Trip report by site editor Rick McCharles

day 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | info page

Rather than take the more expensive Baz Bus, I bought a ticket on one of the several available coaches traveling Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. There are many every day.

Competition keeps quality high, prices low for long distance bus travel. I paid about $32 for the 8 hour trip.

From the bus stop on the highway, however, there’s no public transportation to the National Park. Asking at Tourist Information, I quickly found a driver willing to take me the last 18km for 150 Rand ($17).

… Perhaps I should have taken the Baz Bus after all. It would have delivered me closer to the Park gates. And picked me up end-of-hike at a hostel in Nature’s Valley.

Many had recommended staying the night prior to departure at the trailhead Storms River Mouth Restcamp. I tented.

It’s one of the best campgrounds I’ve ever seen. (reviews)

There might be more Rock Hyrax (“Dassie”) than people

The sunset was definitely as magical as I’ve EVER seen.

After a rib feast and South African wine at dinner, I couldn’t have been more excited to start the Otter Trail next day.

Restaurants are comparatively inexpensive in South Africa.

My original high res photos from day 0.

… on to day 1