Tsitsikamma Hike - 7 October 2026

Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail Adventure

Experience the freedom of hiking without the burden of a heavy backpack. Our guided slack packing adventures let you immerse yourself in Tsitsikamma's spectacular wilderness while we take care of the logistics.

Each day, you'll hike with only a light daypack, enjoying breathtaking mountain passes, pristine forests, dramatic coastlines, and hidden valleys at a comfortable pace. Your luggage is transported ahead to your next accommodation, allowing you to focus on the journey, the scenery, and the unforgettable moments along the trail.

Come walk with us—one step at a time—and experience the wild, without compromising on comfort.

Beginning in Nature's Valley and ending at Paul Sauer Bridge (Storms River), this five-day trail takes hikers deep into the mountains, the ancient forests, and the quiet places in between, through the very heart of the Tsitsikamma Mountains. The trail passes through coastal thicket, fynbos, pristine afro-montane forest, and pine plantations - with spectacular river crossings and scenic waterfalls along the way. Each day brings something different, and each overnight hut is positioned to make the most of its surroundings. This is not a trail you rush, it's one you settle into. 

Exclusive experience on trail, and exclusive accommodation options if you book your own hut.

DATE: 6 October to 11 October 2026

COST: Starting at R9,900 per person for the classic hiker bunk huts, all inclusive

Distance: 62km over 5 days and 4 nights
Difficulty: Moderate — good base fitness required; no scrambling, but daily distances, some technical areas and mountain ascents add up
Overnight Huts: Various options available and communal hot showers via a donkey boiler system
Suitable for: Children over 12 and hikers under 65
Best time to go: September to April for warmer weather and safer river crossings
Starting at: De Vasselot Rest Camp (leave your vehicle here)
Ending at: Paul Sauer Bridge (Storms River), return transport shuttle provided to De Vasselot Rest Camp

Overnight Accommodation - Various options:

• Classic hiker bunk huts - each hut sleeps a maximum of 6 people in single bunk beds with comfortable mattresses. 
• Private 2-sleeper A-Frame huts with 2 single beds and small balcony area
• Modern 4 to 6-sleeper Honey Badger cabin with own sitting area and balcony
• Bedding is not provided, please bring along your own sleeping bag

TSITSIKAMMA HIKING TRAIL ITINERARY

5-Day Exclusive Guided & Fully Catered Slackpacking Adventure

Day 0 — 6pm Tues 06 October 2026 | Nature's Valley (own accommodation)

Your adventure begins with a warm Gone Wild Adventures welcome at 6pm at Blue Rocks Cafe & Grill in Nature's Valley. Meet your fellow hikers, complete registration, and enjoy a comprehensive trail briefing before settling in for the evening. Dinner is at your own expense, giving you the opportunity to explore the local cuisine and soak up the excitement for the journey ahead.

Day 1 — Wed 07 October 2026 | De Vasselot → Bloukrans Hut

18km  ·  8.5 hrs  ·  Lunch pack & Dinner

Begin your unforgettable journey from De Vasselot Rest Camp after handing over your luggage and drinks for transport. Hike with only your daypack as you follow paths along the Groot River lagoon and up to magnificent views of the coast. Explore the escarpment and deep forests, then stop for a refreshing swim at the beautiful Staircase Waterfall. Arrive at Bloukrans Hut in the afternoon to relax in crystal-clear rock pools before enjoying a delicious group dinner.

Day 2 — Thurs 08 October 2026 | Bloukrans Hut → Keurbos Hut

14km  ·  7 hrs  ·  Breakfast, Lunch pack & Dinner

Today's trail rewards you with dramatic indigenous Buffelsbos forest scenery. Cool off with a swim at Waterwitelsgat before reaching Keurbos Hut, where the famous Twin Tubs provide the perfect place to unwind after another rewarding day on the trail, topped off with another delicious group dinner. 

Day 3 — Fri 09 October 2026 | Keurbos Hut → Heuningbos Hut

14km  ·  7 hrs  ·  Breakfast, Lunch pack & Dinner

Experience another incredible day immersed in pristine wilderness. Pause for lunch beside the tranquil Elandsbos River before continuing through ancient forests to Heuningbos Hut, where the nearby river offers another refreshing swim and another relaxing afternoon in good company. 

Day 4 — Sat 10 October 2026 | Heuningbos Hut → Sleepkloof Hut

15km  ·  8 hrs  ·  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Challenge yourself on the most rewarding day of the trail as you cross mountain saddles surrounded by breathtaking forest landscapes. Rest beside the Witteklip River and Mosterdsbos before arriving at Sleepkloof Hut. Celebrate your achievement with a hearty farewell dinner shared with your fellow adventurers.

Day 5 — Sun 11 October 2026 | Sleepkloof Hut → Paul Sauer Bridge

3km  ·  1 hr  ·  Breakfast

A relaxed final walk brings you to the iconic Paul Sauer Bridge, marking the successful completion of your Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail adventure. Celebrate with burgers and milkshakes (at own cost) before returning by shuttle to Nature's Valley for luggage collection and farewells.

Please note: Accommodation at the end of days 1 to 4 is provided by the operator, in various individual hiker’s huts, with bunk beds and single bed mattresses provided, but bedding excluded - please pack your own. Meals provided by the Operator are indicated as a combination of Breakfast, Packed Lunch and Dinner. All own drinks must be provided by the guests and can be handed to the operator, when handing over luggage, at the start of Day 1, for safe packaging and transport. The operator has arranged with MTO to provide limited quantities of ice at the overnight huts for guests to use for their drinks. The group will hike together, under direction of the guides. Rest and lunchstops on the trail will be at suitable stops along the trail, group hiking speed and conditions dependent. The times given are approximate and dependent on readiness, fitness levels and the hiking speed of the group. Changes may have to be made on short notice, including due to weather and trail conditions, for example if rivers are in flood. Each guest must compete the Indemnity Form, and terms and conditions apply and are available for download.

Website Link: Tsitsikamma Forest Hike Adventure