Otter Room to Ngubu Hut; 4.8km (is this still correct?)
The start of the trail now winds through a forest area on a well-maintained and very welcoming path. It's reminiscent of parts of the walk through the forests of Kilimanjaro on the Tanzanian side. It sets the scene for much of the forest walking on the Otter perfectly, and quite gently too. Exit the forest just above the 'cave' 1.6km from the start, after the section of boulders that were always a bit of a pain to cross, especially in the rain and with a heavy backpack. This is a good spot for a tea break. Climb the wooden steps and then head towards lunch at the Waterfall, 2.8km from the start. We hit it after a bit of rain (in the week and days preceding our walk) so there was some water, but the drought has lead to a fair amount of leaf matter decaying in the pools upstream - so the water was a little smelly. We didn't swim. The Eastern side is very exposed but offers one or two places to sit for a relaxed lunch. At high tide I'm sure it gets a fair deal of spray so try for a place at the West which is flatter and offers some shade in the afternoon.
We met many foreign tourists returning from this well-loved spot, and a handful of South Africans.
At Ngubu the new braai-shelter was a surprise and a great addition for the rainy days. If you do intend to braai here, be aware that the braai area is not really covered by the roof so you may need to resort to braaing on the ground as the group ahead of us had. The outdoor fireplaces at the huts remain (uncovered). The loo has a great view of the sea and a view of the braai area. There's a shower at Ngubu.
Sighted: 2 whales on the walk and at the hut in the later afternoon; a genet at the hut fireplace at about 02:30 (yes I was awake, results of a great braai and a decent gulp of wine).
The start of the trail now winds through a forest area on a well-maintained and very welcoming path. It's reminiscent of parts of the walk through the forests of Kilimanjaro on the Tanzanian side. It sets the scene for much of the forest walking on the Otter perfectly, and quite gently too. Exit the forest just above the 'cave' 1.6km from the start, after the section of boulders that were always a bit of a pain to cross, especially in the rain and with a heavy backpack. This is a good spot for a tea break. Climb the wooden steps and then head towards lunch at the Waterfall, 2.8km from the start. We hit it after a bit of rain (in the week and days preceding our walk) so there was some water, but the drought has lead to a fair amount of leaf matter decaying in the pools upstream - so the water was a little smelly. We didn't swim. The Eastern side is very exposed but offers one or two places to sit for a relaxed lunch. At high tide I'm sure it gets a fair deal of spray so try for a place at the West which is flatter and offers some shade in the afternoon.We met many foreign tourists returning from this well-loved spot, and a handful of South Africans.
At Ngubu the new braai-shelter was a surprise and a great addition for the rainy days. If you do intend to braai here, be aware that the braai area is not really covered by the roof so you may need to resort to braaing on the ground as the group ahead of us had. The outdoor fireplaces at the huts remain (uncovered). The loo has a great view of the sea and a view of the braai area. There's a shower at Ngubu.Sighted: 2 whales on the walk and at the hut in the later afternoon; a genet at the hut fireplace at about 02:30 (yes I was awake, results of a great braai and a decent gulp of wine).
What an awesome first nights meal... braai, fresh salad and red wine!!
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