The Dolphin Trail — Attraction in Kou-Kamma Local Municipality

This was one of the BEST experiences of my life. I don't know why more people don't know about this trail. It's slackpacking so all you need is a day pack. Your guide carries extra water, first aid kit and some other essentials. You get your main luggage transported for you from place to place by the Dolphin Trail. Every detail was taken care of. From the moment we arrived we didn't have to plan a thing.

The hikes: The booking is for 3 nights but you only hike 2 days. About 7.5km on day 1 and 9.5km on day 2. We started around 9:30am and ended around 3:30/4pm each day. You hike across suspension bridges, in shady forests, amongst meadows with every variety of wildflower and bird. You go along rugged coastal rocks, swim in tidal pools, we even saw a humpback whale! On day 3 you do a drive into the Tsitsikamma village. Lots of quaint shops and pretty farmhouses. A place to buy knick-knacks. Then back to Storms River Mouth where it all started.

Service: Our guide, Ash, was not only knowledgeable but also super friendly and accommodating. The staff at all 3 places were beyond friendly. Nothing was too much for them, big smiles always, helpful and looked like they loved their jobs. The food was superb. Not just the meals in the restaurant but also the food that was packed for lunch or the picnics they set up for us on the trails (delicious brownies, juice and coffee, wraps, chicken wings, quiche, milk tart)

The accommodation: It gets better every night. It's quite basic on the first night but clean and right next to the ocean. Misty Mountain and The Fernery are beyond incredible!! Delicious food and wine, spa, outdoor jacuzzi, views for days, luxury accommodation. And the price was just so reasonable for all this.

This is more like a luxury retreat than a rugged hike - not at all like the Otter Trail. It's a chance to enjoy stunning nature, get some decent exercise and then relax and indulge in the evening. HIGHLY recommend for anyone who is looking for a uniquely South African luxury...

We (four of us) really enjoyed the Dolphin Trail hike and experience, and would do it again in a minute! Having done the Otter Trail a few years ago, we wanted to enjoy this gorgeous coast and forests in a slackpacking mode, and it was great (and we were lucky enough to not have others in our group, so we were a small, private group). We had a wonderful, nice, helpful and knowledgeable guide (Ryno), whom we hope to hike with again on this or other trails. We all enjoyed the Misty and Fernery lodges (amazing places), the food and hospitality, and the foot massage (reflexology) at Misty. The two days of hiking were challenging enough to enjoy the comforts after each day, and the scenery was just gorgeous. Storms River guest camp where we started (on a rainy day/night) is lovely (beautiful position on the sea!) but could use a few enhancements (e.g. a heater in the chalet - we froze that first night!), which hopefully will be in place once the new restaurant and other new amenities are in place. We look forward to getting back to this beautiful area soon (hopefully after the roadworks are done :)...

The Dolphin Trail was one of the highlights of our trip along the South coast of South Africa. The trail is beautiful, leading you from the mountains near the coast to the beaches and tidal pools and then back again. The accommodation along the way (Misty Mountain Reserve and Fernery Lodge) were excellent, with very friendly staff and amazing facilities. This, combined with the slackpacking approach, leads to a very easygoing and relaxed two-day hike.

What really took this entire experience to a higher level was the dedication of our two guides, Ashley and Monray. They are incredibly knowledgable, and willing to indulge us with answers to all of our fauna- and flora-related questions. They take care of the group, ensuring that everyone reaches the end of the trail safely. On top of all of that, they are just very nice people to be around.

Keep an eye out for interesting wildlife along the way! We saw, among other things, Knysna Turacos, baboons, vervet monkeys, whales, dassies, a seal, and a boomslang.

Amazing experience,...