Tsitsikamma Mountain Trail - Slackpacking.
Tsitsikamma is an old Khoisan word that means ‘place of many waters.’ We like to refer to this wonderful hiking adventure as the Tsitsikamma Mountain Trail.
It passes numerous rivers and streams and offers spectacular mountain and river gorge scenery.
Beginning in Nature’s Valley, the first day of the trail is a short meander along with one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Africa. The tall dry coastal forest found here represents one of the rarest forest types found in South Africa and is home to giant Outeniqua Yellowwood trees and many other interesting plant and animal species. The first overnight hut is aptly named as a few of these magnificent trees provide shade in proximity.
The trail then climbs up the coastal escarpment and moves inland along the forested plateau before encountering the breathtaking location of Bloukrans Hut. The trail journeys into the mountains from the third day and follows an easterly direction along the fynbos-clad slopes of the larger Tsitsikamma range. The third overnight hut is surrounded by forest and is nestled deep in the folded green blanket of the Tsitsikamma Mountains.
There are plenty of wonderfully situated swimming locations on the next day as the trail crosses three rivers and follows the Elandsbos River for over a kilometer.
Heuningbos Hut is situated within rolling distance of the Kleinbos River as well.
The fifth day’s hike straddles two mountain saddles and offers incredible views in all directions. The final overnight hut overlooks a forested valley and the Storms River Gorge in the distance.
The trail has comfortable overnight accommodation and offers 2 to 6-day hiking options. All five overnight huts have Slackpacking or equipment portage optional.
**NOT dog friendly**