About Swart Tobie Trail
Start: Koekenaap, adjacent to Lutzville
Finish: Koekenaap
Duration: 5 days, 80 km
Fitness: moderately fit
Our tip: watch the incoming tides as there are sections where you may be trapped by water, and low tide walking is a lot easier on the legs
This fairly new hike takes you along a virtually unexplored stretch of the West Coast close to the farming community of Koekenaap. The wilderness trail is named after the red beak oystercatcher, also known as the Swart Tobie.
Part of the route takes you to an alluvial diamond mine not usually accessible to the public. This and the sheer beauty of the lonely coastline little explored by visitors and locals to the area, tidal pools filled with crayfish and mussels, and the chance to explore some of the most incredible rock formations make this hike a must-do.
The trail is a slackpacker trail, in the sense that any large items are transported for you. But you need to supply everything except water, gas lamps and firewood (and a trowel and toilet paper). Your accommodation is rustic so bring all your creature comforts with you.
You average 16 km of hiking along the coast a day. A series of different colour flags are used as indicators: green for halfway and overnight spots, red for ascend and descend, and white for interesting spots.
Highlights
• In particular look out for the red beak oyster catcher close to the mouth of the Olifants River
• Duiwegat on the stretch between Gert du Toit Bay and Helga's Heights is a series of potholes over which you peer
• crayfish season is between November and April, but you will need a permit
• flower season is mid-August to October
Need to Know
WhereStart in Koekenaap, adjacent to Lutzville, Cape West Coast, Western Cape
WhenDaylight hours.
How muchPrices on request.
Telephone+27 (0)86 152-2262
OvernightStay nearby in Lutzville, in Western Cape
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Accommodation convenient to Swart Tobie Trail
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