The Otter Trail

The Fairest of Them All

otter-trail-along-the-coast

The Otter trail is officially the oldest and undoubtedly the most iconic hiking trail in South Africa. The trail, which runs along the spectacular coastline between the Storms River mouth and Nature’s Valley, was opened in 1968 and is considered one of the finest multi-day trails in the world. It is named after the shy, mostly nocturnal, Cape Clawless Otter which inhabits the estuaries and streams of the South African coast.

Beauty: The definitive 5/5
Difficulty rating:  7/10: The Otter might not be as demanding as some other longer trails, like the Amatola or Outeniqua, but it should not be underestimated. It has some steep climbs and descents, as well as technical river crossings.
Technical rating: Mostly standard trail walking interspersed with “walk-through” river crossings. However, the main technical difficulty of the trail is the Bloukrans River crossing which involves swimming across the river and climbing up steep terrain by use of a rope.
Duration: 45km

otter-trail-late-afternoon-coast

The distance is below average for 5-day hikes (just about 45km) but the variety and splendour of the landscapes make it truly mesmerising. Any fit hiker will probably be able to finish each day before lunch time, but the trail offers so much to savour along the way that days are blissfully spent swimming in rivers and streams, walking through dense coastal forest, relaxing on beautiful beaches, gawking at huge waves crashing into the shoreline, enjoying the rich floral, insect and bird life, exploring the underwater world in tidal pools, or gazing at dolphins playing in the waves.

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Ericas in full bloom

Start and finish

One has to report to the Storms River Park Reception to pay conservation fees, get the trail map and watch a short video which highlights the trails most recent changes. The trail starts nearby at a parking area.

The trail finishes in Nature’s Valley. There is a compulsory check-out at De Vasselot Rest camp where Otter Trail Certificates are also issued.

otter-trail-across-the-river
One of the many streams on Day 3

Day 1: Start to Ngubu huts – 4,8km (2-hours)

The short and relatively easy first day allows for a late start, but do not hurry past the beautiful features along the way! The hike starts with a steep descent through coastal forest to an abrupt entry onto seaside rocks and magnificent scenery.

Around the halfway mark on Day 1, you will come across the Jerling River waterfall, which cascades into a large pool. It is a perfect spot for a break and a swim, if you can handle the chilly water. After that there’s a climb through natural forest and then on to the huts with their large communal braai-area.

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The picturesque waterfall halfway through the first day

Day 2: Ngubu to Scott huts – 7,9km (4-hours)

The second day provides the first real challenge with some steep ascents and descents in the coastal forest, with the steps being high and irregular. Be sure to walk across to the top of Skilderkrans (2km mark) for some spectacular panoramic views, but also keep an eye out for birdlife and surprises offered by the micro environment.

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Spend some time on the Skilderkrans lookout – scenic views and an abundance of seabirds
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Amidst the grand scenery there are many small gems to find

From Skilderkrans, the trail goes through its characteristic ascents and descents to reach the Kleinbos River with its sizeable pools and steep flanks – a worthy spot for a break and a swim.

otter-trail-kleinbos-river-swim
The large pools of the Kleinbos river

Bloubaai beach at the 5km mark is a fantastic lunch & swim spot in fair weather. The descent to the beach is steep and it is a good option to leave backpacks near the main trail if it is for a quick stop only.

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Picturesque Bloubaai beach

Day 3: Scott to Oakhurst huts – 7,7km (4-hours)

This is arguably the best day on the Otter, with forested sections, several streams, a lovely tidal pool, walks along beautiful stretches of coastline and some visits to the plateau. In-season wild flowers abound. The terrain is also a bit easier than day 2.

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The ships prow rock offers a good platform for the adventurous to jump from

There’s a tidal pool with a good jump (take care!) early in the day. It is worthwhile to bring a diving mask to explore the underwater world of colourful fish, sea anemones and starfish that inhabit the pool.

otter-trail-tidal-pool
The warm, clear water of the tidal pool hosts an abundance of sea life and is great for an extended swim

It is advisable to try and cross the Lottering River close to low tide – at high tide you may be in for a swim with your backpack. After the river crossing, the Oakhurst huts are close by and are situated in a spectacular location – it is worthwhile arriving before sunset to explore the area.

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The Oakhurst huts in their scenic location
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The area lends itself to beautiful sunset photography

Day 4: Oakhurst to Andre huts – 13,8km (6-hours)

Day four presents the greatest challenge for both distance and river crossings. The trail undulates through forest and dramatic coastal sections for the first 10km, after which the famous Bloukrans River crossing is reached.

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The rugged coastline of Day 4

It is important to cross the Bloukrans close to low tide, which might necessitate a pre-dawn start.

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The crossing at the Bloukrans river mouth

Even at low tide the river is likely to require a short swim and one therefore must have survival bags in which to float your backpack. If the river is flooding, or you arrive there when the tide is full and the sea is rough, it is strongly recommended to rather make use of the escape route (see map).

otter-trail-bloukrans-crossing
A survival bag to float your backpack in is essential for crossing the Bloukrans river

If conditions are favourable for a crossing, it is a good idea to send a strong member of the party across to identify a suitable landing spot before everyone goes across – there is a sandy gully near the mouth of the river (when the tide is low) or a rocky landing in a small cove which will require some scrambling, but a safety rope is fixed in place.

otter-trail-roped-scramble
There’s a rope-assisted scramble to get to the main path when using the landing in the alcove

After the river crossing there is a steep and long climb to the plateau. The path then descends to Andre huts on the banks of the Klip River.

Day 5: Andre huts to De Vasselot / Nature’s Valley – 10,8km (5-hours)

The day starts with a short walk on a rocky beach, and then a steep climb up to the plateau. From there the trail stays mostly on top of the plateau on easy terrain. Rich fynbos and Erica’s abound. Also keep an eye out for king proteas. There are some good lookouts on the spectacular cliffs as you approach The Point.

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The king protea – South Africa’s national flower

The panoramic views of the Groot River estuary and Nature’s Valley beach announces the end of the trail. There is a slight sting in the tail after the descent, with 4km of beach walking left to De Vasselot – an appropriate time to celebrate and reflect on a remarkable trail.

otter-trail-natures-valley
View across the Groot river estuary and Nature’s Valley

Group size and bookings

The trail takes a maximum of 12 hikers at a time. If not fully booked by a group, the remaining spots will be available for booking by the public. It should also be noted that the minimum and maximum ages are 12 and 65 respectively.

It is essential to plan and book long before the time – the trail is normally booked for up to a year in advance in all except the winter months. There are, from time to time, spots open on short notice due to cancellations.

Reservations are made through SAN Parks:
Telephone: +27 (0) 12 426 5111
Fax: +27 (0) 12 343 0905
E-mail: specialisedreservations@sanparks.org

Check for availability and other info on the official SAN Parks website

Facilities

There are two huts that sleep 6-people each at the end of days 1 to 4. The huts are equipped with bunk beds and mattresses. There’s a toilet (often with a scenic view), a braai area with firewood, a cold shower, a rainwater tank and a bag/bin to dispose of rubbish.

Water

There are many streams and perennial rivers along the way. The tea-coloured water from mountain streams are generally safe – do not be put-off by the dark hue, it is due to the tannins from the indigenous fynbos. Water from the larger rivers often runs past human settlements and should preferably be treated or filtered. See the SAN Parks website for updated information on water.

otter-trail-along-the-stream

River crossings and safety

There are several river and stream crossings which should be approached with care. After heavy rainfall, even small streams can become difficult to cross. Consult the map for the location of larger rivers and be sure to pack a large, durable plastic bag (survival bag) in which to float your backpack. For the Elandsbos, Lottering and Bloukrans rivers it is advisable to cross at low tide. The Bloukrans River crossing can look daunting, but if done at low tide it may be surprisingly easy.

otter-trail-stream-crossing
After heavy rainfall, a smallish stream can become a tricky crossing

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About Willem Boshoff 25 Articles
Willem is an actuary by profession and an adventurer at heart. He spends as much time as possible outdoors - camping, hiking, mountain biking, surfing and rock climbing are his activities of choice – and he enjoys reading and writing. He has hiked and trekked in the Himalayas, Andes, Patagonia, Alps, Corsica and done the Camino Portugues, and thinks locally the Cederberg and Drakensberg offers some of the best wilderness-hiking experiences in the world. He is also passionate about conservation and sustainability. He lives in Cape Town.

41 Comments

  1. I’ve done the Otter twice, and this article (and especially the pics) make me want to HEAD STRAIGHT BACK!! Fantastic!

    • Hi
      I had a hip replacement in nov 2017. Would the otter trail be to difficult for me? Thinking of doing it next year?

      • That’s a very difficult question to answer. My suggestion would be to hike a 2-day hike first, carrying a fully loaded backpack, to see how your hip handles the extra weight as well as walking 2 days in a row. That being said, I know people who have had hip replacements and hiked the Otter Trail without any trouble.

  2. Good morning
    Im new in South Africa. Living in Cape Town
    Im looking for a hiking group with guide
    Either around Cape Town or elsewhere for a few days hiking and camping. One week is good for me
    Do you any guide ?
    I’ll be free 10-17 December
    Is otter truck good at that time
    Thank you for advice
    Jacques

  3. Hi Jacques, the best place to post your questions is on our community forum (https://community.hikingsouthafrica.co.za/). There are a number of professional guides in and around Cape Town: Venture Forth, Hike Table Mountain, Platteklip Tours, to name but a few.

    The Otter Trail is booked months in advance, but sometimes spaces open up due to cancellations. You can availability by contacting SANParks: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/garden_route/camps/storms_river/tourism/otter.php

  4. Just completed the Otter last week. Absolutely amazing!

    Bloukrans was ankle height at 9:30 am and shoulder height at 1pm ! Don’t be late like me LOL.

    Some advise for those who dont want to braai their meat on the grids. Take a braai mat or Grill mat along instead of foil

  5. I read that minimum age 12 and maximum age 65
    I am taking over a cancellation from someone for Aril 2019 and I will be 67 years of age. I am n runner and finish half marathon in 2h29 Always in front of the hike and finish better and cope better than my fellow younger hikers
    Does that mean I am not to register for the OTTER

    • Hi Mell, you would have to check this directly with SANParks (+27 12 428 9111).

    • HI Mel
      I also think the age limit is strange – any adult should be able to assess their own ability. I would suggest taking it up with SANParks well in advance; I would be surprised if they do not allow exceptions. Otherwise I’m sure they won’t actually check your birthday; maybe you can just quote your “fitness age” – just don’t get into trouble on the trail!

  6. I turned 66 now in June and hiked the Otter as at 65 in May. I had to get a doctor’s certificate that I handed in at the start. No problems.

  7. We’re going to do the trail on October & I’VE few questions: What about food? What do you recommend us to take? is it possible to cook something at the huts? Dyou know about the weather in Oct. as we are not from S.A. Thanks.

  8. We are a group of 12 doing the Otto Trail in May 2019, Can you advise if you, or if you know someone who can assist us with porterage?

  9. My wife and I are interested in doing the otter trail in the near future. I would like to ask if a person can take a fishing rod along to do a bit of fishing when not hiking?
    Any input/ info will be greatly appreciated

    • HI Troy
      To my knowledge fishing isn’t allowed in the reserve (and hence on the trail); the harvesting of mussels is also prohibited. For a definite answer I suggest contacting SAN Parks.
      And do take a diving mask – a couple of lovely pools in which to explore the underwater-world.

  10. Hi,

    Does anyone have the GPS and elevation maps for the Otter? If so, can you share it or point me in the right direction?

  11. I have done it twice. Second time more difficult. The terrain was fantastic as was the all round experience. I found a difference is distance between what was recorded distance and apple device.
    Hike is not for the faint hearted or unfit or any one with a fear of heights. Exit up the mountain after river crossing is exciting and insane Training is a must.

    • hi Elad
      There are a number of shuttle services in the area. I have found the best way is to take a shuttle to the start of the hike and leave your vehicle at the end (there is long term parking facilities at De Vasselot), but you can ofcourse do it the other way around.
      Google will give you a few options. Here’s one:
      https://www.ottertrailtransfers.co.za/

    • There are a few steep sections and scrambles that might be problematic for someone who struggles with heights.

  12. We have been told that there are tents with the huts at the overnight spots. How many are there and are they still there?

    • Hi David
      We did the hike in 2018 and stayed in huts along the way, there were no tents. The huts were very cozy and the supplied mattresses were surprisingly comfortable, they’re about 5cm thick and covered in a thick plastic canvas fabric. You just need a good sleeping bag.

  13. Hi there. We were so keen to do the otter trail with a bunch of friends in February 2022. I am though pregnant and my baby is due in June 2022. I will be 5 months pregnant. I don’t know if this is a trail someone being in mid pregnancy can do without putting my baby in harms way. Would you say it is safe? Or rather put this dream aside to after baby is born?

  14. Hi there

    Are there braai facilities at each stop and do you carry your own meat or do the rangers do a drop at each point ?

    Also, is there network along the route ?

  15. Hello,
    So many useful info here, thank you so much for sharing. Really looking forward to the hike in July now!

    Do you happen to know anything about that new Medical Questionnaire Certificate? Is this something we’ll have to have certified by our doctor or is this something the park can certify? I’m currently based in the UK and getting the NHS to conduct such an extensive test seems like a battle I’m set to lose.

  16. Myself and my daughter walked the trail in April the 4th to the 9th. it was a birthday present as I turned 65 on the 3rd April. we enjoyed the walk and finished it. It was on my bucket list and was overwhelming and beautiful and hard but we made it. One to tick off my bucket list.

  17. Greetings. Can you advise me on how to plan an Otter Trail trip for 2025? ie when do the new dates open up, etc. I am looking to plan for a group of 6 but I live in the US and I will take all the advice that you can give me.

  18. Quite an informative article. Gives a vivid description of the trail. Just did 4 hikes in Drakensburg. Am now raring for the Otter Trail, with luck l will find a spot for 2 towards the year end or early next year.

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