The Tsitsikamma Trail

The Tsitsikamma Trail is a highly regarded multi-day hiking trail in the Garden Route, known as the third jewel in its crown. It serves as an excellent alternative when the Otter Trail or Outeniqua Trail is unavailable.

Beauty: 4/5 – The trail offers a mix of plantation roads, breathtaking indigenous forests, and stunning mountain views. If you are hiking in the rainy season, the green and lucious landscape will most definitely take your breathe away!
Difficulty: 6/10 – The trail requires moderate to good fitness due to the relatively long hiking days.
Technical: The trail involves standard trail walking with some small river crossings and beach walking on the first day.
Duration: 6 days

Day 1: Nature’s Valley to Kalander (3.6km)

Elevation gain: 70m

The Tsitsikamma Trail begins at De Vaselot Caravan Park in Nature’s Valley. The hike to the first hut, Kalander, is straightforward and spans a short distance of approximately 3.5km across the Nature’s Valley beach. Look for the forested entrance to Kalander Hut, located along the Eastern shores of the lagoon, marked by a small opening in the forested banks. Since Day 1 covers a short distance, it’s recommended to organize your time efficiently and enjoy beach activities in the afternoon, such as beach bats, swimming, or sunbathing.

Day 2: Kalander to Bloukrantz (16.6km)

Elevation gain: 540m

Day 2 begins with a challenging incline to the top of the plateau overlooking Grootkloofbos. This is considered the longest day of the trail, covering 16.6km. It’s advisable to start early to fully appreciate the incline and the scenic views along the way. After reaching the plateau, you’ll enjoy a pleasant walk through thick indigenous forests and encounter a beautiful waterfall at approximately 10km. The last part of the day involves walking through a pine plantation until you reach Bloukrantz Hut. Bloukrantz Hut offers breathtaking 180° views across the Tolbosrivier ravine and is considered one of the trail’s highlights.

Day 3: Bloukrantz to Keurbos (13.4km)

Elevation gain: 600m

Day 3 starts with a gentle section through an enjoyable indigenous forest, setting the tone for the rest of the day. Before crossing the Bloukrantz river around 5.5km, there’s a steep decline through a lush fern gully. This section provides a glimpse of the untouched beauty of the ancient forest. The trail continues through thickets of indigenous trees and patches of vibrant fynbos. The day involves several river crossings and concludes at Keurbos Hut, which offers beautiful views and nearby copper rockpools for refreshing dips.

If you are hiking this trail in rainy season (April to September) then it is recommended to consult the trail heads and weather forecasts to consider river crossings. The Bloukrantz rivier crossing can be particularly difficult to cross after heavy rain fall.

Day 4: Keurbos to Heuningbos (13km)

Elevation gain: 650m

On Day 4, you’ll feel immersed in the mountains, with Rushes Pass offering a spectacular viewpoint of the surrounding peaks and valleys. This day also highlights the unfortunate presence of pine infestation across the hilltops. The last section of the day takes you through a lush indigenous forest alongside Heuningkloof. At sound 11km you will be able to see your hut from the top forest. Heuningbos Hut offers remarkable views and access to deep pools nearby. Make sure to take a dip in the pools 200m below the Heuningbos hut.

Day 5: Heuningbos to Sleepkloof (14km)

Elevation gain: 780m

Considered the toughest day, Day 5 involves steady uphill sections, including Splendid Pass, Mostertshoogte, and Nademaalsnek. The decline along Bosvarkpad towards Sleepkloof Hut should not be underestimated. This also marks one of the most scenic views of the trail where you hikers enjoy views of the glorious mountains and beautiful sea! After a day exposed to the elements, the trail re-enters the verdant woodland, winding along the Storms River. This section provides a cool and serene atmosphere.

Day 6: Sleepkloof to Paul Sauer Bridge/Stormsrivier Village (3km)

Elevation gain: 70m

The last day of the trail can be combined with Day 5 to make the route shorter, however hikers get to enjoy the last bit of the stunning trail 3km from civilization. The walk islevel and easy under the shade of the Sanparks forest. You will have the option to end off you trail either at the Paul Sauer bridge or Stormsrivier Village. It is advised that hikers determine in advance where they want to end off so that necessary portage arrangements can be made.

General recommendations:

It is advisable to undertake this trail during the warmer months (October to April) to fully enjoy the swimming opportunities and avoid the rainy winter season, which can raise river levels and make crossings more hazardous and challenging.
Prioritize coordinating logistics with your hiking group in advance. For the slack packing option, it is beneficial to meet at De Vaselot/Nature’s Valley beforehand, consolidate the food and slack-packing items into a few cars, and have selected drivers proceed to the Lottering Forestry Station for the bag drop. With proper preparation, unnecessary drives, fuel costs, toll road charges (ZAR47.00) in both directions, and time can be saved. For example, our group of 24 could have used fewer cars.
When departing from De Vaselot Campsite, avoid rushing towards the first trailhead you see (as we did), which may lead you away from the beach and your first night’s accommodation, and delay planned activities. While walking on soft beach sand is challenging, the short, level walk to Kalander allows you to carry extra luxuries for the first night.
If you find yourself going uphill on Day 1 or with the beach/lagoon behind you, you have taken the wrong direction.
The key to Kalander Hut is stored in a discreet safety box, and you will need a code to access it. Request the code from MTO Forestry before your arrival. Some of us faced reception and battery issues with our phones, and we almost got locked out of the hut for the night.
Start your hikes early, always. This provides daylight hours to handle any unexpected situations. Additionally, it allows you to fully enjoy the beautiful hut locations during the afternoons.
Keep in mind that the distances measured by individuals in our group each day using GPS devices were longer than expected or indicated on the map. This can be mentally challenging for those eager to reach the overnight huts.
In adverse weather conditions, try to keep the group together. If separation occurs, ensure that each subgroup has at least one map or GPS device. Most importantly, be vigilant for escape routes and distance markers, as there are several along the trail.
If you opt for slack packing, pack essential items in case of unforeseen circumstances: rain jacket, headlamp, hat, towel, swimming costume, first aid kit (including a space blanket), beanie, warm top or jacket, water and snacks, and perhaps even a change of clothing or underwear for heavy downpours or situations where access to luggage at the hut is not possible.
After prolonged or heavy rain, river and stream crossings can become extremely powerful and dangerous. Monitor water levels of major rivers and tributaries closely after rainfall. If uncertain, turn back and take one of the exit routes. It takes between 6 to 24 hours for rivers to return to normal levels. Do not attempt to cross flooded rivers.
Avoid swimming in the Lottering or Kleinbos Rivers as they provide water to downstream settlements.
Hikers must bring their own food, cutlery, sleeping bags, camp stoves, pots, torches, candles, toilet paper, and basic first-aid equipment. The overnight huts provide large cast iron pots and pans, but these may not always be practical, especially for smaller hiking groups.