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The Definitive Guide to Activities in the Area of Nature's Valley, Plettenberg Bay Area, South Africa
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HIKINGThe entire Garden Route is a paradise for hiking but Nature's Valley is particularly beautiful. From Nectar Cottage there are spectacular day walks, for example to Salt River Mouth, a route with impressive views via the coast to a remote bay and returning across the mountain. The famous Otter Trail starts at the imposing Storms River Mouth and ends with the spectacular view of the beach, lagoon and ocean of Nature's Valley. Where permits are required these are usually issued at entrance.The following are some of the day hikes and longer trails:
For more hikes along the Garden Route call the Plettenberg Bay tourist info line on 044-533 4065 or see one or more of the following sites:  Hiking trails from Nature's Valley  Salt River Mouth OTTER TRAILThis five-day trail was the first official hiking trail to be opened in South Africa and ranks tops as one of South Africa's most famous and spectacular hiking trails. The trail meanders along a unique and unspoilt coastal stretch of the garden route in the Tsitsikamma National Park coastal forest. It traverses 48 kilometres of mountains, forest, fynbos, beaches, crosses 11 rivers and estuaries, and is graded as one of the more difficult hikes. The trail supports a maximum of 12 persons one way and hikers should be reasonably fit.The trail takes 5 days and, as this hike is extremely popular, reservations for huts need to be made well in advance, preferably a year. There are 2 huts; each with 6 bunks and mattresses. All provisions such as sleeping bags, gas stoves, cooking utensils, etc, need to be taken with and carried on the trail. Barbecue facilities and chemical toilets are provided, as is firewood, which is left on the path and can be collected along the way. Water is either available at the huts or can be taken from the streams. No person should hike alone and care should be taken crossing rivers after heavy rains. The trail starts at Storms River Mouth. Directions indicating the entrance to the Tsitsikamma National Park can be seen on the N2 near the Paul Sauer bridge over Storms River. The trail starts about 2 km west of the restaurant and car park at Storm's River and is clearly marked with blue otter signs. DAY 1(4,8 km, 2 to 3 hours). Passing a Khoisan cave you reach a pool and waterfall near the first night's stop at the Ngubu huts. Great swimming. DAY 2 (7,9 km, 4 to 6 hours). The second day starts with a steep climb up Olienboomkop onto a plateau of forest and fynbos with impressive Outeniqua Yellowwood and Stinkwood trees. Passing Skilderkrans with views of ocean and perhaps whales and dolphins, you cross the Kleinbos River towards Scott's Hut where fresh-water swimming can be enjoyed at the Geelhoutbos River that flows into the sea. This is a demanding climb with ascents and descents but if you have the stamina consider a detour down to Bloubaai. DAY 3 (7.7 km, 4 to 6 hours). The third day offers more undulating walks and is very scenic. The trail crosses two rivers, the Elandsbos and the Lottering, with wonderful swimming opportunities. Oakhurst hut can be reached either by swimming the Lottering or by hopping from boulder to boulder. DAY 4 (13,8 km, 6 to 8 hours). Although this hike from Oakhurst to the next hut is the longest it is not too strenuous. Start early to enable you to take your time crossing the Bloukrans River at low tide. (It is advisable to check the tide table at the information centre before the start of the trail.) Should you miss the low tide or feel unsure about the crossing, you can travel inland along a clearly marked route and backtrack to Andre's hut. At Andre's hut you can replenish your fresh water supply on the banks of the Klip River. DAY 5 (6,8 km, 2 to 3 hours) Approximately 100m after crossing the Klip River, ascend to a plateau of wooded areas and fynbos. Crossing the Helpmekaar River (fresh water supply) you reach the cliff top overlooking the pristine Nature's Valley. PO Box 7400, Rogge Bay, Cape Town, 8012 Reservations can be made up to a year in advance: SANPARKS, PO Box 787, Pretoria, 0001 Telephone: +27 12 426 5111 Fax: +27 12 343 0905 E-mail: bridgetb@sanparks.org |
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