The Strandloper Trail in Kei Mouth, Eastern Cape, South Africa | Hiking

The Strandloper Trail, Kei Mouth, Eastern Cape, South Africa

The Strandloper Trail running from Kei Mouth, Eastern Cape and starts at the Cape Morgan Eco Tourism Centre to Gonubie - truly a spectacular trail. Between silver beaches and pit-stop hotels are a few natural obstacles - like the Kwelera River with its sharp rocks underfoot. The Strandloper is not only about beaches. The trail takes in estuaries, high cliffs with panoramic views and coastal forests which buzz with birds and insects.

This 5 day trail follows the beach from Kei Mouth to Gonubie passing several Hotels and also running through forests. The trail can be walked through the year. Warm, windless conditions are optimal between February and May. It's best to avoid the Christmas season and Easter as the hotels and beaches become crowded with holidaymakers.

The huts have braai places, water and ablution facilities. They all have wood provided except Cape Henderson (no fires allowed due to the log cabin being situated in the forest).

You will be given a tide table so that you can plan to cross estuaries at low tide, particularly at Quko, Kwenxura, Kwelera and Gonubie. It is also best to tackle the long stretch between Cape Henderson and Beacon Valley at low tide when you can walk on the harder inter-tidal area. This is a lovely day on the beach no matter what the tide.

The shoreline above the high water mark from Cape Morgan to Gonubie is appropriately named The Strandloper Trail. Stretching for 59 km it is named after the ?beachcombers? who subsisted there prior to European settlement. Each section of the trail was designed to reveal many special aspects of the coastline so the hiker may capture a complete Strandloper experience. Enjoy the beautiful beaches, the surf, and the opportunity to fish, sail or just watch the great variety of bird life. It is advisable to carry a tide table.