Otter Trail

The Otter Trail is South Africa’s best-known multi-day hike, a five-day walk along the Tsitsikamma coast from Storms River Mouth west to Nature’s Valley. It stays close to the sea the whole way, dropping to rocky shores and river mouths and climbing back through coastal forest. Groups are small and capped, so book well ahead, and come ready to carry a full pack for five days.

What to expect

Four nights in huts at Ngubu, Scott, Oakhurst and André, each a pair of six-bed huts with bunks, mattresses, flush toilets and showers. Sources give the total distance as 43 km or 44 km. The first day is a short 4.8 km warm-up; the fourth, from Oakhurst to André, is the long one at 13.8 km and includes the Bloukrans River crossing. Expect a lot of up and down: the stages add up to close to 3,000 m of climbing.

Practical details

• Bookings and permits go through SANParks, the park’s managing body.
• Groups are capped at 12 hikers.
• Hikers must be between 12 and 65; over-65s need a doctor’s certificate.
• The trail is one way, so you need transport between the two ends. Parking is available at Storms River and Nature’s Valley.

Good to know

Tides decide the day at the bigger river mouths, the Bloukrans above all. Get a tide table before you go and aim to reach the Bloukrans mouth near low tide. If the river is too high there is the option of swimming across with packs in waterproof bags, or an escape route. Pack dry bags for everything you cannot afford to get wet.

Last updated 6 October 2026. Sources: Wikipedia, Garden Route Adventure Guide.