The Dolphin Trail - South Africa Tours, Exclusive Destination
The Dolphin Trail
The Dolphin trail offers luxury-hiking along the Tsitsikamma National Park coastline, a beautiful part of the South African Garden Route.
Tour Code: DT
Depart From: Storms River
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Duration: 4 Days
Country:
South Africa
Departures: Weekly
(Sunday, Monday or Tuesday)
Type: Adventure | Exclusive Destinations | |
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Tour Description
The Dolphin Trail constitutes three partners; The Tsitsikamma National Park, Misty Mountain Reserve and The Fernery at Forest Ferns.
The two day trail covers a distance of 17km along the pristine Tsitsikamma coastal belt, a narrow plateau
sandwiched between the Tsitsikamma Mountains and the Indian Ocean.
All baggage is portered to the overnight destinations, allowing hikers of all ages to experience the unrivalled beauty of the wilderness area on foot. The three nights are spent in 4 star, luxury accommodation, beginning at the Storms River Mouth, winding its way eastward, through natural fynbos, under pristine indigenous forest, over rugged
rocks at the ocean's edge, and ending at the Sanddrift River.
Hikers have stunning views of the rugged Tsitsikamma coastline and the chances of spotting whales,
dolphins and the occasional otter are good.
En route, many birds including the gorgeous Knysna Loerie
(turaco) can be heard and spotted while hiking through the forest, and the endangered Oystercatcher is often to be seen on the shoreline. Swimming and snorkelling in the rock pools is possible at the discretion of the guides.
Itinerary
Group size: Guests hike in groups of between 2 and 12 people with either one or two guides.
Trail Closure: The trail is closed from mid December until early January.
Age limit: There is an age limit of 12 years although in special cases younger children may be
permitted to hike. There is no reduced rate for children.
See Map
Day of Arrival:
Check in is after 12h00 at the Tsitsikamma National Park Reception. Be sure to have either your booking form or your Dolphin Trail reservation number available as this gives you free entry to the Park.
The balance of the afternoon is spent as you wish – there are a number of bird and hiking trails that are well worth walking, or you can take time to put your feet up and relax in one of the most beautiful spots on earth! Lunch is not included in the package but there is a lovely outside pub that serves a variety of meals.
Guests meet at the Restaurant at 19h00 and are welcomed by the Dolphin Trail host who gives them information regarding the trail and answers any questions they may have. Dinner is enjoyed to the sound of the pounding Indian Ocean.
Hiking Day 1:
Breakfast is served in the restaurant at 08h00 after which hikers meet up with their guide/s and hand over their luggage. Weather permitting, there will be a 25 minute boat trip into the river gorge, before crossing the Storms River on the suspension bridge.
The hike runs along the coast in an easterly direction with magnificent views of the Indian Ocean. Opportunities for spotting whales and dolphins are good, and there are beautiful rock pools en route for swimming. Arrival
time at Misty Mountain depends on the speed of the hikers and the amount of time spent enjoying the magnificent environment.
You will be given a warm welcome and can enjoy an ice cold drink or a hot cup of tea before being shown to your luxury chalet with a 180 degree view of the Indian Ocean. The balance of the afternoon is for you to relax and enjoy at your leisure.
Meet for drinks at 18h30 and watch the sun set over the sea before tucking into a delicious dinner.
Hiking Day 2:
After a hearty breakfast at 08h30 hikers leave Misty Mountain Reserve at 09h30 and follow a steep path from their chalets straight down to the rock pools. Today's route is mainly at sea level where you can enjoy the beautiful plant life and rocky scenery.
Swimming and snorkelling are possible in a couple of rock pools en route and at times you are required to clamber over rocks that are often damp from the sea spray, so do take care. After a stiff climb up the cliff on to level ground, you will reach a beautiful spot in the forest - and lunch.
Enjoy it and soak up the peace and tranquillity of the magnificent forest before setting off on the last 3 km through indigenous fynbos to Forest Ferns. Hikers arrive at the Fernery in the mid-afternoon and after being shown to
their chalets, can either relax in this beautiful setting or make use of the swimming pool, jacuzzi and sauna facilities.
Evening drinks are served in the Lodge from 18h30, followed by an excellent 4 course menu d'hôte dinner.
Day of Departure:
Breakfast is at 08h30 after which guests set off on a scenic 4x4 trip through the old Storms River Pass on the way back to the National Park and their vehicles.
Tour Include
All meals, from dinner on the day of arrival to breakfast on the day of departure.
The attendance of well trained local guides.
A 4x4 drive through the old Storms River Pass.
The transportation of luggage by vehicle between overnight stops.
Tour Exclude
Suggested items to bring along:
Hiking boots are recommended although a good pair of trainers is acceptable footwear.
Two pairs of socks per day (1 thin and 1 thick pair to wear with your boots).
Suitable hiking gear - as the Tsitsikamma has “four seasons in one day”, we recommend short pants for warmer weather and a comfortable pair of long pants and a warm jacket should the weather turn cold.
Light rain wear
Swimming costume
Rucksack / Day Pack.
Walking stick.
Binoculars for keen birders (a bird book will be carried by the guides)
Insect repellent and sun block
Hat or Cap
Camera and film
Warm and comfortable clothing and shoes for the evenings.
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