The
West Coast of South Africa between the Berg and Olifants Rivers
offers superb hiking opportunities. The Crayfish
Trail starts in Elandsbaai one of the few places on the West
Coast with mountains, rivers and wetlands, long beaches and
snow white dunes.
The Trail links Elandsbaai to Lambertsbaai
a small fishing town turned business and holiday centre. Between
the traditional culture of the local fishing community, hundreds
of gannets at Bird Island and variety of waders occupying
the surrounding wetlands, Lambertsbaai has plenty to offer
cultural and natural history enthusiasts.
A long stretch of virtually uninhabited
coastline separates Lambertsbaai from Doringbaai. Doringbaai
once thrived around fishing but today the small harbour is
hardly used and the fishing factory is struggling along. Luckily
Doringbaai has much to offer the visitors with spectacular
ocean views from the cliff paths, unique coastal vegetation,
seabirds and in season - wildflowers, whales and dolphins.
Papendorp, the next stop along the Trail
is entirely different, offering visitors a quiet, peaceful
setting overlooking the wetland and mouth of the Olifants
River. From Papendorp hikers follow the Olifants River inland
to the last stop over in the peaceful farming and fishing
community of Ebenhaeser, originally founded as a mission station
in 1608.
See a gallery of recent images taken on the trail.
Trial
Hike Itinerary
Day of arrival: Drive
to Elandsbaai where you meet up with your local guide and
host for the evening. Depending on your time of arrival explore
the mountain that overlooks the wetland and beach. Enjoy the
hospitality of your local host and caterers. Overnight in
the Vleihuisie Guesthouse, a beautiful old clay farmhouse
that has been renovated into a guesthouse run by a community
enterprise. (We also use Elandsbay Guesthouse in case of larger groups - 8 or more.)
Distance: 0km
Hiking Day 1: Make
your way along the wetland to the beach and walk along the
beach adjacent beautiful white dune fields towards Steenboksfontein.
En route you will occasionally meander inland to look at interesting
features in the Strandveld. At Steenboksfontein you can meet
up with your host, Mrs. Burger and enjoy your meals in the local Farm
Kitchen. Overnight in Steenboksfontein Guesthouse.
Distance: 18km
Type of terrain: Mostly beach and dunes
(loose sand), some veld
Hiking Day 2: Continue along the beach for 9km to Lambertsbaai
for a cultural experience in the local fishing community,
with a memorable visit to well known Bird Island".
Spend the remainder of the day at leasure in Lambertsbaai,
with accommodation at Eureka's best seafront-chalets. Dinner at Isabella's Restaurant.
Type of terrain: Mostly beach and dunes
(loose sand), some veld
Hiking Day 3: A short guided drive (45km) through the Strandveld
will bring you to Doringbaai to begin the day's hiking.
Follow a scenic path along the cliff tops to Strandfontein
and on to Papendorp. En route you will see unique plants and
in winter and spring beautiful wildflowers, whales and dolphins.
Overnight in the Papendorp Guesthouse in a relaxed environment
overlooking the lovely Olifants River Mouth and wetland.
Distance: 15km
Type of terrain: Mostly beach and dunes
(loose sand), some veld
Hiking Day 4: Follow
an adventurous path along the Olifants River bank to Ebenhaeser.
The river walk is beautiful with plenty of interesting birds
and fishing activities to entertain you, but be prepared to
get muddy. Though not always available - there is the option
also to take a short boat ride on the river. Overnight at Ebenhaeser Guesthouse and enjoy the
quiet peace of this rural farming and fishing community. (Note that groups larger than 6
will split accommodation to Big River Bend - meals still eaten together.) Ebenhaeser
has many historical old clay buildings that are rapidly deteriorating.
The guesthouse is located in a lovely old clay house that
has recently been renovated by the Ebenhaeser Multi-Purpose
Resource Centre with the assistance of the Church, the Matzikama
Municipality and the Department of Environmental Affairs &
Tourism.
Distance: 18km
Type of terrain: Mostly veld, along the banks
of the Olifants River
Final day: Return
to Elandsbaai for your vehicle and your trip home.
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