The Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail

Day 2 of the Tsitsikamma Trail is very varied and one of the toughest.

It starts with a relatively steep climb - make sure you enjoy the view of Natures Valley when you get to the top. Then you head into a stretch of beautiful fynbos and onwards into indigenous afromontane forest towards the Tsitsikamma mountains. This section is very beautiful and cool in the shade of gorgeous trees. Keep your eyes open for the magnificent Outeniqua Yellowoods.

After crossing under the N2 National Road you will start to climb again. BE WARNED: old maps of the trail show the length of Day 2's hike at 13,5km. This has since changed and is now 16,5km.

The trail joins onto a gravel road for the last 3km which is pretty much a climb the entire length. This stretch has no shade whatsoever so plenty of stops are warranted if hiking during summer.

You may be cursing at how much your feet hurt when you reach Blaauwkrans Hut but you will soon forget them when you see the beautiful view. Overlooking river gorges, private rockpools and with Peak Formosa in the distance, this is when you realise that you are truly on holiday.

Enjoy swimming in the rockpools or if you are hiking in winter, you can use the bucket system at the hut to have a hot shower.

Tips for Day 2:

• Frozen meat wrapped up in your sleeping bag with probably stay fresh so why not enjoy a little meat at the end of one of the toughest days on the hike.
• The map shows an incorrect distance to the hut. The actual distance is 16,5km not 13,5km. Be prepared.
• Enjoy a swim in the rock pools at the Blaauwkrans hut.

Photos from Day 2