The 5 Days Otter Trail Hike South Africa March 2021 : First Timer’s Guide

The otter trail is the most iconic multiday hike in south africa , for more info please click below link
www.sanparks.org/parks/garden...
Distances and Durations
The trail is 5 days and 4 nights. The following distances and durations are as follows:
Day 1 = 4.8km (± 2 hours)
Day 2 = 7.9km (± 4 hours)
Day 3 = 7.7km (± 4 hours)
Day 4 = 13.8km (± 6 hours)
Day 5 = 10.8km (± 5 hours)
Total Distance = 45km
Max number of people allowed per day 12 .
Total elevation gained (over 5 days) - 2600m.
There are 4 river crossings Kleinbos River - day 2; Elandsbos and Lottering River - day 3; Bloukrans River - day 4.
Sleeping arrangements
Overnight camp with 2 huts each with 6 bunk beds . Due to covid only 3 people allowed to sleep in each hut , there are 3 additional tents in each camp which sleep 2 people each .
General Information
Check in: Allow some time to weigh your bag and watch the 20 minute Otter Trail DVD at the Otter Room next to the Storms River Reception building. The Otter Trail DVD provides a brief outline of changes recently made to the trail.
Check out: Compulsory check out at De Vasselot Rest Camp where Otter Trail certificates will be issued.
Water
There are numerous streams and springs throughout the length of the Otter Trail that are suitable for drinking purposes. Please note though that water from the Kleinbos River is not suitable for drinking (2nd day of trail). However, it may be wise to use purification tablets especially if you are not used to this water and where streams/rivers pass through communities such as the Coldstream/Witels River (3.6km mark of the 4th day) and the Lottering River (7.5km mark of the 4th day). There are rainwater tanks at each overnight hut that may also be used. However, due to erratic rainfall patterns, the level of these tanks may be low from time to time. Water quality is monitored on a quarterly basis.
Tides
It is important to be aware of the dates and the times of the high and low tides prior to hiking the Otter Trail. This is especially important when it comes to crossing the bigger rivers such as the Elandsbos and the Bloukrans Rivers. It is the hiker’s responsibility to obtain tide tables in order to prepare for their hike.
Emergency procedures
Escape routes are only to be taken in the case of an emergency. The escape routes are indicated as E 1 - 6 on the map. Cell phone reception may be reached at the top of the escape route. Hikers are to contact SANParks Rangers immediately upon reaching the top of the escape route and should then wait at the entrance to the escape route for collection.
Day 1: Start to Ngubu camp - 4,8km
One has to report to the Storms River Park Reception to pay conservation fees, get the trail map and watch a short video which highlights the trails most recent changes. The trail starts nearby at a parking area. They will also give you the ride calendar please make note of low and high tide this will help dertermine your start time daily
The short and relatively easy first day allows for a late start, but do not hurry past the beautiful features along the way! We started a bit late that didn’t give us enough time to swim at jerling river waterfall 😞try and start as early as possible so that you can swim and by the waterfall.
Day 2:Scott camp - 7,9km
This day provides a real challenge with some steep ascents and descents. Be sure to climb up Skilder-Krans, a rocky viewpoint.
The first river crossing is on day 2 ,make sure your aqua shoes and sac liner are ready , we formed a human chain to get each person to pass safely , all our bags were safely put in our survival bags and tied with cable tie to cross the river . The trail took so much out of us that we didn’t go down blou bae for lunch . If you have the energy please do yourself a favour and go down , I’ve head that it is breathtakingly beautiful .
I also do not have much footage for this day , we were all just exhausted
Day 3:Scott to Oakhurst camp 7,93km
You cross the Geelhoutbos river to start the day, lol I don’t even remember crossing this river because we started hiking at 4am so that we can make it in time for low tide for both river crossings. Whether you like or or not you are going to get wet 😂
You will cross elandbos and then cross littering river , as with all river crossing be aware of high and low tide, and always cross at low tide
Day 4 Oakhurst to Andre camp 13,8km
The Bloukrans River crossing is on the 4th day of the Otter Trail. It is approximately 10km from Oakhurst Camp that takes about four and half hours (4.5) to reach. This river is best crossed during low tide.
We started our hike at 3:30am low tide was at 10:30am . We made it to the crossing at around 8:40am and decide to have our breakfast prior the crossing. We crossed at 9:39am , it was an easy walk across the river and for the most part the water didn’t go past our knees . We did not use our survival bags
Day 5

[@dakalom8817]

🔥🔥Breathtaking views indeed!!

[@priscillamunzhelele225]

Yooo this looks very hard, you are very courageous and brave too. Well done 👌👌👌

[@Fuluuh]

Thank you , I hope you get the courage to do this trail in future 🤗

[@shimanemadiba1603]

Great hike. Must do again!!

[@Fuluuh]

You can do it over and over again 🤗 the body aches are all worth it

[@beaullankonwana7073]

💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾

[@Fuluuh]

I hope you add this trail to your bucket list 🤩

[@irismakungo3964]

Yes girl, you are brave as for me I don't think I can survive rock climbing

[@Fuluuh]

You will never know until you try 🤩

[@merylmukenge6870]

New subbed babe. bringing back memories !

[@Fuluuh]

Thank you . Otter sure does bring back plenty unending staircase memories 😂😂😂

[@dakalom8817]

😂"I feel like death"

[@Fuluuh]

😂😂😂😂

[@nasiphindlebe9161]

Hi , when did you go exactly ? Going in Jan 2023

[@Fuluuh]

Hi Nasiphi , we did it in march 2021 . We’ll be doing it again in dec 2022. Feel free to ask any question