The Otter Trail hike - our detailed guide
The Otter trail is probably one of the most famous hikes in Africa and definitely one of the most beautiful treks we've ever done together with the West Coast Trail in Canada and the Fisherman's Trail in Portugal. The scenery on the Otter trail is spectacular, every day it surprises you with breathtaking views, white-sand beaches, dramatic cliffs, and an endless coastline. Not to mention overnight huts in the most beautiful locations.
The hike's difficulty is easy to moderate, daily distances covered are quite short, total distance 45km over 5 days, which gives you a lot of time to admire the nature and enjoy the beauty of the area. If you're looking for a relatively easy hiking trail in South Africa, the Otter Trail on the Garden Route is the best option.
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Otter Trail hike route overview
- The trail starts at Storms River Mouth National park and ends at De Vasselot Rest Camp (Nature's Valley).
- Total distance - 45km.
- Total elevation gained (over 5 days) - 2600m.
- The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, no GPS needed.
- 4 river crossing; Kleinbos River - day 2; Elandsbos and Lottering River - day 3; Bloukrans River - day 4.
- 4 overnight stops with two 6-bed huts each.
- Difficulty level 6 out of 10; distances are quite short but there are many ups and downs not very long but quite steep. Moderate level of fitness required.
- Don't pack too much otherwise your back will suffer at every single uphill. Our backpacks were quite light, 8kg and 10kg.
At the office, we were warned about monkeys and baboons trying to steal food but in fact, genets were our biggest problem. If you leave a window or a door opened (close only security gate) these guys can easily sneak through, we had them several times in our hut. Once it ate the dinner leftovers that we kept for breakfast. We saw baboons only once in the last morning a huge male was stealing rubbish bags from a bin.
How to book the Otter Trail?
You can book a trail no longer than one year beforehand, spots for December and Easter holidays are the first to be booked so if you want to hike in these periods rather book in advance. We got our 2 spots by chance just two days beforehand due to a cancellation. The other 8 people from our group got cancellations as well and booked the hike less than a month beforehand.
It's easy to get a spot if you're 2 to 4 people and you're flexible with dates. For bigger groups, it's advisable to book as early as possible. Check for Otter trail availability and cancellations HERE or over the phone (012)428-9111. Maximum group size 12 people. If you're consistent and check availability almost every day you might be lucky.
The cost of the Otter Trail hike
- Daily conservation fee - ZAR54 pp for South Africans, ZAR108 for SADC citizens, ZAR216 for foreigners. Wild Card Holders don't pay the fee.
- Trail cost in 2018 - ZAR1232/per person includes staying in 4 overnight huts serviced every day, a trail book with maps, and a tides table.
- Shuttle service (optional) - ZAR200 pp if two, negotiable if more people.
Best season for hiking
You can do it all year round there are some advantages and disadvantages of hiking in different seasons, the weather in the Storms River area changes very quickly.
Rain. In this area you can get rains at any time, the most rainfall is in August, October, November, and April, on average of 10 rainy days a month, with 50mm precipitation per month. In other months you get between 7-5 rainy days, with 30mm precipitation. Any month you hike it's quite likely that you get at least one rainy day.
Temperature. The hottest months are December - March, average day temperature +25C, av. night temperature +16C. The coldest months are June - September; +19C during the day and +8C at night time, it can get down to +4C or so some nights.
Shuttle service and parking on the trail
You have two options; to leave your car at the starting point, Storms River Mouth National park or at the finish, Nature's Valley National park. In any case, you'll need a shuttle to get either to the trail or back to your car. Both parking spots are inside the National parks it's quite safe to leave your car there. If you're a group of people and drive in two cars you can leave one car on each side.
As for the shuttle service, we contacted Burtin 073-800-6811, we got his phone number in the park office, his car can fit 6 people. We took it back from Nature's Valley to the Storms River and paid ZAR600 for six of us, plus the toll of ZAR50 per car. We did bargain down the price as originally it was ZAR750. If you're only two he charges ZAR200 per person. You can do it the other way around and park at Nature's Valley and take the shuttle to the starting point.
If it's too far to drive from your hometown to the Storms River Mouth Park or you're a tourist and don't have your own car you can fly to George and rent a car at the airport.
If you're looking for more multi-day coastal routes inside SANParks I can recommend hiking the Cape of Good Hope trail at Cape Point National Park near Cape Town.
Where to stay before and after the hike?
The best place to stay before the hike is Storms River, it's the closest town. There are many accommodation options there. You can stay in Plettenberg Bay as well, it's a bit further away from the trail but it's a much bigger town with many amazing things to do.
- Budget | Guest Lodge on the Edge | Tsitsikamma Backpackers |
- Middle price | Tsitsikhaya Lodge | Tsitsikamma Manor |
- High-end | The Village Lodge |
The trek finishes in Natures Valley, it's a very beautiful quiet place with a spectacular sandy beach.
- Middle price | Four Fields Farm |
- High-end | Hideaway in the Forest | Kamma-Otter |
If you like camping we'd highly recommend camping either at Storms River Mouth campsite or at De Vasselot Rest camp in Nature's Valley. Both places have great facilities and are located in beautiful spots.
Storms River campsite is right at the sea with a stunning view that offers great chances to spot dolphins and even whales. Dassies running around all over the campsite and occasionally otters may be in the proximity. There are a couple of day hikes nearby as well as a snorkeling trail.
De Vasselot Rest camp is 15min. walk or 5min. drive from the beach, at the river bank. Grassy spots, good ablution complex, kitchen, braai place, table, and benches at each site. There are several short hiking trails around, kayak rental is available at the reception ZAR80 per hour. The place is beautiful but the monkeys are there very annoying.
If you like hiking you might enjoy the Outeniqua Trail, another stunning trekking route on the Garden Route, or the Amatola Trail, a multi-day trek near Hogsback.
Tours and activities at Stormsrivier
If you decide to spend some time before or after the hike near Stormsriver there are many great activities there to keep you busy for a couple of days.
- Tsitsikamma National Park: Blackwater Tubing
- Tsitsikamma National Park: 1 or 2-Hour Segway Tour
- Garden Route National Park: Tsitsikamma Zipline Canopy Tour
- Tsitsikamma Guided Hikes
If you live in Cape Town and like hiking you might enjoy some of these amazing hikes in the city that offer breathtaking views and fantastic scenery including Lion's Head hike and several trails up Table Mountain.
Otter Trail packing list
You can download and print our complete packing checklist for the hike including both must-have and optional items.
Food for the trek
For the Otter Trail, we packed food for 4 breakfasts, 4 dinners, and 4 lunches (5 if you're planning to have lunch on the last day). Our food packing list; instant flavored oats and coffee/tea for breakfast, biltong/droewors and nut mix/energy bar for lunch, and pasta/smash, tomato sauce, and tuna (can) for dinner. Take chocolate, cookies, or nuts for snacking.
Water on the Otter trail
Tap water at the huts is potable no need to take purifying tablets or UV filters. Don't drink water from Kleinbos, Elandsbos, and Lottering rivers as they warn at the reception. Water from the Bloukrans river is not potable either it's too salty. There are several falls and creeks on the way to refill your water bottles. We refilled every morning both our 1,5l bottles at the huts and it was enough for the hiking day. To add some flavor bring flavored instant drink mixes.
You register at the office where they explain to you some details about the hike, river crossing, give you a small book about the trail, it has a lot of info; distances, diagrams, estimated walking time, river crossing tips, information about local flora and fauna, park rules as well as a trail map - very helpful, small and easy to use book.
Overnight huts on the hike
There are four overnight stops on the Otter Trail; Ngubu, Scott, Oakhurst, and Andre, each stop has two huts with 6 beds (two 3-level bunk beds). The huts are located at sea level no matter how high you climb you'll have a downhill at the end of every day. The huts are situated in the most beautiful spots overlooking the sea.
Every hut has the same facilities
- 6 beds with mattresses.
- Big table.
- Bench.
- Hooks.
- Security gate.
- No electricity.
- Braai place at each hut.
- Outside flush toilet.
- Outside cold shower (Ngubu and Andre huts - open-air showers).
- Roofed kitchen area with braai place, wood, grid, tables, and benches. The wood is stored outside and gets wet if it rains bring firelighters (blitz) with.
- Washing lines.
- Rubbish bins.
Otter Trail hiking itinerary
Day 1. Start (Otter House) - Ngubu Hut. 4,8km, 2 hours
Highlights of Day 1
- Guano Caves.
- The waterfall.
The shortest day on the hike you don't have to start early, some people drive the same day all the way from Cape Town. You can easily start after midday. The trail starts in the forest and meanders down to the coast. The second part along the coast is more tricky you walk on rocks and boulders be careful they can be slippery when it rains. Once you reach the waterfall take your time there, go for a swim Ngubu huts are not far.
At Ngubu huts we saw a bushbuck in the bush, dolphins jumping out of the water, giant snails, and genets. Don't miss the sunset it's beautiful. There are a couple of rock pools at the beach where you can snorkel, we saw a lot of fish and sea stars.
Day 2. Ngubu hut - Scott hut. 7,9km, about 4 hours
Note! Water from the Kleinbos River is not potable.
Highlights of Day 2
- Skilderklip quartz outcrops and viewpoint, short detour at 1,9km mark.
- Blue Bay, detour at 6km mark all the way down to the sea over the rocks to the stunning beach.
In the beginning, steep up all the way to the top, then walk along the coast with some incredible lookouts. Take a detour to the quartz outcrops. Steep down to the Kleinbosh River though it's narrow it was a bit of a mission to cross it as the water was waist-deep (we crossed it close to high tide). Steep up, at 6km detour down to the beautiful Blue Bay after long steep up all the way to the top. On the top don't miss a wooden deck lookout it gives you incredible views. After all the way down to the sea to Scott hut.
Day 3. Scott hut - Oakhurst hut. 7,7km, about 4 hours
Note! Water from the Elandsbos and Lottering rivers is not potable.
Highlights of Day 3
- The Elandsbos River, wide sandy beach.
- The Lottering River, nice for swimming, beautiful beach.
A normal day on the Otter trail, with some ups and downs. Two river crossings; Elandsbos river, the river is quite wide we crossed it 1 hour after the high tide in knee-deep water, the bottom is sandy. After the river a steep up and later down to the Lottering River. To cross it wasn't a problem, we did it 3 hours before the low tide when the water was just over knees, the bottom is mostly sandy, some big rocks close to the shore. Oakhurst hut is just 5 - 10min. walk from the river.
Day 4. Oakhurst hut - Andre hut. 13,8km, about 6 hours
Highlights of Day 4
- Several waterfalls (if it rained a bit).
- Bloukrans River.
The longest day with the main challenge on the trail - Bloukrans River crossing! The trail starts from the steep uphill and continues meandering between the coastline and the jungle with a couple of waterfalls and small creeks on the way. For this day it's important to cross the river at low tide. The distance from the hut to the river is about 10km, it took us 3 hours to get there. We had lunch at the river while waiting for low tide and crossed it 3 hours after the high tide, it was waist-deep. From Bloukrans River it's about an hour's walk to Andre hut.
Bloukrans River crossing
The best way to do it is to cross right at low tide, you just walk in knee-deep water but if you're unlucky and low tide is too early or too late try to cross the Bloukrans as close to it as possible. At the office, you get a tide timetable if you want to know beforehand check the tides timetable.
Attention! If the Bloukrans River is too full after heavy rains and the crossing is dangerous don't risk rather use E6 escape route, 500m before the river. Through the forest to the plantations, till you hit a gravel road where you have cell phone reception, phone rangers and they will assist you. Emergency number 072-917-4474.
Challenges
- Waves, at high tide they are quite big.
- Current when the tide goes down, it gets strong to make sure it doesn't drag you out into the sea.
- Rocky bottom, ensure every step you make to prevent slipping.
- Leaking survival bags, all survival bags (different brands) in our group leaked some more some less, make sure all your valuable stuff (camera, wallet, phone etc.) is secured in an additional plastic bag or better in a dry bag.
Day 5. Andre Hut - De Vasselot. 10,8km, about 5 hours
Highlights of Day 5
- Stunning view from the look-out on Andre Hut.
- Rocky cliffs and drops.
- Nature's Valley beach.
On the last day no more river crossing, only the Klip River a small and shallow river next to the hut. Steep uphill in the beginning to the top with a breathtaking view of the area. Long walk on the plateau along the coast with light ups and downs till you reach the beach. The view from over the beach and Nature's Valley from the top is incredible! You walk a section on the beach and then the trail turns right into the forest and continues for about 3,5km till you reach De Vasselot Rest camp.
The trail used to end on the beach at Nature's Valley but it was extended. We were told the reason for this is that it's not safe to cross the Groot River. We walked a new route through the river crossing that didn't look any dangerous, some of our group members crossed it. When walking the beach section again the next day we found the river was ankle-deep. All our group members finished the hike by 11am.
At De Vasselot office you sign out and get an Otter trail certificate. According to the tradition after the trail hikers go to the restaurant to celebrate. It's about 3km from De Vasselot in Nature's Valley town. There is a tree in the garden where hikers hang their old shoes, bags, caps etc. Here you can get one more certificate that you completed the Otter trail (free) and get special shooters (not free).
The pretty half of Stingy Nomads, responsible for all our land adventures (hiking, climbing, walking the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves walking since she was a child, she prefers to walk 1000 km with a backpack rather than to do a 10 000 km road trip (actually any road trip). Alya is a big fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Every time we go away she desperately misses our dog Chile.
We are doing the hike in Mid March. I would like to pack light and want to leave the sleeping bag but take only the sleeping bag liner. Good or bad idea?
Hello, Franco! We hiked the trail in January and used thin summer sleeping bags every night. In March it'll probably be a bit colder at night than in January. You can probably do fine with a liner if you bring a long sleeve shirt and long pants for sleeping otherwise pack a thin summer sleeping bag.
Cheers!
@Stingy Nomads, Thanks for the advice, I've done it and it worked well.
Sound like a excellent trail.
Hi there - thanks for this incredibly useful guide. I'm planning to do the trail in a few weeks. We're flying in from Joburg late on a Sunday, to start the trail on a Monday. Is there somewhere we can buy fuel in Storm River? Seeing as we can't fly with fuel. I'm looking for 250g or 500g canisters of LPG (butane/propane). We're hoping to get on the trail at 10am, so if something by the trailhead is open on a Monday morning, that'd be perfect 🙂
Hello, Keith! If you're flying to PE I'd suggest stopping on the way at garages some of them might sell camping gas. If not there is one convenience store in Stormsrivier (the town) you might be able to find it there or in Kareedouw there are more shops in that town. There is a small shop inside the park too but they sell mostly souvenirs but they might sell some camping and hiking gear too.
Cheers
Thanks, this helps! Looks like we'll be flying in to George at around 7pm on a Sunday night, and looking to stay in Storms River overnight Sunday, so it looks like the convenience store in Storms River is the way to go. We'll also check in at the petrol stations along the way, that's a great suggestion! And I'll likely be picking up some souvenirs at the gift shop in any case...
Really appreciate the help.
I hope you'll find it! Enjoy the hike, it's a stunning trail with a lot to see along the route!
Cheers!
The Garden Route Mall in George has a Cape Union Mart and other outdoor places that sell gas.
Thank you for your comment! They arrive late on Sunday I don't think the mall will be open.
Hello there. Thank you for this post. If you are only two people do you get put together with ten other people to form a group of 12?
Hello, Michelle! You don't have to form a group you can walk on your own but you'll have to share huts with 4 other people. Each hut can accommodate 6 people. I'm not sure about their current regulations due to the Covid. We walked the Cape Point hike a couple of weeks ago and were not allowed to share a hut with other groups, we had to book the entire hut regardless if we were 2 or 6 people. Luckily we were a group of 6 anyway. It might be the same on the Otter now, I'd suggest contacting the park to confirm.
Good luck!
Thank you for your reply! Just a couple more questions:
1. Next Friday (29 feb) there are 6 places available. If I pitch up and I am the only one.. will sanparks still let me go?
2. 8km average day, I don’t imagine it will take so long g for the walking to get done. Ummm... I’m worried I’ll get bored. What did you do for the rest of the day? (Sorry I know I’m probably not supposed to ask this)
3. Did you find in anyway that the terrain was hard on your knees?
Hello, Michelle!
You can't just pitch up there you have to book it beforehand. You can phone the park or send them an e-mail to find out if they'll allow you to book only one spot or not and book the trail.
As for the distance we used to walk 40km on average a day on the Camino de Santiago and still were not bored on the Otter Trail. There are many nice beaches and rivers for swimming, animals to watch, you can explore the area around the hut, talk to other hikers, etc.
There are many ups and downs on the trail we didn't find it was hard on our knees but we don't have any knee problems.
Cheers!
Thank you for this thorough account of the Otter trail. We are booked to do the hike on the 15th of Jan, 2 days to go! Currently we are struggling to het our bags as light as yours. What a mission.
We are looking forward to all the beauty you shared with us.
All the best for your hiking plans for 2021.
Liza
Hello. Liza! Thank you for the comment! Don't take too many clothing items you can do handwashing every day. If it's food that makes your backpacks heavy you can buy dehydrated meals, they're very light, easy to prepare, and come in different flavors. You can buy them at Cape Union Mart or some other outdoor shops though they're quite expensive. Otherwise, you can dry your own mince in the oven, or dehydrate vegetables yourself.
Good luck, I'm sure you'll enjoy the trek!
Thank you for this detailed account and description of the Otter Trail. Hoping to do it with a buddy and his 13 year old daughter on 7 January 2021, God-willing with lock-down and all that. You have got us super-excited. Do send us notices of events you think worth-- while. Any nice do-able trails in Mpumalanga?
Hello, Johan! I'm sure you'll enjoy the trek, it's incredibly beautiful! If you're looking for more treks in South Africa we really enjoyed the Outeniqua trail on the Garden Route and the Amatola Trail in Eastern Cape near Hogsback. We haven't done any hiking in Mpumalanga yet.
Cheers
Thank you for this - amazing to hear all the advice and what to expect xxx
I have done a lot of multi-day hiking trips since age 18. In August 2017, at age 58, I got my chance to do Otter. All I can say is: WOW!!
Reading your blog was like re-living every day of the Otter - well done!
After the Otter our group decided to tackle the Fish River canyon, and we booked for June 2020. Unfortunately COVID-19 threw a spanner in that plan, but we managed to change the booking to July 2021. I am just hoping things will be sort of normal again by then, because I am not getting younger.
Happy hiking!
Hello, Manie! Thank you for the comment! Both the Otter Trail and the Fish River Canyon are spectacular hikes. We've done them only once but could easily do both again! Unfortunately, this year was a very bad year for traveling. We had to cancel several walks and hikes including a couple of Camino de Santiago routes in Spain that we had planned. Hopefully next year we all will be able to hike and enjoy traveling again.
Keep well!
Hi
We would like to know availability to hike the otter trail
Our group will be 12 hikers all from Johannesburg
Regards
Maajedah
Hello, Maajedah! There are contact details on the booking office in the post, please, contact them to book the trail. We're not a booking office we are two people who did the trek and wrote about our experience.
Regards
Thanks for the great blog! I have been trying for weeks to get an answer to a question I have, by looking at S.A. Parks website, calling, and looking at other websites. I'm hoping you can help me. When I view the availability calendar for the Otter Trail and see a day with yes under "available " and 2 under "Nr. of units" , does the 2 mean that 2 people can start on that day and walk the entire trail? Or does one have to find a period of four days in a row with at least 2 under "Nr. of units" to be able to book the entire trail for 2 people?
Thanks, John Lamman
Hello, John! Thank you for the comment! If there are 2 spots available for the first day it means that there will be two spots available for the whole trail, it's impossible to book only one hut and not to book the entire trail.
Cheers!
Such a great blog thank you.
Am I correct to understand that if you are booked as 2 people that you hike on your own time, at your own pace?
You don’t start in a group and progress in a group - Only evening times are spent with the other people on the trail! Thanks
Hello, Leigh! Thank you for the comment! You do your own thing on the trek, start and finish any time you want, you just share huts with other hikers but that's pretty much it, you'll probably see other hikers only at the beginning and the end of every day.
Enjoy the trek!
I have done the Fishriver at age 64 - am married to Doug who turns 72 in 2020.
We would love to do the Otter but I see that you have an age restriction - eish! Doug is superfit and with no medical condition. Would there be any way we can bypass this with signing an indemnity form and giving a Dr's certificate? We would love to do this as a couple
Hello, Alba! Your husband can get a letter from his doctor saying that he's in good health. I'd recommend phoning the booking office to confirm it.
Regards
What is the dates for the Other trail for the rest of this year?
Hello, Magdalena! We are not a booking office for the Otter Trail. Please, read the post carefully, in the second paragraph (that is named Otter Trail booking) there is a link to the site where you can check availability and a phone number that you can contact to make a booking. They will be able to tell you what dates are still opened.
Cheers!
Thanks for sharing, we are going hiking in two weeks. Your blog is really helpful
Hi, what is safety like on the other trail? With regards to robberies and stuff?
Hello, Aindrea! It felt pretty safe on the Otter Trail, the route goes through difficult to access areas of the park it's not that easy for anybody who is not hiking to get there. The huts have security gates that can be locked from the inside. There are usually 12 people on the route. The only thieves we encountered on the route were genets and monkeys if you leave your food unattended just for a little while they'll be on it. Out of four multiday hikes we've done in South Africa the Otter Trail felt the safest.
Cheers!
Hi. I just like to know is there any ligths in huts on the otter trail.
Thanks
Heidi
Hello, Heidi! As it says in this post, there is no electricity in the huts on the trail.
Cheers!
Hello, I would like to do the trail on 27 May, but it is just me. Due you think this will be a problem? I emailed Sanparks and I was told there are 6 spots available for that date. Thanks
Hello, Matthew! It doesn't matter if you're one person or a group if there is a spot available you can book the trail.
Enjoy the Otter trail!
Amazing post, Thx
Will book for 2019
Hello, Lezette! Thank you for the comment! Enjoy the Otter Trail!
Hi.
Can you hike the Otter and wild camp or camp elsewhere, thereby not having to wait for accommodation slots to open?
Hello, Stephan! No, there are no designated campsites on the trail and wild camping is not allowed. If there is no place to sleep in the huts you can't hike the Otter Trail, you won't be granted a permit.
Regards
Thank you for such valued information, especially your video. Can't wait to do it this year June.
Hello! I noted in the article you said trail transfer was R200 pp, was that from the finish to nature’s valley or back to the beginning of the trail? Which company did you use?
Hello, Callie! Please, check the fifth paragraph of the post Shuttle service and parking on the Otter Trail, there are all the details about the transfer including name, phone number, price etc.
Cheers!
Amazing post.Thanks for sharing.