Set in the heart of the famous Garden Route, this magnificent trail leads through indigenous forests and montane fynbos, majestic mountain scenery, views of the coastal plateau, relics of the gold rush near Millwood, bird and animal life of the forest and fynbos, mountain streams and pools.  The forest and the wet fynbos depend on high rainfall, so be prepared for rain and mist.  The Outeniqua Hiking Trail is a 5-day trail with 4 overnight huts.  The trail may only be done in one direction – from West to East. The total distance of the trail is 66km. The terrain rating is from easy to difficult.  Fisheries (DEFF), so all hikers require a permit.

Facilities

The huts offer shelter, firewood, grids, water and rudimentary bedding, no pots. There is only electricity at Diepwalle & Harkerville huts.  Minimum of two and maximum of 24 hikers allowed on the trail.

Park your car at Goudveld Gate and hike about 8km to Milkwood hut, where you will overnight your first night. – Please ignore this as Millwood hut burnt down.  Your first night will be at Rondebossie, so you need to be dropped at Millwood and start hiking from there.

Please note the following:

The trail is not a circular route.  Hikers will need to organise their own shuttle to transport them between the start and end of the trail.   Goudveld gate is in Rheenendal, it is approximately 60km before you get to the turn off that goes to Rheenendal.  The turn off will be on your left side when coming from George.  For Directions they can contact Goudveld gate on 076 906 8125 or 081 448 6655.

Please note the following:

• Milwood Hut burnt down and Rondebossie wil now be your first overnight hut on the trail
• Cars must be parked at Goudveld Parking Area and a transfer needs to be booked to get to Millwood hut, so you can start your hike from there.
• Other option for parking is, to leave your car at Harkerville station and be transferred to Millwood hut and when you are done you will be at your car.
• For Transfers to and from the start, accommodation or airport transfers, please inquire with us as we make use of Oupa Daan’s Services and Accommodation (Highly recommended).

Day to Day

Millwood to Rondebossie Hut:

This is +- 17km and is quite hilly. Although you walk in the forest, it can become extremely hot. Take adequate water and nutrition to help kerb exhaustion. Don’t miss the swimming spot on the Knysna River. Just when you think you have really had enough, the hut suddenly appears in a clearing in the forest.

Rondebossie to Diepwalle Hut:

About 13km and passes on old forestry machine shortly after the start, but don’t spend too much time taking photos because a hill awaits you and after that another HILL. The top offers a spectacular view. The rest of the route you just cruise to Diepwalle hut where electricity and a warm shower awaits you. Diepwalle hut is also a great start/stop point for shorter route options.

Diepwalle to Fisantehoek Hut:

Other hiking trails criss-cross this 16km route near the start so be alert not to follow the wrong indicators. The route crosses two rivers which offer refreshing resting spots.  Be aware that the weather can change rapidly, so come prepared. Take clothing for heat/cold/rain and extra rations in case of emergency. A first aid kit is essential.  Please do not litter or disturb plant life. Also take caution when preparing food where you rest that you erect your stove in a safe place so as not to cause fires. If you smoke, please ensure that your cigarette butts are properly extinguished.

Fisantehoek Hut to Harkerville Hut:

The 2^nd last day is also spent almost entirely in the forest. After crossing the N2, a slightly rude awakening of the modern world, you still had about 5/6km left in the forest, before reaching the Harkerville Hut.

Harkerville Hut to Sinclair Hut:

The trail leaves Harkerville Hut and takes you straight through indigenous forest (much like the previous few days on Outeniqua). You are immediately transported into a world of forest sounds, moss covered trees, cicada beetles and plenty of diverse flora. The trail continues for approximately 12kms through this blissful environment until eventually reaching a cliff top overlooking an incredible piece of ocean and coast.

Distances:

• Goudveld Gate to Millwood: 8km
• Day 1 – Millwood to Rondebossie: 17km
• Day 2 – Rondebossie to Diepwalle: 13km
• Day 3 – Diepwalle to Fisantehoek: 16km
• Day 4 – Fisantehoek to Harkerville 12km
• Day 5 – Harkerville to Sinclair Hut – 12km

Relevant Questions:

Is there drinking water on the trail?

Yes, at huts and streams on route. At Diepwalle there is a community Tea Garden and water and other refreshments. At Millwood there is Mother Holly`s Tea Garden and they also offer refreshments and food.

Is there cell phone reception on the trail?

Throughout the trail there is good reception however whenever you are in a valley or a deep kloof there will not be. There are power points for charging cell phones in the ablution block at Millwood and Diepwalle only.

Coordinates: Huts:

• Millwood Hut: S33 53.402 E22 59.827
• Rondebossie Hut: S33 55.211 E23 03.944
• Diepwalle Hut: S33 56.960 E23 09.397
• Fisantehoek Hut: S34 00.273 E23 13.622
• Sinclair Hut – Sinclair Hut: S34 04 46.5 E23 11 27.7

Rates:

• R177.00 pp.pd
• Min – 2
• Max – 24

Harkerville Hut

• R220.00 pp.pd

Sinclair Hut

• R220.00 pp.pd

Admin Fee:

• R55.00 once off per reservation.