Otter Trail

The Otter Trail is one of the most sought-after multi-day hikes in South Africa — a five-day, four-night hut route along the Garden Route coastline in Tsitsikamma National Park. You walk roughly 42 km from Storms River Mouth to Nature’s Valley, with big ocean views, indigenous forest, rocky headlands and several river crossings that can become serious after rain.

I hiked it over five days with friends. Accommodation is in SANParks huts (mattresses provided; you carry food, cooking kit and a sleeping bag). Permits are limited and competitive — booking opens well in advance and often runs through a lottery-style demand system.

Watch the Otter Trail film for day-by-day trail feel, then use the planning guide for distances, booking rhythm and kit. The Trek Cost Calculator (ZAR hut model) and Packing List Builder round out the logistics.