The famous Garden Route MTO Tsitsikamma hiking trail has recently had its overnight huts refreshed and upgraded. What’s more, is that hikers can now choose a porterage option for slackpackers.
Straddling the Western and Eastern Cape, the MTO Tsitsikamma Trail has attracted hikers for more than 40 years. Traversing some of South Africa’s most scenic landscapes, the trail can be done either as a day pass, a six-day full hike (62.3kms) or only for a few days if preferred. The choice of duration is for those whose boots hit the ground.
Part of the transformations has seen the construction of cross-laminated timber (CLT) sleeping units made from timber from the MTO plantations themselves. On-site in the Tsitsikamma, MTO has built a series of two-man A-frame units as well as more extensive 6-person huts complete with their own eating areas.
Existing huts have also been given an overhaul to make them more comfortable.
The communal meeting, cooking and washing facilitieshave gotten a makeover too -no more bucket showers of cold water – as a state-of-the-art donkey and showerheads are now installed. But, if showering in the elements and on full display to the accompanying nature is more your style, each of the accommodation sites will now host an outdoor shower.
Solar-driven ‘electricity’ points also cater for the modern hiker with a USB charging ability now on offer, along with other charging points.
The hike is graded with a difficulty rating of 6/10, with relatively long days, requiring moderate to good fitness.
Technical rating: Standard trail walking, interspersed with small river crossings and some beach walking on day one.
Bookings can be made either online at: www.mtotrails.com or call 0871582110 or email: [email protected].
Rates
Overnight: R200 per person per day at any of the huts. A maximum of 24 people per night at each hut.
Day hike: R50 person (no accommodation)
Porterage: R825 per hut for the first five people. Thereafter R165 per person.
Pictures: Supplied
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