Otter Trail - 5 Day Traveller Diary

Muazzam was offered the opportunity to take on the Otter Trail Hike, even though he felt that his fitness level was unprepared to take on this extended outdoor adventure, he felt that his soul most certainly was.  During Muazzam’s trip-planning he came across our Otter Trail Overnight Hike article. After he returned from the hike he messaged us to thank us for the helpful piece. It was at this stage that he offered to share his 5 day travel diary with us.

The Otter Trail Hike along the Garden Route is a 42 kilometre, 5 day journey into the of untainted beauty along the Garden Route coast – deep down into the Tsitsikamma forest, making this hiking trail one of the most beautiful hikes in the world. No wonder it’s generally booked out a year in advance.

Day 1 of the Otter Trail hike

Above: A group photo before embarking on their Otter Trail adventure

Day 1 of the Otter Trail hike along the Garden Route had arrived and now it was time for Muazzam to put all his reading up and preparation to the test. The journey started at Storms River Camp, passing the famous Otter Trail hike’s waterfall area and ending off at Ngubu Huts.

Day 2 of the Otter Trail hike

Above: The top of Skilderkrans Koppie along the Otter Trail hike

Day 2 of the Garden Route’s Otter Trail proves to be one of the more challenging days for Muazzam and his mates as they take Skilderkrans Koppie and face their first river crossing. The day draws to a close at Scott Hut.

Day 3 of the Otter Trail hike

Above: The rock formations at Oakhurst Hut along the Garden Route’s Otter Trail

Day 3 of the Otter Hiking Trail includes beautiful scenery and exploration. The group of twelve also face three river crossings; Geelhoutbos River, Elandbos River and Lottering River.

Day 4 of the Otter Trail hike

Above: Bloukrans River crossing along the Otter Hiking Trail

On Day 4 Muazzam and his group of friends wake up during the early hours of the morning on their Garden Route, Otter Trail hiking adventure to prepare for what lies ahead. This is the day that they brave the notorious Bloukrans River Crossing.

Day 5 of the Otter Trail hike

Above: With Nature’s Valley in sight, the Otter Trail draws to a close

Day 5 – All good things come to an end. The final day of the Garden Route’s Otter Hiking Trail is filled with picturesque views as the group make their way to Nature’s Valley – the last stop of their hiking adventure.

This was Muazzam’s first multi-day hike, so he did a fair amount of research and planning beforehand. His experience lead to conclusion that good equipment and food, as well as the ability to travel light makes is essential for getting the most out of an Otter Trail hiking experience.

All of his planning was well worth the effort and it’s clear to see that Muazzam and his mates had the adventure of a lifetime while hiking the Otter Trail.