South Africa, Garden route, hiking trails, nature walks, coastal trails, Wales, oystercatcher

The Oyster Catcher Trail

Rated as one of the top 5 hiking trails in South Africa by Getaway Magazine.

2-5 day overnight hike: from ZAR 1950 p.p.

Includes meals, accommodation and guides

On a breathtaking coastal trail near Mossel Bay, a journey like no other awaits you. The Oyster Catcher Trail covers the 47-odd km between St. Blaize Point and the Gourits Rivermouth: surely among the most sublimely pristine stretches of coast in the country, and home to a protected community of the rare and elusive Black African Oystercatcher.

Picture evenings at the campfire after a day’s hike, nights in comfort at a selection of charming guesthouses, and all day, every day, the waves crashing in your ears and the sea breeze infusing your being.

Accompanied by local guides and rangers, you will have the chance to experience the astounding variety of the Cape Fynbos and Floral kingdom of the Garden Route, marvel at the natureal grandeur of the Khoisan cave at St. Blaize Point, spot an exciting array of local marine life, and, of course, ponder the endlessly entertaining mystery of why a bird that does not eat oysters should be called an Oystercatcher.
Trails from 2 days to 5 days are offered, to cater for all schedules and levels of laziness. No matter your choice, this adventure will leave you refreshed, rejuvenated, cleansed of all things urban, and basking in warm memories of beautiful scenery, great hospitality, and the distinctive savoury tang of the braai (South African barbeque) .
We meet in the afternoon at a guesthouse in Mossel Bay. The next morning, a hearty breakfast will fortify you for the 15km we must cover this day.Starting at the gorgeous St Blaize cave, we will follow the meandering contour paths along the cliff edges and down to sea level, through the magnificently wild scenery where the Oystercatcher makes its home.
After a swim in the rock pools, the hike continues past Pinnacle Point Estate. Here we will visit the caves of ancient Hunter Gatherers, where our Stone Age ancestors shivered through the night, before we proceed to warm baths and beds.
We depart after breakfast for a 13 km beach walk to Boggomsbaai, and spend the night at the charming Sandpiper fisherman`s cottages.

Day Three involves another endless leg-stretch along the surf, within spitting distance of the breeding and feeding grounds of the Oystercatcher. Keep a weather-eye out for other sealife: between July and October, this stretch of coast is teeming with dolphins, whales, and a variety of other animals.
On Day Four, we embark on the 16km journey to Cape Vacca, with a stop halfway to swim and snorkel at Fransmanshoek. We dine and sleep this night at picturesque Kanon cottage. Another invigorating walk along the edge of the sea follows. If you still have energy spare, there are towering sand dunes to climb. Otherwise, you may content yourself to look at the ancient fish traps, stone age middens, and the Khoi San grave, or simply hunt for shells.
On day five we wind down with a gentle hike to the mouth of the Gourits. A boat trip along the river gives you an opportunity to tend your blisters, or look out for fish eagles as the mood takes you. We end with a Champagne brunch, and bid each other what is invariably a very sad farewell.


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