Harkerville Trail

About Harkerville Trail

One of the top two-day trails in the country, this magnificent trail is fondly nicknamed the ‘mini Otter’ for its similarities with South Africa’s most popular multi-day hike.

More lovely than the Otter Trail? Some consider it more stunning but anyone suffering from a fear of heights will find it a tough challenge.

Hiking the Harkerville Trail is a dream come true for seasoned hikers. The route starts at Harkerville Hut, an old forestry dwelling close to the Garden of Eden picnic site between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.

The first day treks for 11 kilometres through lush indigenous forest decorated with an assortment of fascinating fungi and ferns. The calls of Knysna turaco and other forest birds ring through the forest canopy.

After tripping through the forest hikers are greeted by dazzling views of the coastline. Chains, bridges, and ladders have been fixed into steep rock faces to aid hikers in tricky sections.

The overnight spot is at the comfy Sinclair Hut – beds, a fireplace and wood are provided but you’ll need to backpack with everything else. The second day treats hikers to 12 kilometres of even more spectacular coastal scenery and incredible indigenous forest before reaching the start at the Harkerville Hut.