South Africa boasts so many hiking trails and such stunning scenery - good for both soul and body! We recently did a short road trip and repeated the hike to Storms River Mouth once again. This time we did it later in the day and it was cooler than doing it mid morning.
The trail is suitable for all ages and there is a beach for swimming either before or after.
The info below is courtesy of South African Parks
Trails from Storms River Mouth Rest Camp (Tsitsikamma Section)
The Mouth trail (2km - 1 hour)
Starts at Sandy Bay (next to the restaurant) and takes one along a winding board walk through indigenous forest to the mouth of the Storm River, the famous suspension bridge, the Stormsriver Mouth Cave (Khoisan Heritage Site) and to the Spirit of Tsitsikamma boat jetty. For the more energetic, the trail continues after the bridge and leads to the lookout point on the plateau. The journey to the bridge and back will take you approximately 40 minutes.
The Lourie Trail (1km - 1 hour)
This is a 1km walk through the forest and is relatively easy, taking 1 hour to complete. It is a must for those 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 Yellowood 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 make a day of it and take along your bathing costume and a picnic meal. This trail will take you approximately 1½ hours to walk to the waterfall and 1½ hours back. This trail is fairly strenuous and caution must be taken at high tides.
For those with more time, try one of the many activities in the area - one such is Kayak and Lilo - this will take you under the Suspension bridge and into the Storms River Gorge.
Walking Over the Suspension Bridge is not for the feint-hearted as it hangs 77 M above the dark river below! But a must do!
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