Oystercatcher Trail

Mossel Bay, Western Cape

Slackpacking is a word that will be new to many in South Africa but the concept has been around for some time, especially in places like America and New Zealand. As Fiona McIntosh say in her book 'Slackpacking - A guide to South Africa's Top Leisure Trails', it is backpacking without the schlep. The Oystercatcher Trail at Mossel Bay is one such trail, guided with four star accommodation and excellent meals. The trail is of five days duration but a three day option is also available. Described here is the 5-day option. A three day option is also available

		Day 1: Arrive Mossel Bay and check in at luxury sea view, pre arranged venues between 14h00 and 17h00 Meet and Greet with Fred Orban or leading guide at 18h00 Dinner at top restaurants.

Day 2 – 15km: After breakfast we transfer you to the starting point of the Trail, at historical St Blaize Cave. Meander along cliffs and contour paths to Dana Bay, passing over Pinnacle Point golf estate Optional visit to Stone age caves, swimming in rock pools. Pick up at Dana Bay and transported to overnight stay at Sandpiper cottages in Boggomsbaai. Optional Massage therapies to be pre-booked.

		Day 3 – 12km:. After breakfast transport back to Dana Bay to continue guided hike to Boggomsbaai along the beach. Locate Oystercatcher nests, eggs, chicks, etc. Frequent sighting of whales seasonally from close range (June to October). Watch out for dolphins along the route. Visit ancient Khoi San middens in the dunes. Arrive mid afternoon at Sandpiper cottages. Welcome snacks and drinks. Relax at our Sport Centre and Spa. Heated indoor pool. Optional Massages. Braai and Candle light dinner at Sandpiper Centre

Day 4 - 15km: After breakfast hike along beach and rocky coast at sea level to historical Fransmanshoek where the La Fortune French war ship sank in 1763. Beach lunch, snorkeling and swimming in secluded bay. Continue hike along coast to Kanon Village. Walk up great sand dunes - an option for the fitter ones. Overnight at Cape Vacca & Kanon – depending on group size and with sharing facilities or another night at Sandpiper Cottages in Boggomsbaai. This is optional. Unforgettable Fish Dinner at the fireplace.

		Day 5 - 5km: After breakfast depart on short hike to Gourits River. Boat trip across the Gouritsriver or hike back through Fynbos to Kanon Village. Return transfer to Boggomsbaai followed by a Champagne brunch farewell at the Sandpiper Sports Centre. The views are also very beautiful.

An added bonus is the use of the Sandpiper Sport and Spa Centre which is available exclusively to our guests. This super centre includes an indoor heated saltwater health pool, sauna, glass back squash court, tennis court, toning gym, spinning bikes as well as a Jacuzzi situated on the upper deck with wonderful views of the bay and, in season, Southern Right whales. Also offered as an optional extra are massages and health therapies, by appointment with our local therapist.”

		We now have 3 options available to suit hikers : Gold Star 5 day 4 nights Silver Star, 5 day 4 nights and 6 day, 5 nights for both. PRICES FOR 2010: From R3950 PPS (Silver Star) to R5950 (Gold Star) for 5 day 4 nights and from R4900 (Silver) and R6900 (Gold) for 6 day 5 nights. · Includes all meals, accommodation, luggage shuttling and guides. · Includes transfers to and from George airport (Gold) · Excludes transfer costs from and to airport (Silver) · Bar drinks for Gold included for Silver excluded · Therapies optional extra

Oystercatcher Trail
Is a world acclaimed hiking experience.
National Geographic Traveller rates it as " One the TOP 50 tours of a life time" for 2007 .
BBC classes it as one of “30 UNFORGETTABLE WALKS TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE”
GETAWAY Magazine rated it as one of the top 5 South African hikes


• Our aim is to ensure that our hikers enjoy every step and learn much about our fragile and beautiful environment. We therefore walk as fast as the slowest in the group. On a difficulty scale of 1 to 10 we rate it at approximately 6/10.

• The oldest person to complete the hike was 83 and the youngest was 6 years old.

• The Oystercatcher Trail hike is renowned for its eco and cultural educational value. The daily distances are normally completed in about 6 hours. You carry only your day pack as we shuttle your luggage.

Our weather is generally quite stable. Southern Right whales are resident in our bays from June through to October. Best months for swimming are Jan to May and September to November. Dolphins hunt and surf all year round. Oystercatcher breeding season from September to March, but are present all year.
 

GREEN OYSTERCATCHER TRAIL – RATES AND INFO 2011/2012

                                                                        Capacity                              Price Range per Hiker

GREEN OYSTERCATCHER TRAIL:                   Min: 6 hikers & Max: 16 hikers                     R1985.00 pp

Day 1: (Arrival day on a Monday)

·         Self drive to Mossel Bay

·         Overnight in Mossel Bay at local Self catering/Apartments

Day 2: 15km

·         Meet your guide and walk to the starting point of the Trail, at historical St Blaize Cave.

·         Meander along cliffs an contour paths to Dana Bay, passing over Pinnacle Point golf estate

·         Optional visit to Stone aged caves, swimming in rock pools.

·         Overnight in Dana Bay (self catering or food packs  and drinks can be purchased at guest house

Day 3: 12km

·         Continue guided hike to Boggomsbaai along a magnificent beach where Oystercatchers feed and breed.

·         Frequent sighting of whales seasonally gehind the breakers (June to October)

·         Dolphins often play and surf along the route.

·         Visit ancient Khoi San middens in the dunes.

·         Arrive mid afternoon at Sandpiper centre.

·         Relax at our Leisure Centre and Spa. Indoor pool. Massages and facials by arrangement

·         Accommodation at Sandpiper in 4 star quality, self catering 2 and 3 roomed cottages.

·         Food packs and drinks available to purchase.

Day 4: 21km

·         After breakfast hike along beach and rocky shore to historical Fransmanshoek where the La Fortune French war ship sank in 1763

·         Snorkel and swimming in secluded bay

·         Continue hike along coast via Kanon village to Gourits river

·         Meander up great sand dunes – an option for the fitter ones

·         Boat trip across the Gourits river

·         Overnight at Skipskop self catering apartments in Gourits village where food packs are available to purchase

       Day 5:

·         Return transfer after your breakfast and farewell prize giving to Mossel Bay.

    GENERAL INFO:

·         Trails closed from mid December until mid January

·         Our trails are along the edge of the sea

·         The educational value of our trails is rated very high.

·         All our trails are guided by experts.

·         On a difficulty scale of 1 to 10 the trails rate at approximately 6/10

·         The walking pace is as fast as the slowest in the group

·         You carry your own backpack

·         Recommended age group 8 to 70

·         The oldest person to complete the hike was 83 and the youngest was 6 years old

·         The Oystercatcher Trail hike is renowned for its eco and cultural educational value.

·         The daily distances are normally completed in about 6 hours.

·         The weather in our area is generally quite stable throughout the year.

·         Southern Right whales are resident in our bays from June through to October.

·         Dolphins hunt and surf all year round.

·         Oystercatcher breeding season from September to March, but are present all year.

·         Best months for swimming are January to May and September to December.

·          Our aim is to ensure that our hikers enjoy every step and learn much about our fragile and beautiful environment.

·          An added bonus is the use of the Sandpiper Leisure Centre which is available exclusively to our guests

·          Massage Therapies and Facial available on request prior to arrival at Boggomsbaai.

·          This Super Centre includes an indoor pool, sauna, glass back squash court, tennis court, toning gym, spinning bikes and a bubble bath with a view.

·          The upper deck has wonderful view of the bay including an antique brass telescope to watch the whales splashing and spouting.

·          The only Eco-friendly 9 hole popular farm style Golf Corse on the Garden Route.                                          

                        Bookings for the Oystercatcher Trail can be made through

Jacana Travel Marketing and Reservations

Telephone  0861Jacana (0861 522262)

Direct phone: Port Elizabeth 041 378 1439

Pretoria: 012 803 9109

Direct fax: PE 041 378 2548

Pretoria: 012 803 4144

 PE e-mail  bookings@jacanacollection.co.za

Pretoria e-mail: rosa@jacanacollection.co.za

Footprint Hiking Club

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