The Otter Trail: A magnificent journey

Follow the adventures of our founder, Claire Monson, as she tackles this famous coastal hike...

The Otter Trail is often spoken of in awe, and after experiencing it firsthand, I now understand why. This 5-day hike along South Africa’s Wild Coast, from Storms River to Nature’s Valley, is a truly unique adventure filled with rugged beauty, thrilling challenges, and unforgettable moments.

Day 1: Setting Off into the Wilderness

With no real expectations but heads full of stories, we embarked on our journey. Starting at Storms River Rest Camp in the Eastern Cape, we were greeted by the crashing waves of the Wild Coast and a trail that hugged the ocean’s edge. Laden with 14 kg backpacks, filled with food, clothes for any weather, and cooking gear, we felt the excitement of leaving the real world behind.

The first day’s hike was a manageable 4.8 km, though negotiating the rocky terrain and dodging waves was no easy feat. Along the way, we stumbled upon a hidden cave and a stunning waterfall, its rock pool beckoning us in. However, the chill in the air and our eagerness to meet the rest of our group urged us forward to the first camp.

When we arrived, the fairy-tale setting of the camp immediately captivated us, and we spent the evening around the fire, swapping stories and enjoying a hearty meal with our fellow hikers – a fascinating group of people whose company made the trail even more memorable.

Days 2-4: Clambering, Wildlife, and River Crossings

The next few days brought a mixture of rock clambering, mountain paths, and river crossings, each day presenting its own set of challenges. Along the way, we were lucky enough to spot a Cape Clawless Otter, which came surprisingly close before darting back into the wilderness, offering us a perfect photo opportunity. We also encountered a green boomslang, baboons, bushbuck, and a few genet cats, which had clearly grown accustomed to hikers over the years.

The highlight of Day 2 was reaching a viewpoint over Blou Baai, where the deep blue waters below looked inviting, though the hard trek up to the lookout was enough to keep us from venturing down for a swim.

Each evening, the camps became a welcome refuge. With the ocean roaring in the background, we relaxed to the sounds of nature, the crackling fire, and the buzz of conversation among the group. On Day 3, we encountered the Lottering River, which we had to swim across. Packing our backpacks into waterproof emergency bags, we waded in and let the river carry us to the other side, laughing and exhilarated by the experience.

By the time we reached camp that evening, our group had dried off by the fire, spirits high despite the exhaustion. The sea was so loud that night we half-expected the cabins to be swept away by the waves!

Day 4: The Longest Day

Day 4 was the longest stretch, at 13.8 km, and it didn’t disappoint. My husband and I led the group, eager to tackle the day’s challenges. Our first test came when we encountered a sea-foam-filled river, tricky to cross as we slipped and slid through the muck. Thankfully, the rest of the group arrived soon after, and together we managed to navigate the crossing.

By the time we reached the famous Bloukrans River, we knew the tides wouldn’t be in our favour. Crossing safely wasn’t an option, but a ranger was waiting for us, and soon we were all transported to our final camp. A few beers and a bottle of wine later, we were celebrating our last night on the trail, sharing stories of the day’s adventures around the fire.

Day 5: The Final Stretch

Waking up on the final morning was bittersweet. We had all grown attached to the rugged beauty of the trail, and none of us wanted to leave. The last 6.8 km took us along the ridge, high above the coastline, offering breathtaking views of the land we had just traversed. The feeling of accomplishment washed over us as we hiked through fynbos-covered hills, knowing that this view was reserved for those who took on the challenge of the Otter Trail.

Our journey ended at Nature’s Valley Beach, a pristine stretch of sand welcoming us back to civilisation. Tired but triumphant, we made our way to the only pub in Nature’s Valley, where we shared one last meal with our fellow hikers and toasted to the incredible experience we’d shared.

Want to experience the magic of the Otter Trail?