join) the bungy jumpers at the bridge. This is the world’s highest Bungy jump! Check in at your lodge.
Overnight: Tsitsikamma Lodge.
Day 2:
Spend the morning enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Spectacular mountain and forest walks can be taken from your lodge, including the popular and famous “Strip-Tease River Trail”. Leave your lodge and meet fellow trailists any time after noon at the Tsitsikamma National Park Reception. After moving into the trail chalets you are free to enjoy what remains of the afternoon at your leisure. There are a number of hiking trails, including the start of the Otter Trail, that are well worth walking, or you can take time to put your feet up and relax in one of the most beautiful spots on earth! In the evening, meet at the restaurant for a briefing by our trail host who will answer any questions you may have, and will give you information regarding the trail. Enjoy your dinner to the sound of pounding waves with a myriad of stars shining above you.
Dinner and overnight: Trail chalets. (B,D)
Day 3:
Early risers can enjoy the stunning view of their surroundings and are welcome to go bird watching or walking before breakfast. Your luggage will be collected and brought to the evening’s lodge. Meet your guides who will be with you for the two days of hiking. Depart along the boardwalk to Storms River Mouth and the Khoisan Cave. Weather permitting, there will be a 25 minute boat trip into the river gorge. After crossing Storms River Mouth on the suspension bridge. The hike runs along the coast in an easterly direction with magnificent views of the Indian Ocean. Opportunities for spotting whales and dolphins are good, and there are beautiful rock pools en route for swimming. Arrival time at your overnight stop depends on the speed of the hikers and the amount of time spent enjoying the magnificent environment. You will be given a warm welcome and can enjoy an ice cold drink
or a hot cup of tea before being shown to your luxury chalet with a 180 degree view of the Indian
Ocean. The balance of the afternoon is for you to relax and enjoy at your leisure. Meet for drinks in the early evening and watch the sun set over the sea before tucking into a delicious dinner.
Dinner and overnight: Trail Chalets. (B,L,D)
Day 4:
After a hearty breakfast, hikers leave the camp an hour later and follow a steep path straight down to the rock pools. Today's route is mainly at sea level where you can enjoy the beautiful plant life and rocky scenery. Swimming and snorkelling are possible in a couple of rock pools en route and at times you are required to clamber over rocks that are often damp from the sea spray, so do take care. After a stiff climb up the cliff on to level ground, you will reach a beautiful spot in the forest - and lunch. Enjoy it and soak up the peace and tranquillity of the magnificent forest before setting off on the last 3 km through indigenous fynbos to Forest Ferns. Hikers arrive at the Fernery in the mid-afternoon and after being shown to your chalet, can either relax in this beautiful setting or make use of the swimming pool, Jacuzzi and sauna facilities. Evening drinks are served in the Lodge from 18h30, followed by an excellent 4 course menu d'hôte dinner.
Dinner and overnight: Trail Chalets. (B,L,D)
Day 5:
Breakfast in your lodge, before setting off on a scenic 4x4 trip through the old Storms River Pass. Arrival at the Tsitsikamma National Park, where you parked your rental car. Drive a short distance to Plettenberg Bay, and check in at your guesthouse.
Overnight: Starfish Lodge, Plettenberg Bay. (B)
Day 6:
A day of sea-activities in Plettenberg Bay: Kayak with an experienced guide from Central Beach to Robberg Nature Reserve. This is an amazing experience and often you will kayak with dolphins right next to you. When you reach Robberg Nature Reserve you will kayak amongst the seals at the seal colony. Your guide will introduce you to Robberg Nature Reserve and our wonderful marine life in the bay. In whale season you will encounter these majestic mammals on your tour. All equipment is provided and beginners are welcome.
The day continues with another ocean experience: our Ecological adventure leaves from the beach with an exciting beach launch and heads east past the bird sanctuary and Keurbooms beach to Arch Rock. Here we usually encounter Bottlenose Dolphins and the rare Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins as well as some shark species. We head into the middle of the bay where pelagic seabirds are normally seen. Hopefully, resident Bryde's whales may be seen, as well as Common Dolphins or Southern Right whale and Humpback whales during their season (June – November). We then traverse the bay to the point of Robberg Peninsula and out to the “wild side”, often seeing groups of whales and pods of dolphins. Cruising back along the inside of Robberg, we see the unique geology from this unusual viewpoint and can observe our growing Cape Fur Seal Colony. Finally we head back along the Robberg beach, while a brief rundown on the history of the area is given. After passing the Beacon Island Hotel, built on the site of an original Whaling Station, we end the experience with an exhilarating landing, again on Central Beach.
Overnight: Starfish Lodge, Plettenberg Bay. (B)
Day 7:
End at Port Elizabeth airport, hand back your rental car prior to departure. (B)
Alternatively: Continue with a safari in the Eastern Cape – details on request.
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