Weather, 05 Jul 09
 |
11°C / 19°C |
Hot & Useful Links
Seasonal Discounts
Wilderness And Tsitsikamma National Parks are running 40% off winter specials from 14 July - 25 September 2008 on accommodation and camping.
Tsitsikamma National Park
The Dolphin Trail
Hike the Tsitsikamma Coast in Luxury
Itinerary | General Information
For those hikers who know the rigours of the Otter Trail, and for those who have never had the luck or the courage to hike it, the DOLPHIN TRAIL brings good news.
For two magical days one can now hike the magnificent Tsitsikamma Coast with no heavy backpack, and spend three nights in comfort at different luxury venues! This has been made possible by the formation of a partnership between South African National Parks and three private sector partners, resulting in a unique hiking experience.
The trail covers a distance of 20 km, starting in the unrivalled beauty of the Tsitsikamma National Park at Storms River Mouth, and wends its way eastwards through natural fynbos and pristine indigenous forest, over rugged rocks at the waters edge, to end on the banks of the Sandrif River at The Fernery.
The Dolphin Trail package includes:
- all meals, from dinner on the day of arrival to breakfast on the day of departure;
- the attendance of two trained local guides;
- a boat trip (weather permitting) into the Storms River Gorge;
- a 4x4 drive through the old Storms River Pass; and
- the transportation of all luggage by vehicle between overnight stops so that guests need hike only with a light pack containing a few personal items.
Hikers have stunning views of the rugged Tsitsikamma coastline and the chances of spotting whales and dolphins from August to March are good. En route, many birds including the gorgeous Knysna Loerie can be heard while hiking through the forest, and the endangered Oystercatcher is often to be seen on the rocks. Swimming in the rock pools is possible at the discretion of the guides.
Itinerary
Day of arrival
Any time after 12 noon: Guests arrive and check in for the Dolphin Trail at the Tsitsikamma National Park Reception. After moving in to the quaint Dolphin Trail chalets they are free to enjoy what remains of the afternoon at their leisure.
19:00: Dinner is served at the Sharks Den in the Parks Restaurant complex.
Hiking day 1
Early risers can enjoy the stunning beauty of their surroundings, and are welcome to go bird watching or walking before breakfast.
- 09:00: Hikers to be packed and ready at their chalets to hand over their luggage to the Storms River Adventure vehicle. They then proceed to the Restaurant for breakfast.
- 10:00: 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.
- 11:00: After crossing the Storms River on a suspension bridge, hikers follow a steep and rocky path to the lookout point with a wonderful view of the Tsitsikamma National Park. This is also good for whale and dolphin spotting and offers an endless view of the Indian Ocean. The hike continues level for a short distance before beginning a long descent through indigenous forest to sea level. This is the perfect place for a picnic lunch, either in the shade of trees at the streams edge or on the rocks in the sun. Hikers should take a good break here as the climb up Steilkop (Steep Hill) is quite taxing and follows immediately. Remember that there is no rush so walk slowly and admire the magnificent views as you go. Once at the top of Steilkop it is a comfortable forest walk to Misty Mountain Reserve.
- ± 16:00: Arrival at Misty Mountain where guests are welcomed by their hosts Dave and Val. 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. At this stage you can either collapse and relax for the balance of the afternoon, or take advantage of the opportunity to go bass fishing in the dam. A swimming pool is available for use by the guests, and a variety of exotic and local water birds, as well as ostriches, can be viewed around the pond.
- 18:30: Meet at the restaurant for pre-dinner drinks and watch the sun setting over the sea, before dinner is served at 19:30.
Hiking day 2
- 08:30: Breakfast in the restaurant.
- 09:30: Hikers follow a steep path from their chalets straight down to the rock pools. Today’s route is mainly at sea level and the morning walk along the coast is magnificent. Enjoy the beautiful plant life and rocky scenery, and keep your eyes open for the spoor of the Cape Clawless Otter in “Otters Alley”.
- 13:00: In a natural amphitheatre hikers stop for a well earned rest and picnic on the rocks. For those who are hot and enjoy adventure there is a good rock pool for swimming at this point. After lunch the path takes one on a clamber over rocks that are often damp from the sea spray, so please take care. This is followed by a stiff climb up the cliff on to level ground. The hike from here remains fairly level and takes the group for a further 3 km through indigenous fynbos and forest to Forest Ferns.
- ± 16:00: Hikers arrive at the Fernery and are welcomed with drinks at the bird hide overlooking the dam. They are then shown to their beautiful chalets along the river and can spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Several activities are available for those who are still feeling energetic, such as boating, cycling, and bird watching. A swimming pool, Jacuzzi and sauna are also available for the guests’ enjoyment, and a browse through the Fernery and nursery facilities is also worthwhile.
- 18:30: Hikers meet at the Fernery where they have pre-dinner drinks and watch a short video on the growing and exporting of ferns. A farewell dinner follows in the Otters Holt Restaurant.
Day of departure
The weary can sleep in for a while and enjoy the peace of their chalets, while early risers are welcome to go bird watching or visit the packing operation at Forest Ferns.
- 09:00: Breakfast in the Fernery
- 10:00: Guests are collected in a 4x4 vehicle for a scenic trip through the old Storms River Pass. A mid-morning snack is enjoyed at the low water bridge en route and the vehicle makes a brief stop in Storms River Village where guests can acquaint themselves with the activities of Storms River Adventures if they so wish.
- 12:00: Arrival at the Tsitsikamma National Park from where hikers go their separate ways.
General Information
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 good level of fitness and agility, and a relatively active lifestyle. Many walkers who would 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 regret that we do not accept bookings for children under the age of 12 years. 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 70’s who have come through with flying colours!
Suggested items to bring along
- Hiking boots are recommended although a good pair of trainers is acceptable footwear.
- Two pairs of socks per day (1 thin and 1 thick pair to wear with your boots).
- Suitable hiking gear - as the Tsitsikamma has “four seasons in one day”, we recommend short pants for warmer weather and a comfortable pair of long pants and a warm jacket should the weather turn cold. Light rain wear
- Swimming costume
- Rucksack / Day Pack.
- Walking stick.
- Binoculars for keen birders (a bird book will be carried by the guides)
- Insect repellent and sun block
- Hat or Cap
- Camera and film
- Warm and comfortable clothing and shoes for the evenings
Medical Aid/First Aid
Although a First Aid kit will be carried by the guides, please ensure that any special prescribed medication is carried on your person and that the guides are made aware of any pre-existing conditions.
Meals and beverages
When making your booking, please advise reservations of any special dietary requirements.
All meals are provided and a cash bar is available at all venues.
Additional Information
- Cell phone reception (of varying strengths) can be found at the Tsitsikamma National Park, Misty Mountain Reserve and Forest Ferns. While on the trail itself there is often no reception but the guides do have radio contact with Storms River Adventures at all times.
- There is a shop at the Tsitsikamma National Park which sells a large variety of goods including camera film and batteries, drinks, snacks, curios, insect repellent, a selection of clothing, rain ponchos, caps and hiking sticks.
- Hikers wanting to spend extra time in the area either before or after the hike, are welcome to make reservations with any one of the three partners providing Dolphin Trail accommodation.
- For further information on these establishments please contact the park::
Tel: (042) 281 1607
E-mail: reservations@sanparks.org
www.misty-sa.co.za
Tel: (042) 280 3699 or 082 921 3055
E-mail: mistymountainreserve@intekom.co.za
www.forestferns.co.za
Tel: (042) 280 3588
E-mail: tourism@forestferns.co.za
Storms River Adventures is a company which specialises in adventure activities for both young and old. It is well worth spending an extra couple of days in the Tsitsikamma in order to experience some of these options. For further information please go to their website at
www.stormsriver.com
Tel: (042) 281 1836
E-mail: adventure@gardenroute.co.za
~ The Dolphin Trail partners wish you a wonderful stay in “The Place of Sparkling Waters” ~
~ We hope that you enjoy your walk along our beautiful coastline ~
This Adobe Acrobat document can be printed
Have a question? Why not ask at the forums?