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Sore feet? Get your toes wet.
The Otter Trail's rock pools
The famous Otter Trail is home to some of South Africa's most prestrine rock pools.
© South African Tourism
Did you know?
The Otter Trail is one of the most famous hikes in the world and also provides some of the most gorgeous swimming in the form of rock pools .
Walk the spectacular Eastern Cape coast line from Storms River to Nature's Valley, a 42.5 kilometre hike taking 5 days to complete. Along the way you can enjoy, among other delights, some of the finest rock pools in Tsitsikamma.
One of the best pools on the trail is encountered on day 1, on the way to the Ngube hut. The pool is situated beneath a picturesque waterfall about 3 kilometres from the start of the hike. This pool is the final point accessible to day hikers and as a result you may not be the only one enjoying a refreshing dip. The pool is exquisite though and you should reserve a good portion of your day to spend lolling in its inviting waters.
On the second day of the hike, probably the most beautiful, your day will include looking for dolphins and whales, walking through virgin forest and lunching on the beach. There are also some amazing Eastern Cape rock pools to enjoy. At the Kleinbos River it is well worth taking the time to explore a little upstream. There are some magnificent pools hidden away that are excellent for a dip and completely private if you forgot your swimming costume.
On the third and forth days there are many pools situated along the way but the best swimming is to be had in the sea and the rivers. The Elandsbos River on day 3 is a great place to catch some moisture and you can choose between blue and brown, salt and fresh water.
The Otter Trail rock pools are one of the delights of walking the trail and what's great is that there is always another pool hidden around each corner if the need to swim takes you or if the African sun is asking some difficult questions.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
South African National Parks
Central Reservations: +27 (0) 12 426 5111
Fax: +27 (0) 12 343 0905
Email: reservations@sanparks.org
How to get here
The Tsitsikamma reserve is located near to Plettenberg Bay. There are daily flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg. Or why not hire a car and drive along the world famous garden route between CT and Port Elizabeth?
Around the area
The Storms River Reserve has lots of activities from canopy tours to tubing down the river.
Get around
Walking is the only way.
Length of stay
The trail takes 5 days to complete.
What to pack
Good walking shoes, sun cream and a hat, swimming trunks and a towel, camera, plastic bags to keep everything dry.
Where to stay
There are overnight huts along the trail.