KOSI BAY TRAIL, MAPUTALAND
Walk through swamp and sand forests, savanna, wetlands and beaches in a remote region of Maputaland. A typical day involves only three or four hours' walking.
Cost: R2 250 a person for four nights, including food, accommodation and transfers, but excludes guide's fee (R500 a group). Call 0861 522 262, or 012 734 2978, or e-mail book [email protected] or see www.jacanacollection.co.za
WILD COAST MEANDER, EASTERN CAPE
This five-night trail, hotel-hopping along glorious beaches, covers 56km of the southern Wild Coast from Kob Inn to Morgan Bay. The terrain is moderate but magnificent and distances are easy. Xhosa guides and porters accompany hikers.
Cost: From R4 040 to R6 850 a person, depending on group size (minimum two, maximum 16), including accommodation, meals, transfers from East London as well as local guides. Call 043 743 6181, or e-mail [email protected] or see www.wild coastholidays.co.za
ALEXANDRIA TRAIL, EASTERN CAPE
This is a 36km, two-day circular trail in the Woody Cape section of Addo Elephant National Park. It traverses unspoilt indigenous forests, sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs and the largest coastal dune field in the southern hemisphere. The trail is unguided but well-signposted.
Cost: R90 a person a night, plus daily conservation fees (R25 for South Africans). Minimum three, maximum 12. Call 041 468 0916, e-mail matyhol [email protected] or see www.san parks.org
DOLPHIN TRAIL, GARDEN ROUTE
This two-day luxury trail covers 17km of the Tsitsikamma coastal belt from the Storms River Mouth to the Sanddrift River with a scenic 4x4 return trip through the old Storms River Pass.
Cost: R4 200 a person sharing, all services inclusive. Minimum two, maximum 12. Call 042 280 3588, e-mail [email protected] or see www.dolphintrail.co. za
OTTER TRAIL, GARDEN ROUTE
The Otter, has it all and hikers need to be fit and carry a backpack containing food and gear for five days.
Cost: R685 a person plus conservation fees (R25 a day for South Africans). Maximum 12. Call 012 426 5111, or e-mail [email protected] or see www.sanparks.org
OYSTERCATCHER TRAIL, GARDEN ROUTE
The Oystercatcher isn't just a luxury slackpacking trail. It's also renowned for its ecological and cultural education.
Cost: R5 995 a person sharing for the four-night package, including everything except bar drinks and spa therapies. Call 044 699 1204, e-mail [email protected] or see www.oystercatchertrail.co.za
WHALE TRAIL, OVERBERG
The trail stretches 54km from Potberg to Koppie Alleen with five overnight stops in the De Hoop Nature Reserve.
Cost: R1 050 a person, plus an optional luggage transport fee of R300 a person. Minimum six, maximum 12. Call 021 659 3500, e-mail book [email protected] or see www.capenature.org.za
HOERIKWAGGO TRAIL, CAPE TOWN
The full Hoerikwaggo Trail will take six days, incorporate five overnight camps and is scheduled to open in June.
Call 021 683 7826, e-mail [email protected], web www.hoerikwaggotrail.org
SWART TOBIE TRAIL, WEST COAST
The Swart Tobie covers 75 wild and lonely kilometres of coastline in five days and is rated moderate to strenuous, depending on tides. November to April are best for the seafood.
Cost: R900 a person excluding meals. Minimum five, maximum 15. Call 0861 522 262 or 012 734 2978, e-mail [email protected]
SILVER SAND TRAIL, NAMAQUALAND
This is catered slackpacking, four-day 55km walking safari with an emphasis on natural history
Cost: R3 360 a person including meals, camping gear and guides. Call 0861 522 262 or 012 734 2978, email [email protected]
> Published by arrangement with Getaway magazine. For the full story see the January edition.