This fantastic Oystercatcher Trail has two keys to unlocking an awareness of the need to protect our environment: close contact with the wonders of the earth, and well-educated guides with a passion for their subject and an ability to get their message across.

The Oystercatcher Trail Hiking Trail South Africa is a world acclaimed hiking experience, and offers both. It was rated by National Geographic Traveller as “One of the Top 50 tours of a life time” for 2007.

The BBC classes it as “30 Unforgettable walks to do before you die”

GETAWAY Magazine rated it as one of the “top 5 South African hikes”.

The aim is to ensure that hikers enjoy every step and learn much about our fragile and beautiful environment.

The Oystercatcher Trail hike is renowned for its eco and cultural educational value. The daily distances are normally completed in about 6 hours. You carry only your day pack as we shuttle
your luggage.

Day 1

Self drive to Mosselbaai or Boggomsbaai, or fly to George airport where you will be met and transported to your first night stop.

Enjoy welcome drinks and program discussion followed by 3 course dinner.Overnight in Cape style cottages in Boggomsbaai or in Mossel Bay at Highview Lodge.

Day 2

You are transferred to the starting point of the Trail, at historical St Blaize Cave. Meander along cliffs and contour paths to Dana Bay, passing over Pinnacle Point golf estate.

There is an optional visit to Stone age caves, and swimming in rock pools. Pick up at Dana Bay and transported to overnight stay at Sandpiper cottages in Boggomsbaai. There is a pre dinner talk and video on the Black Oystercatcher.

Day 3

Begins with transport back to Dana Bay to continue the guided hike to Boggomsbaai along the beach.

There is the opportunity to locate Oystercatcher nests, eggs, chicks, etc., there are frequent sightings of whales, in season, from close range (June to October).

Watch out for dolphins along the route. Visit ancient Khoi San middens in the dunes. Arrive mid afternoon at Sandpiper cottages.

Day 4

Leave after breakfast to hike along the beach and rocky coast at sea level to historical Fransmanshoek where the La Fortune French war ship sank in 1763.

Enjoy a beach lunch, snorkeling and swimming in secluded bay. After lunch, continue hike along the coast to Kanon Village.

For the fitter participants, there is the option to walk up great sand dunes. Depending the group size, the overnight stop is either at at Cape Vacca & Kanon with sharing facilities, or Sandpiper Cottages in Boggomsbaai. Enjoy an unforgettable Fish Dinner at the fireplace.

Day 5

Your trip ends with a short hike to Gourits River. Take a boat trip across the Gouritsriver or hike back through Fynbos to Kanon Village. There is a return transfer to Boggomsbaai, followed by a Champagne brunch farewell at the Sandpiper Sports Centre.

The rate of R 5 450.00 per person sharing (minimum of 6 people) includes: All accommodation (4 star), all meals including lunch packs, transfers of luggage between overnight stops.

Return transfers at beginning and end of trail including George Airport, trained guide every day. Bar and alcoholic drinks are excluded.

Day 6

Rates for smaller groups available on request. All accommodation is on a sharing basis, single accommodation can be provided at an additional rate of R150 per day.

Hikers carry only a small day pack with water, sun screen, lunch pack, etc.*

There is a 3-day option, which starts on either a Tuesday or a Thursday. Day 1, self drive to Boggomsbaai, or fly to George airport where you will be met and transported to Boggomsbaai. Overnight in Cape-style cottages in Boggomsbaai.

Enjoy welcome drinks and program discussion followed by 3 course dinner.

The rate of R 2 950.00 per person sharing (minimum of 6 people) includes: All accommodation (4 star), all meals including lunch packs, transfers of luggage between overnight stops, return transfers at beginning and end of trail including George Airport, trained guide every day.

(Bar and alcoholic drinks are excluded).

Rates for smaller groups available on request. All accommodation is on a sharing basis, single accommodation can be provided at an additional rate of R150 per day.

What to bring on the Oystercatcher Trail

Hikers carry only a small day pack with water, sun screen, lunch pack, etc. An added bonus is the use of the Sandpiper Sport and Spa Centre which is available exclusively to our guests.

This centre includes:

• Indoor heated saltwater health pool
• Sauna
• Glass back squash court
• Tennis court,
• Toning gym
• Spinning bikes
• Jacuzzi situated on the upper deck
• Wonderful views of the bay
• In season, Southern Right whales.

Optional extras are massages and health therapies, by appointment with the local therapist.

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Oystercatcher Trail Tour Guides

Fred Orban is the founder and owner of the Oystercatcher Trail, and the owner of Sandpiper Safaris specialising in 1 to 4 day hiking trails on the Mossel Bay coast and in the Kannaland Karoo.

A passionate environmentalist, that is the founder chairman of the Boggomsbaai Conservancy, MEP (Mossel Bay Environmental Partnership), the ex-chairman of the Fransmanshoek Conservancy, a retired member of Pinnacle Point elc, a retired trustee of the Pinnacle Point Conservation Trust, a previous board member of cape Nature, and a founder member of St Blaize Bio-diversity Forum.

A several environmental awards and was the Simonsvlei Environmental Achiever of 2007. He was the award winner of the National Fynbos Forum in 2002. He is an Honorary ranger with Marine and Coastal Management.

Fred owns Sandpiper Cottages, and Sandpiper Sport and Spa centre in Boggomsbaai. He is the founder developer of Kleinbos and Springerbaai eco and solar energy estates.

Cobus Mostert is the Operations manager of the Oystercatcher Trail and Sandpiper Safaris. He will be guide on the trail. He has several guiding, hunting and tourism qualifications.

A hunting guide in the Timbavati area, the General Manager of Kata Kisu private natur reserve and head guide at the Garden Route Game Lodge. He is an excellent chef and does wonderful open-file traditional meals.

Willie (Welile) Komani is the chief guide on the Oystercatcher Trail, and has been since it’s inception. He is world renowned for his dedication to the environment a coastal cleaner and holds a tourism/guiding qualification.