Trails & Hiking

The Otter Trail

At The Village Lodge we enjoy Otter Trail hikers and the buzz they bring to our establishment. Couples or groups are all welcome and we’ve often heard it said that this is the best place to stay for the start and finish of the hiking trails – see for yourself on our Tripadvisor Reviews. That’s why we go out of our way to ensure that your comfort is paramount and that our reputation as the best Otter Trail departure & return point stays intact.

Please note: We do not do bookings for the Otter Trail, nor for SANParks accommodation at Storms River Mouth.

Otter

Hiking View

The Otter Trail Booking Information

Visit www.sanparks.org navigate to the Tsitikamma National Park (Otter Trail availability)
Check out available dates that are suitable for you
Secure your booking by an email to SANParks

Start & Finish the Hike with Us

The Village Lodge is in the centre of Storms River Village and close to the start of the Otter Trail. Arguably the best value accommodation in the area, for a quality that exceeds most expectations.
Specialising in quality Otter Trail hikers’ shared accommodation (family rooms), all rooms have en suite bathrooms; you can also braai in our large covered lapa, or use one of the excellent local restaurants a few metres from our front gate.
Secure car parking for the duration of your hike at a nominal fee. Available if you are returning to stay at the lodge after your trail.
Transfer to the start of the trail (price dependant on number of hikers)
Airport transfer to the Lodge via a reliable transfer service
Refrigeration for your trail perishables before you start.

Day Trails in the Tsitsikamma area

The Village Lodge, Storms River is centrally situated to a wonderful variety of day trails and hikes in the Tsitsikamma area. For strollers, walkers and hikers we have something for everyone; there is no better way to enjoy nature at its best. Most of the trails are free; some have a small entrance fee – if you have a Wild Card, even better.

Base yourself at our delightful Lodge for a few nights and enjoy an inexpensive encounter with nature. Breakfast is included and you can self cater your evening meal outside in the huge covered lapa, with its large braai facility. End the day with a relaxing braai or enjoy a crackling log fire in the guest lounge on a winter’s evening. Sleep will come easily in our comfortable en-suite guest rooms.

Hiking View

Otter

Nature Trails in Storms River Village

These walks are relatively easy and an average of 3km /h can indicate the time needed to complete the various walks. They traverse through forests classified as wet, medium moist and dry High Forest.

Plaatbos: Three routes have been laid out and have been colour-coded with yellow (8.09km); red (7.78km) and green (5.09km) footprints. On the yellow trail, one can enjoy a picnic and swim in the Storms River at the Old Bridge picnic site.
Goesa: For most of the way this short walk (2km) traverses through indigenous forests. On entering the forest, your walk will meander past some Hard Pear trees and beautiful Tree Ferns growing in a stream.
Ratel: A small entrance fee is required. This walk starts and ends at the Tsitsikamma Big Tree. Three routes have been laid out and have been colour coded with red (4.2km), yellow (2.6km) and green (1km) footprints giving a choice of walking distances. On the red walk, you will encounter a big Hard Pear tree and on the yellow walk, a big Yellowwood tree.

Nature Trails at Storms River Mouth

Conservation fee for entering the National Park will be charged, or, if you have a wild card – this is the time to use it.

The Mouth Trail (2km – 1hour) Starts at Sandy Bay (next to the restaurant) and takes one along a winding board walk through indigenous forest to the mouth of the Storms River, the famous suspension bridge and the Storms river Mouth Cave (Khoisan Heritage Site). For the more energetic, the trail continues after the bridge and leads up to the lookout point on the plateau. This is a steep climb.
The Lourie Trail (1km – 1 hour) This is a must for people who have never experienced the splendour of the indigenous forest. The Lourie trail emerges onto plateau at the Agulhas lookout point, after a brief uphill climb. The trail then passes through a short section of fynbos, before continuing through the spectacular coastal forest.
Blue Duiker Trail (3.7km – 2 hours) This trail is a slightly longer version of the Lourie Trail and will take you into the heart of the forest. There you will discover the true forest giants, of which the Outeniqua Yellowwood is surely the most imposing. The trail ends at the beginning of the famous Otter Trail.
Waterfall Trail (6km – 3 hours) The Waterfall Trail comprises the first 3km of the world-renowned Otter Trail. At the end of the 3km stretch along the rugged coastline, the spectacular waterfall, plunging into a deep pool, before flowing into the sea, will enchant you. We suggest that you take along your bathing costume and a picnic meal. This trail will take you approximately 1 ½ hours to walk to the waterfall and 1 ½ hours back. This trail is fairly strenuous and caution must be taken at high tides.

Trails a bit further afield

These trails are relatively easy and an average of 3km/h can indicate the time needed to complete the walk.

Rugbos: Three routes have been laid out and have been colour-coded with yellow (1.4km); green (1.3km) and blue (3.1km) footprints, giving a choice of walking distances. The green and blue walks starts at the Tsitsikamma Khoisan Village at the Bloukrans River. The yellow walk starts and ends at the Rugbos picnic site on the Bloukrans Pass. A big Yellowwood tree can be seen on the green walk.
Stinkhoutkloof: This nature trail is situated in the Tsitsikamma indigenous forest and starts and ends at the Bloukrans Forest Station. The walk (8km) traverse s through indigenous forest and plantation. Crane your neck up at the giant trees such as Yellowwood, White Pear, Stinkwood, Cherrywood and Cape Beech; and in the wetter parts you will encounter enormous Tree Ferns. At about the 5km mark, enjoy a swim in the pool.