Trail Preparation

While Garden Route Trail offers our 5 day Coastal Trek throughout the year, it is encumbent on guests to be prepared for five days of walking through nature. This preparation includes ensuring that you have a rudimentry level of fitness to be able to be out doors for at least five hours per day.

Most important is to ensure that you have the correct equipment for 5 days of walking. Below is a list of clothing and equipement that we suggest you should include when packing for the trail :

• Sunhat, sunscreen and sunglasses,
• Waterproof bag for phones, camera's and binoculars,
• Chargers, plug adapters and spare batteries,
• Hand torch or headlamp,
• Fleece jacket, thermal base layer and water proof shell,
• One pair of quick drying pants for the canoe stages,
• Comfortable pair of walking shoes - we suggest lace up trainers for the beach stages,
• Light weight towel for the if you plan to swim,
• Personal toiletries.
• All prescribed medication.
• Comfortable day pack, preferably with waist strap,

Vehicle Parking :

Vehicles are parked the Wilderness National Park at the clients own risk in a secure area. The parking area is adjacent to the reception of the park and there is nocturnal security.

Trail Description :

• Exertion Rating : medium
• Total distance approx. 58km combined walking and canoeing, 2nd day is a 16km beach stage.
• Activities : Walking and canoeing
• Terrain : predominantly beach and sand, forest trail, few gradients.
• Maximum altitude : 116m
• Rating : easy to medium.
• Fitness requirement : average.
• Age group : 8 yrs and older. The average age of our guests for the past 6 years is 65 years old. The oldest guest has been 81 and his friend was celebrating his 80th!