Shipwreck Hiking and Canoe Trails.
Experience the jewel of the Sunshine coast. Offering unique and unspoilt beaches, riverine and farmland environments. Hike in crocs/flip-flops along the beach, but boots are required for the riverine hike.
This trail has 3 slackpacking options; or carry your backpacks if you prefer.
Start hiking with day packs from Port Alfred, and head to Milkwood Hut. Leave the coast, making your way up the dunes, through the indigenous forest.
Day 2
Leave Milkwood Hut (Rufane farm) and follow the same path back to the beach, once on the beach turn left towards Riet Point ± 5km (rocky outcrop). After ±1.5km hike you will arrive at Riet River holiday cottages. Head towards the cottages on the Port Alfred side of the river, follow the dirt road to a gate (±1km); you will meet up with the R72 main road. Cross straight over the road, through the two pillars, and through the large gate. Follow the trail /markers to Umtunzi River hut. About 1km.
Day 3
Follow the same path back to the beach through Riet River Village. Once on the beach, turn left, and walk about 1.5 km. When you arrive at Three Sisters Rocks, stand in front of the largest rock, look up towards the sand dunes, and where you see a break in the dunes, head up towards that break. Walk through the break, down into a dip in the dunes, you will see anchor signs in the bush ahead and other signs for you to follow. You will go through some indigenous coastal forest, and then onto grasslands. Follow the signs. Go through a small gate to Three Sisters hut – a facebrick building. First walking past the toilet facilities.
On the 4th day head for Kleinemonde West River mouth for your 8km paddle to Lily Pad Hut, with a 4km hike though Nyala Game Reserve. Birdwatchers will enjoy the kingfishers, fish eagles, Knysna loeries, and many more birds along the way.
Catch a glimpse of giraffe, nyala, zebra, impala, waterbuck, wildebeest, kudu, red hartebeest and families of warthog. Enjoy sundowners on the deck at Lily Pad hut and listen for the Narina trogon and forest weavers. Nocturnal birds and animals will be heard towards evening.
Day 5
Return to the canoes and paddle back to the river mouth to start the hike to Stone Cottage; which was built in 1848. Close to Clayton Rocks you may find pieces of porcelain and shells in the rocky bays. Climb the sand dunes and look for the markers that lead to the hut.
On the last day, leave Stone Cottage to head back to the coast hiking towards Fish River mouth, passed the Lighthouse. This last section of the trail has unspoilt beaches all along the way, until reaching Fish River Mouth. Head up and over the Fish River Bridge and finish the 6 day adventure with a delicious homemade sit-down meal at the Fish River Diner.