The Otter Trail
The Otter Trail follows the magnificent Garden Route coastline from Storms River Mouth to Nature's Valley in the Tsitsikamma National Park.
The trail is 42.5 km long and takes four to five days to complete. The trail follows the rugged, rocky shoreline ranging in elevation from sea level to a height of more than 150 m. Most of the trail follows cliff tops returning to sea level to cross rivers.
The Otter Trail is considered by many to be the top hiking trail in South Africa. This makes it a very popular trail and more applications are received for bookings than can be accommodated.
Misty Mountains Mountain Biking
The Misty Mountains Reserve near Nature’s Valley offers splendid mountain biking routes ranging in difficulty levels. There are four routes to choose from, so grab your bike, bring along the kids or go on a solo mission and experience some of South Africa’s most beautiful natural scenery.
The Yellow Route is an 8 km ride which is a perfect beginner's route or just to get a feel for things before tackling something more difficult. The Orange Route is 15 km and longer, but a similarly untaxing route along gravel roads down towards Storms River LookOut Point, where the views are incredible. The whole family will enjoy this route.
Things warm up a little with the Blue Route, which is a 30 km ride and requires some fitness and experience. It heads off into the Tsitsikamma Forest with downhills and a series of bends that need technical know-how. The Black Route, 65 km long, offers a varied terrain for the experienced rider. It begins on the Yellow Route before heading into the MTO plantations through ancient trees. Most of the route is a jarring jeep track until you reach the Elands River LookOut Point.
Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours
Swing from the treetops across the forest canopy of the place named by the ancient San, Tsitsikamma (place of abundant water). This nature conservation protects over 116 varieties of giant trees including the Outeniqua yellowwood, stink wood, iron wood, hard pear and candle wood as well as all the unique bird, animal and insect life they support.
The activity is a gentle glide across 10 cabled slides to 10 wooden platforms built high up in the trees. These lookout decks provide a resting place for you to breathe in the dense greenery and stand in awe of the view. Your guide will educate you on the ecosystem and its rare ecology from 30 m above the forest floor.
This fantasy forest flight fills three hours with magnificent swinging scenery and will be one of the most memorable experiences that will contribute another ring to your tree of life.
Nature's Valley Beach
Fun fact - the Nature’s Valley Beach is the final pit stop to the popular 5 day Otter Trail. This magnificent beach is a welcome relief for tired bodies and feet. But if you’re not a trail runner, the beach is a great spot for surfing, swimming and sun tanning. Keen fishermen can enjoy ample fishing time in various forms, such as rock and surf fishing or even fly fishing on the lagoon.
Sunsets are an amazing experience as no city lights threaten to outshine the sun. This is a wonderful spot for stargazing and you might just see a shooting star or two if you have the patience. Whatever you fancy make sure you visit the tranquil and unspoilt beach of Nature's Valley.
By David Bristow