One of the first to introduce the Slackpacking Hiking concept - The Oystercatcher Trail was founded in 2002.
The Oystercatcher Trail is highly recommended and truly a wonderful experience, that will change your outlook on nature and life...•
The Oystercatcher Trail was established for Nature Concervation and Tourisme and was design with what was available, practical, and economical at that time. The protection and awareness of the then endangered Black Oystercatcher and the Coast line was reasons for this.
The World-Renowned Oystercatcher Slackpack Trail: It’s a love affair with nature.
Hike the largely undeveloped South Cape(Garden Route) coastline between Mossel Bay and Gourikwa Private Nature Reserve, crossing the spectacular Gouritz River along the way.
The Mossel Bay area features the Big 5 of the ocean being a World-class biodiversity hotspot. During the mild cooler months, Whales come in to give birth in the quiet protected bays. Dazzling us with their displays of breaching and lob-tailing.
The combination of bird and marine life as well as a great variety of Fynbos species, makes it a nature enthusiast paradise!
Unpack once, relax and enjoy, so you only need carry a small day-pack on your walk each day. Making hiking a real slackpacking pleasure. For Much More Slack we can alter the distance from 46km to as little as 28km over the 3 days slackpack hiking.
Overnight accommodation in well appointed coastal establishments in Gourikwa Private Nature Reserve or Mossel Bay, which are confirmed according to group size and hiking duration are included in our full board trails or a self-catering option is available on request
Explore Our trails
The Oystercatcher Trail: 5 days, 3 days slackpack hike, 4 nights love affair with nature
The Oystercatcher Trail is a 4 nights, 3 days slackpack guided walk from Gourits River Mouth to Mossel Bay covering a distance of 46km over 3 days of hiking. For a Much More Slack we can shorten the total distance to 28km or 60% of the full trail distance. Whats also appealing is you stay in one location for all 4 nights. So you unpack once, relax and enjoy the duration of your trail. We transport you to the start points each day. We accommodate you in Gourikwa Private Nature Reserve or Mossel Bay at our selected units. All meals included.
Happy Hiker: 3 days with 2 days slackpack hike and 2 nights
Limited on travel time? Our Happy Hiker is perfect for those hikers who want to experience the Oystercatcher Trail but don't have a lot of time on their hands. Hike 2 days of the Oystercatcher Trail with one of our guides. Includes 2 hiking days and 2 nights accommodation and all your meals. Unpack, realax and enjoy your duration of rhte trail. For Much More Slack we can shorten the distance per day.
Oystercatcher 1 Day Trail: St Blaize
Perfect for time-bound hikers or for locals to enjoy a day out in nature. Learn about the plant -, marine - and birdlife as well as the rich history and archaeology of this magnificent trail. Experience the rugged coastline like never before while enjoying amazing scenery throughout the hike.
Oystercatcher Trail 1 Day Trail: Fransmanshoek Conservancy
Learn about plant -, marine - and birdlife as well as the rich history and archaeology of the Fransmanshoek Conservancy.
Guest Reviews
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Wonderful experience for body, psyche and soul
It was a wonderful experience for body, psyche and soul. Being so close to the sea, on the beach, over the rocks, amongst the fynbos. The weather was excellent, our guide Chris very informative, respectful and kind. The accommodation excellent, the breakfasts / lunches / suppers very tasteful. The hosts were friendly and checked in regularly. I reflect back on the experience daily. We are already planning a next... Read this review
franscilliers
Pretoria
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I wish I could do this walk every month
I would love to do this every month - it was spectacular. The accommodation was lovely, and it showcased some of the best coastal scenery in South Africa.
Cobus P
Unknown
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Great coastal hike
We are a group of 12 ladies who do a yearly hike over woman’s day in August and the Oystercatcher trail did not disappoint this year. Mia, Willem and our guide Georgia went out of their way for us; meeting us with champagne on the boat at Gouritzriver, adjusting the complete 4 day hike into 3 days and arranging a lovely warm lunch on day 2. Such attention to... Read this review
Liezet B
Stellenbosch
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We just had the most awesome 3 days. The hike is a spiritual reawakening. It’s challenging but doable. Taylor, our guide was amazing. The scenery is spectacular. Our accommodation was fantastic too. Highly recommend. Thanks Mia and Willem.
Martine Schaffer
South Africa
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What an awesome experience, Chris is an extremely knowledgeable guide - what an outstanding outdoor adventure. Accommodation and food superb - all wonderful people deserve a huge shoutout.
Glenham Griffiths
South Africa
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