7 day Outeniqua trail
hike
7 day Outeniqua trail
Ancient indigenous forests….fynbos…elephants…leopards…gold…prolific birdlife…peace…quiet…tranquillity…. If these things excite you, carry on reading…
This approximately 80 km long trail winds through ancient indigenous forest and fragrant fynbos. It crosses rivers like the Homtini and Knysna River where we swim to cool down on warm days. The spectacular 360 degree view from the summit of Jonkersberg showcases the unsurpassed beauty of the area, while starry skies, a crackling fire and a comfy bed rejuvenates us for another day in paradise.
Sections of this trail can be hiked as 2 or 3 day excursions.
- hiking
- swimming (optional)
Moderate difficulty
- Moderate fitness required, preferably with experience in multi day hiking
- Some exposed sections of the trail can be very hot in summer
- River crossings impassable in heavy rains thus alternative routes might have to be used
- Some sections of the trail can be slippery in wet conditions
- hat
- buff
- 2 shirts
- 2 pants – preferably zip-off or long as protection against scratches
- 2 pairs of socks
- underwear
- fleece jacket
- wind/rain protection
- hiking shoes/boots
- flip-flops or such
- sleeping bag
- toiletries
- personal medication
- personal first aid kit
- headlamp/flashlight
- camera with spare batteries/powerbank and cables
- something to read during leisure time at the huts
- 6 x hikers hut – dorm room bed with matrass
- electricity available at Diepwalle and Harkerville huts
- own Sleeping bag and pillow needed
- qualified, DEAT registered guide
- 6 breakfasts and 6 dinners
- all camping equipment needed other than a sleeping bag
- accommodation for 6 nights
- all relevant park and trail fees
- personal first aid items
- personal medication
- cash for Diepwalle Teagarden
itinerary
+/- 15,5 km
Our trail starts at Platbos Hut and takes us deep into the lush green indigenous forest where we find signs of the ever elusive Knysna Elephant(s).
A picnic and swim in the Homtini River refresh us before we head to Jubilee Creek amongst massive Yellowwood trees and follow the trail past old mineshafts to Millwood, a long abandoned goldrush town developed after gold was found in the area in 1876.
Our day ends at Millwood Hut for us to enjoy our first night on trail, falling asleep to the calls of a Wood Owl in the distance.
+/- 17 km
A day filled with inclines and declines, mostly in shade of the tree canopy but with high humidity which requires that one rehydrate regularly.
At the Knysna River we enjoy a refreshing swim before we head up and onwards to Rondebossie hut where weary legs get a chance to rest and recover for day 3.
+/- 13 km
Before we reach our destination at Diepwalle, we have the Jonkersberg incline to wake us up and reward us with a spectacular 360 degree view of the area.
We aim to arrive in Diepwalle early enough to visit the lovely Teagarden where a range of meals and drinks are available.
+/- 16km
A less strenuous hiking day with refreshing river stops where we simply enjoy being out there.
+/- 12 km
We close in on civilisation as we exit from between feathery tree ferns, cross the N2 highway and head back into a short stretch of forest before we reach the Harkerville Hut, our destination for the day.
Charge all electronic equipment, enjoy a hot shower and put your feet up… In the morrow Sinclair Hut awaits us.
+/- 12,5 km
On the way to Sinclair Hut we marvel at the sight of Red Ceder trees planted in 1925, we enjoy the fresh ocean air and have lunch overlooking the dramatic coastline of the Harkerville area.
+/- 17 km
On this final day of our trek, we make our way down to the Indian Ocean where we follow the rugged coastline, accompanied by the booming of waves crashing against mighty rock formations.
At the viewpoint we say goodbye to the ocean and make our way to our pick-up point at Kranshoek picnic area.
For those who like to end the trip with some heart racing action, try the zipline at Kranshoek and glide high above the gorge through which we hiked earlier. It is a truly wonderful view and the perfect ending to a week of nature pure. This activity must be prearranged and is not included in the package.
out there with ...
