Tsitsikamma Mountain Trail
Tsitsikamma Mountain Trail
Tsitsikamma Mountain Trail
4.5
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The Tsitsikamma Trail was South Africa's first officially accredited hiking trail and has recently been allocated the Green Flag Certificate for a trail under excellent management
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
14 reviews
Excellent
7
Very good
5
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
BigG
Cape Town Central, South Africa9 contributions
Feb 2020
A fabulous area to hike in where the amazing flora will delight your senses. It is not a walk in the park so be prepared. The porterage is recommended as some hills are brutal and in full sun sapping your strength. Mosquitoes and trees lying on the paths put extra strain on your good mood so be warned. Extra water is needed to cool you down as there can be long stretches without water. Do not rely on the distance markers as they are frustratingly wrong. It is a damn long walk and just. Know that it is a 6-7 hour trudge each day with many ups and downs. Day 3 to the Heuningbos hut is the most strenuous. Day 4 is the longest but very pleasant. Use tea lights to start your fire..works like a dream and so pleasant sitting next to a fire after a hard days hike. The pools at Bloukrans hut are. With walking to after your hike. It is a short down walk and worth the effort. Conserve the tank water for cooking. The
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
debbyvz
Cape Town, South Africa48 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
If I was purely reviewing the walk itself, I would have given 6 stars as the terrain is just breathtaking. However, communication after booking and before arrival was unsatisfactory - and every all vital information (such as portaging NOT being available in Day 1 and 2) (map of EXACTLY where to meet at the start) was sent - it needed to be a final information sheet to all hikers a week before arrival / not just an ...’....oh by the way, blah blah blah’. Portaging worked well and this made the walk such a pleasure. The track after the 3km mark on day 4 needs attention - it is very steep with a steep fall and an unacceptably sloping towards the fall path. Ablutions are sleeping facilities are as basic as basic gets, and not particularly clean or as well maintained as one would like, especially the Sleepkloof Hut after Day 5. One of the ropes for river crossing had been washed loose by rain but luckily we had perfect weather and it was not needed. There was plenty of beautiful fresh water to drink and in which to swim en route. It was a privilege to do this walk.
Written 2 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ankiaschabort
Durbanville, South Africa3 contributions
Mar 2019 • Friends
Tsitsikamma trail was definitely one with luxury...in the hiking sense! From the most beautiful views to natural swimming pools, a change in scenery every day...a must for regular hikers and an awesome introduction to newbies...take it easy and enjoy nature at its best!
Written 28 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue M
Cape Town Central, South Africa368 contributions
Oct 2017 • Solo
In late October, I began a short hike along the Tsitsikamma Mountain Trail. It was a fantastic wilderness experience walking through forests, mountain fynbos, and gorges, and traversing rivers and mountain streams. The hike began in Nature’s Valley and included from 2 to 6 days. I opted to join in the middle for 3 days.
"Along the Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail little contact is made with the outside world. Baboon, vervet monkey, caracal, honey badger, large-spotted genet, bushpig, and bushbuck are often found along the route and at overnight huts. Leopard, serval, and blue duiker also occur, but are seldom seen."
Tsitsikamma's forest habitat is ideal for South Africa's "lesser-seen bird species" - Rameron pigeon, Narina trogon, Sombre bulbul, forest buzzard, sunbirds, and flycatchers. The "fynbos harbors elusive endemics such as Victorin's warbler, protea canary, and the Cape siskin". We heard and saw many birds but never spotted their nests. One person in the group was good with bird calls, and the birds responded.
We heard, but did not see animals, including the remains and sleeping nests of baboons who often come out of the dense forest using the hiking trails to move quickly. The baboons made warning calls as hikers approached, but I never saw them. At one point I became separated from the group and wondered if the baboons were eyeing me from the bushes!
My group included 12 strong, experienced hikers - all South African. The hiking was challenging, and for me, it would have been difficult carrying a heavy backpack. I hiked with a day pack and hired a porter to move my gear between overnight huts.
The other hikers were from the Cape Town area. We had interesting evening conversations and shared facilities with another group of about 14 Indian businessmen and their cook. The cook prepared incredible campfire meals which were generously shared with everyone. There were two separate sleeping huts with 6 - 7 three-high bunk beds in each. There was no electricity.
More difficult than the hiking was sleeping in a small room of heavy snorers... There were several Muslims in our group who were up each morning around 4 am for prayers. Dawn prayers - salat al-fajr - begin before sunrise. In such close quarters, their early rising awakened everyone. The lack of sleep affected my hiking ability, but I’m grateful for the experience. The magnificent scenery was worth any discomfort!
"Along the Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail little contact is made with the outside world. Baboon, vervet monkey, caracal, honey badger, large-spotted genet, bushpig, and bushbuck are often found along the route and at overnight huts. Leopard, serval, and blue duiker also occur, but are seldom seen."
Tsitsikamma's forest habitat is ideal for South Africa's "lesser-seen bird species" - Rameron pigeon, Narina trogon, Sombre bulbul, forest buzzard, sunbirds, and flycatchers. The "fynbos harbors elusive endemics such as Victorin's warbler, protea canary, and the Cape siskin". We heard and saw many birds but never spotted their nests. One person in the group was good with bird calls, and the birds responded.
We heard, but did not see animals, including the remains and sleeping nests of baboons who often come out of the dense forest using the hiking trails to move quickly. The baboons made warning calls as hikers approached, but I never saw them. At one point I became separated from the group and wondered if the baboons were eyeing me from the bushes!
My group included 12 strong, experienced hikers - all South African. The hiking was challenging, and for me, it would have been difficult carrying a heavy backpack. I hiked with a day pack and hired a porter to move my gear between overnight huts.
The other hikers were from the Cape Town area. We had interesting evening conversations and shared facilities with another group of about 14 Indian businessmen and their cook. The cook prepared incredible campfire meals which were generously shared with everyone. There were two separate sleeping huts with 6 - 7 three-high bunk beds in each. There was no electricity.
More difficult than the hiking was sleeping in a small room of heavy snorers... There were several Muslims in our group who were up each morning around 4 am for prayers. Dawn prayers - salat al-fajr - begin before sunrise. In such close quarters, their early rising awakened everyone. The lack of sleep affected my hiking ability, but I’m grateful for the experience. The magnificent scenery was worth any discomfort!
Written 15 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anzel de Beer
Vereeniging, South Africa275 contributions
Oct 2018 • Friends
What an experience to hike amongst beautiful mountain ranges through forests and valleys! This is a great activity if you enjoy hiking and nature. Absolutely breathtaking, stunning views are to be enjoyed along the way.
We did the 6 day hike starting in Nature’s Valley, ending in Stormsrivier. Totally worth it!
We even got caught in a storm one day but thankfully there was dry wood waiting for us at the hut thanks to the management!
We did the 6 day hike starting in Nature’s Valley, ending in Stormsrivier. Totally worth it!
We even got caught in a storm one day but thankfully there was dry wood waiting for us at the hut thanks to the management!
Written 15 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
franschhoeklk
Franschhoek, South Africa1 contribution
Oct 2017 • Friends
Fantastic countryside and most magical places along the way. It is a very difficult hike even with slack packing. Should mark the kilometers you have walked every 5 km so you can pace yourself.
Would be nice if they could put names on the trees to identify them as you go along.
The distance walked is not the same as on their brochure between huts.
Trail kept in good condition with tree falls cleared cut up and left in forest.
Would be nice if they could put names on the trees to identify them as you go along.
The distance walked is not the same as on their brochure between huts.
Trail kept in good condition with tree falls cleared cut up and left in forest.
Written 27 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shamza21
Johannesburg, South Africa86 contributions
Mar 2018 • Friends
We did the hike from Nature’s Valley to the Keurbos Hut (3 nights).
It is fairly strenuous for a casual hiker and should only be considered if you know what you’re getting yourself into. There are some amazing viewpoints along the way but for the most part, a lot of the time will be spent in the forests.
We saw almost no animals along the way which was a little disappointing.
I would recommend this for a more experienced hiker and would also recommend using porterage and pack warmly because the huts are cold.
It is fairly strenuous for a casual hiker and should only be considered if you know what you’re getting yourself into. There are some amazing viewpoints along the way but for the most part, a lot of the time will be spent in the forests.
We saw almost no animals along the way which was a little disappointing.
I would recommend this for a more experienced hiker and would also recommend using porterage and pack warmly because the huts are cold.
Written 22 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MackyDs
Port Elizabeth, South Africa656 contributions
Dec 2017 • Friends
Lack of sleep, lack of fitness, hot weather and a lot of mountain climbing up and down! Not for fainthearted hikers!! That said, wonderful views, lovely forest and mountainous experiences. Roughing it is expected and ice cold swimming pools in the rocks! Glad I can be one of those to say been there, done than & got the t-shirt!!
Written 6 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
logarmihec
Cape Town, South Africa154 contributions
Oct 2017 • Family
Actually ... I am more than speechless when I see such a beauty everywhere around me which you get plenty of it if you decide to take this trail. One of my best visit in SA so far.
Written 20 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
136belinda
Bloemfontein, South Africa338 contributions
Oct 2017 • Solo
I did the 4-day trail with 18 other colleagues. We have been warned that we will get rain on at least one day, so we were prepared, but we didn't expect it to get so cold.
We had a blast. Saw Proteas on our hike, we were surrounded with the mountains and trees, and sounds of nature. Stunning!
The facilities are also great. Kettles to boil water for a hot shower, wood at every hut we arrived, and bins for waste. Very clean.
We had a blast. Saw Proteas on our hike, we were surrounded with the mountains and trees, and sounds of nature. Stunning!
The facilities are also great. Kettles to boil water for a hot shower, wood at every hut we arrived, and bins for waste. Very clean.
Written 5 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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