BASIC HIKING TRAIL WITH BACKPACKS NO GUIDES

***NO DOGS/PETS ALLOWED***

For the next four days you will join the ranks of the Strandlopers as you discover their world of wave washed shores, exquisite tidal pools, pristine estuaries, leafy forests and wild white sand dunes.

Terrain:

Beach, Sand, Krantze, Rocky areas. Boulders, Pebbles, Shingle, Deep Sand, Goat Paths, etc. Minimum five river crossings – wear closed sand shoes or old takkies for river crossings – don’t cross in your hiking boots, don’t cross at the mouth of the rivers.

Distance:

Approximately 59 kms 3 nights and 4 days 

No.of hikers:

4 Minimum and 12 maximum.

Trail Start:

08h30 a.m. – Briefing Enviro Centre in Kei Mouth by Trail Manager

Trail Day by Day:

Depending on the season there could be up to 7 river crossings, and the depth of water is determined by the tides.  Out of the rainy season maximum of 4 river crossings. Quko, Kwenxura, Kwelerha and Gonubie.

Before the hike:

Kei Mouth Enviro Centre Dormitory accommodation is available for those that need it. Basic accommodation with ablutions, kitchen, braai with grid and wood, electricity, and parking. This cost is over and above the hiking fee. – R150 per person (to be banked with hiking fees).

Day 1:

Beach walk and grass pathways to Double Mouth via Morgan Bay – 13kms

It’s possible to have a meal in Morgan Bay on the way at either of the restaurants available. Double Mouth – Basic log cabin. Ablu?ons including flush loo are available in the Double Mouth Caravan Park. Wood for braai is kept in a locker. You will pay for the wood for Double Mouth at your briefing (R40) and receive a key for a locker.

Day 2:

First section rocky to Quko River then sandy beaches, goat paths and short rocky area and beaches to Haga Haga Hotel – 9kms

Haga Haga Hotel – 2 rooms with 6 bunks in each room together with shower and toilet – no braai available, pub lunch or dinner or even a takeaway from the hotel.

Day 3:

First section 8 kms rocky shelf/shingle beaches and then 14 kms lovely sandy beaches to Beacon Valley – 22kms

Late lunch could be eaten at one of the few establishments in Chintsa East or West.

Beacon Valley – 12 bunks and 12 vinyl covered mattresses, 12 plastic chairs. Water is available from rainwater tanks and is used for cold shower and basin. There is a long drop toilet. NO CUTLERY, CROCKERY OR LINEN!!

There is a braai and grid is available – wood is kept in a crate in the hut. Pay for wood at briefing (R40)

Day 4:

First section to Kwelerha River – sandy beaches as well as rocky sections. From Kwelerha to Gonubie River rocky and pebble beaches – 15kms.

Coffee/light meals available at Yellow Sands Caravan park on a limited number of days during the week. This depends on the season.

Leave keys at Gonubie Hotel reception when finished. Have a celebratory meal in Gonubie on hike completion.

Climate:

Warm months with rain: Dec, Jan, Feb, March, April      
Cool months: May, June, July. Warm days, cool nights, less wind or rain. Sleeping bags and track suits for the evenings.
Cool with wind and rain: August, September, October, November.
Best months to hike – May, June and July
Average annual temperature is 22 degrees
Latest departure from Gonubie or East London to Kei Mouth is 14h00

Electricity:

No electricity at Double Mouth or Beacon Valley. Electricity at Enviro Centre and Haga Haga Hotel. Bring headlights, candles and matches. (Charge your cell phones at hotels or restaurants along the way)

Shops:

Hotels, shops and bottle stores at villages halfway between huts. (plus minus lunch time) take aways or pub lunches. Rainwater tanks at villages and at overnights.

Hiker’s Equipment:

Sturdy backpack, hiking stick, hiking boots, shorts, t-shirts, underclothes, socks, hat, windbreaker, water bottle, sunblock, rain poncho, track suit, sleeping bag, rockies/strops/crocs or old closed takkies for river crossings, 30m thin nylon rope & survival bag for backpack for river crossings,      A children’s blow up tube to float across rivers,  basic cooking/eating utensils, small gaz stove/cooker, torch/candles, matches, swimming costume, towels, toilet paper, chronic medication, vaseline, plasters, firelighters

Children:

No age restrictions (recommended 7 years and older)

Parents to be aware that the terrain changes constantly along the coast – from rocky – to Rock shelf – to grass – to goat paths – to shingle beaches – to sandy beaches

Meals:

Carry minimum – fruit, water, snacks, breakfast goodies. You can have pub lunches, take-aways or purchase meat and groceries at village shops and hotels between overnight huts. Seal all foodstuffs, clothes, and valuables such as cameras, wallets, spectacles, cel phones, etc, in plastic bags.

Medical Aid:

All details to your group leader. Carry your medical card with you in case of emergency evacuation. Does your medical aid cover helicopter evacuation?

Medical Emergencies:

Doctor in Morgan Bay Dr Torch Dalgleish 043 8311239   A/H or   082 659 8491 on weekends. 

Dr only available between 9 and 10 am on weekdays.     Book an appointment

Banks or ATM’s:

Credit card facilities at hotels, etc.
ATM’s at some shops along the way

Safety:

Very safe trail.  Emergency evacuation procedure in place.  A survival bag is recommended for river crossings to keep your pack dry.

Shuttles:

TIDEWATERS Transport Services/Accommodation
Deon 082 463 7524 info@tidewaters.co.za
DYLAN LEES – Shuttle Service – 082 825 0624 info@greatkeiadventures.com
Gonubie Shuttle – Tracy – 083 528 8663
Imonti Tours – Velile – info@imontitours.co.za
083 487 8975    velile@imontitours.co.za

Rates:

• R950.00 pp – 3 Night Hike
• Enviro Centre dormitory overnight at the base camp in Kei Mouth R 150.00 per person for the night before you hike.

Double Mouth: From 1^st April 2022 Eastern Cape Parks Board levy of R44-00 pp CARD ONLY to be paid at the office at Double Mouth when you arrive at Double Mouth Overnight.

Admin Fee:

• R55.00 – once off per reservation