THE HAKERVILLE BACK PACK TRAIL

The Hakerville Hiking Trail is a magnificent 2 day Back Pack trail and is situated near Plettenberg Bay and Knysna in the beautiful Garden Route, Western Cape.

The Harkerville hut (Base camp) is About 1.7 km from the N2. Turn off on the N2 at the Sasol petrol station. This trail is (20 – 24km), over 2 days and includes some rugged coastline that rivals even the Otter Trail. This trail begins at the end of the Outeniqua Hiking Trail and can easily be added as an extra few days onto the longer Outeniqua Trail.

(Only for the very fit and experienced hikers).

The Harkerville Trail is not your conventional two day hiking trail. If wooden bridges, ladders, chains, steep cliffs, narrow wooden stairs and soaring heights are not your cup of tea, rather try another hike. But, if these words excite you: DO IT! You won’t be disappointed.The feeling of accomplishment at the end is incredible!
There are ample rock pools to explore and taking your goggles and snorkel is not far– fetched at all. Don’t be in a hurry on this hike. Its’ astonishing that between the bustling towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay there is an untouched portion of coastline that shows no signs of development or civilization.

 

The Harkerville Hut

(S34 02 53.0 E23 14.049)

  • This hut has separate rooms with bunk beds and mattresses,(sleeps 12 max) a braai area with wood, toilets and hot showers.  Hikers need to bring all cooking utensils, pots, cutlery and crockery, as well as own sleeping bags, pillows, towels, toilet paper, dish washing clothes, soaps etc.  Cars are safe there but don’t leave valuables in vehicles.

The Sinclair Hut

(S34 04 46.5 E23 11 27.7)

  • consists of two rooms with bunk beds and mattresses which sleep 12. There are flush toilets with wash basins but no showers.

  • There is also a very inviting covered braai area with wood.

THE HIKING TRAILS

  • Each day is +- 10-11km. There are alternatives/ escape routes to follow in bad weather or any emergencies. The route markers are on black signs with white boot prints on.

  • Be aware of cyclists as the route shares certain stretches of the initial paths with the Harkerville Mountain Bike Trails.  

  • On day one the route crossed is the PerdekopDay Trail and on day two the Kranshoek Hiking Trail. Ascertain to take the correct routes.

  • It’s a good idea to sleep at the Harkerville Hut prior to the start of the hike.

Day one:

The 10.5 km hike on day one is diverse – and takes you straight through indigenous forest.

 

 

  • You are immediately transported into a world of forest sounds, moss covered trees, cicada beetles and plenty of diverse flora:indigenous forests, stream crossings, the coast, chains along the cliffs, caves, etc.

  • The trail continues for approximately 10kms through this blissful environment until eventually reaching a cliff top, overlooking an incredible piece of ocean and coast. (There is an escape/ shorter option just after 4,5km taking hikers to Sinclair Hut in case of bad weather or emergencies.)

Day two

its just as beautiful with breath taking panoramic views! Start early!!

  • From Sinclair hut it continues to Witrivier (10km) where it is diverted onto the green and red route jeep track and finally links up with the original route at Kranshoek Picnic area. 

  • From there it follows the original route through the forest to the Harkerville office.

  • Hikers are treated to a spectacular views of the Indian Ocean between Sinclair hut and Kleineiland as well as at the viewpoint at Kranshoek Picnic area, which is about 5km from Harkerville.  

The Harkeville is an incredible trail, albeit only 2 days. This is why it is highly recommended to add this exquisite trail onto the end of the Outeniqua trail, dependent on time constraints. These extra few days will no doubt test the muscles, but all will be thoroughly worth it! It rivals the most beautiful hikes this country has to offer and should definitely be a feature on any hiker’s bucket list.

RATES:  R250.00 P/P/P/ NIGHT