Day of Arrival

Check in is any time after noon at the Tsitsikamma National Park Reception. Be sure to have your booking form available as this includes your entry to the Park. After moving into the quaint Dolphin Trail chalets you are free to enjoy what remains of the afternoon at your leisure. There are a number of bird and hiking trails, including the start of the Otter Trail, that are well worth walking, or you can take time to put your feet up and relax in one of the most beautiful spots on earth! Lunch is not included in the package but if you are hungry there is a lovely outside pub area that serves a variety of meals.

7pm - Please be at the Restaurant to meet your Dolphin Trail host who will answer any questions you may have, and will give you information regarding the trail. Enjoy your dinner to the sound of pounding waves with a myriad of stars shining above you.

Hiking Day 1

Early risers can enjoy the stunning view of their surroundings and are welcome to go bird watching or walking before breakfast which is served from 8am. Your luggage will be collected any time after 8:45am at your chalets, and you will meet your guides who will be with you for the two days of hiking.

When the group is ready and all drinks bills settled you depart along the boardwalk to Storms River Mouth and the Khoisan Cave. Weather permitting, there will be a 25 minute boat trip into the river gorge. After crossing Storms River Mouth on the suspension bridge, hikers follow a steep and rocky path to the Lookout Point with a magnificent view of the Tsitsikamma National Park. Relax here and enjoy the endless view of the Indian Ocean while keeping your eyes peeled for whales and dolphins.

The hike continues level for a short distance before beginning a long descent through indigenous forest to sea level. This is the perfect place for your picnic lunch, either in the shade of trees at the stream's edge, or on the rocks in the sun. Hikers should take a good break here as the climb up Steilkop (Steep Hill) is quite taxing and follows immediately. Remember that there is no rush so walk slowly and admire the beautiful views as you go. Once you have conquered Steilkop it is a comfortable forest walk to Misty Mountain Reserve.

Arrival time at Misty Mountain depends on the speed of the hikers and the amount of time spent enjoying the magnificent environment. You will be given a warm welcome and can enjoy an ice cold drink or a hot cup of tea before being shown to your luxury chalet with a 180 degree view of the Indian Ocean. At this stage hikers can collapse and relax, making use of the lovely swimming pool or spa bath, or you can take advantage of the opportunity to go bass fishing in the dam. A variety of exotic and local water birds, as well as ostriches, can be seen at close range around the chalets.

Mid-afternoon - Hikers arrive at the Fernery to a well earned drink and are then shown to their beautiful chalets nestled in fynbos along the river. Several activities are available for those who are still feeling energetic, such as boating, cycling and bird watching. A swimming pool, jacuzzi and sauna are there for your use, and you are welcome to browse through the Fernery and nursery facilities if you wish.

6:30pm - Hikers will be told on arrival whether dinner is to be served in the Fernery restaurant or at the Lodge. Meet at whichever venue is applicable for pre dinner drinks followed by a delicious 4 course menu d’hôte.

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