STRANDLOPER HIKING TRAIL – 5 DAYS (4 NIGHTS)
19 TO 24 APRIL 00
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This is a very brief summary of the trail so as not to spoil the
adventure for future hikers. (A more detailed write-up will be available on
request for anyone interested).
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This trail was very enjoyable andamp; is highly recommended. (Maximum
group size is 12 hikers)
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Our group members (10) were Warwick andamp; Brenda Keating, Alison Hobday
andamp; Jeff Mathews, Aris Hofland, Irene Morris, Graham andamp; Jean Ward, Keith
(Leader) andamp; Margaret Ashton.
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The total trail distance from the Cape Morgan Nature Reserve (near Kei
Mouth) to Gonubie is just over 58 km The trail starts at the Strandloper
Ecotourism Centre at Cape Morgan andamp; follows the coast southwards to finish
at Gonubie.
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The route is mainly along the beaches, varying from soft to hard sand,
over boulders andamp; rocky shelves with a portion of cliff-top andamp; dune forest
walking, all of which is very pleasant. There are several rivers to cross, the
major ones being at Double Mouth, Kwelera andamp; Gonubie where, depending on the
tide you either wade or swim across. This where large plastic floatation bags
or backpack splash covers are essential to keep your backpacks dry.
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Day 1 is the Kei Mouth section (8.75 km)
staying overnight in “The Old Pumphouse “ which has its own (hikerstyle) tidal
pool.
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Day 2 is from “The Old Pumphouse” to
Double Mouth (7 km) staying overnight in Xhosa Huts. (The local Caravan site
ablutions with hot showers may be utilised – wonderful).
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Day 3 is from Double Mouth to Cape
Henderson (14.5 km) staying overnight in a “Knysna style” timber cabin. No
fires allowed here andamp; no shower at all. Although the nearby caravan site
ablutions are out of bounds to hikers,
fresh produce including bread, milk andamp; beer can be obtained from their shop.
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Day 4 is from Cape Henderson to Beacon
Valley (13.5 km) staying overnight in a three-bed roomed Settlers Cottage.
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Day 5 is from Beacon Valley to Gonubie
(14.4 km) after the last wade / swim across the Gonubie river. The views andamp; sunrises are spectacular
andamp; we had magnificent weather throughout the trail.
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We would love to do it all again.
Thanks to Warwick for his intrepid leadership andamp; help in crossing the
major rivers.
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