
Dolphin Trail
A guided, slackpacking hike through Tsitsikamma's stunning coast and forests, with luxurious lodges and gourmet meals.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Mild weather, fewer crowds

Dolphin Trail
Best Time
Mild weather, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A guided, slackpacking hike through Tsitsikamma's stunning coast and forests, with luxurious lodges and gourmet meals.
"This is more like a luxury retreat than a rugged hike - HIGHLY recommend!"

🧳 Pack Light, Hike Easy
It's a slackpacking trail! Your main luggage is transported. Just bring a day pack with essentials.
🏊♀️ Swim in Tidal Pools
Don't forget your swimwear! The tidal pools along the route are amazing for a refreshing dip.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Coastal Trails & Tidal Pools
Along the Dolphin Trail route
Hike along rugged coastlines, through fynbos, and swim in refreshing tidal pools. Pure bliss!

Luxurious Lodging
Misty Mountain Reserve & The Fernery Lodge
Enjoy incredible accommodation, delicious food, and stunning views after your hike.

Wildlife Spotting
Throughout the trail
Keep an eye out for Knysna Turacos, baboons, whales, and more! A true nature immersion.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book in Advance for Luxury Hiking
Pack for All Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧳 Pack Light, Hike Easy
It's a slackpacking trail! Your main luggage is transported. Just bring a day pack with essentials.
🏊♀️ Swim in Tidal Pools
Don't forget your swimwear! The tidal pools along the route are amazing for a refreshing dip.
👟 Comfortable Hiking Shoes
Essential for the varied terrain, including some rock scrambling.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Your guide carries extra water, but always ensure you have enough for the day's hike.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧳 Pack Light, Hike Easy
It's a slackpacking trail! Your main luggage is transported. Just bring a day pack with essentials.
🏊♀️ Swim in Tidal Pools
Don't forget your swimwear! The tidal pools along the route are amazing for a refreshing dip.
👟 Comfortable Hiking Shoes
Essential for the varied terrain, including some rock scrambling.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Your guide carries extra water, but always ensure you have enough for the day's hike.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera or phone! The coastal and forest scenery is breathtaking.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Dolphin Trail is overwhelmingly praised as a highlight of South African travel, offering a unique blend of luxury and adventure. Visitors rave about the stunning coastal scenery, the comfortable slackpacking format, and the exceptional quality of accommodation and meals. Guides are consistently commended for their knowledge and friendliness, enhancing the overall experience.
"Wonderful 2 day hike, with luxurious accomodation and lovely meals included for 3 nights. Big thank you to Nadia and Sethu from the Fernery for your emails answering all my questions, and very BIG thank you to Ashley who was our guide on the hike. The first day has 2 climbs, but the trail is otherwise very comfortable. The 2nd day has 1 climb, rest fairly straight. Little bit of rock scrambling on the 2nd day, but not too hectic. Take swimming stuff, because the pools on the way are amazing to swim in!"
Charlé Steyl
"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, would recommend!"
Alexander De Soete
"Beautiful stay here! The accommodation is very close to lots of easy hikes which is a bonus! Right near the water and so worth the trip here. It was raining when we were there and it was still perfect and a good time."
Sarah Elsmore
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Dolphin Trail is located in Tsitsikamma National Park, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Many visitors fly into George Airport and then arrange a shuttle service, such as Fish Eagle Tours, to reach the park. If driving, you can access the park via the N2 highway. Parking is available at Storms River Mouth.
The trail starts at Storms River Mouth, which is accessible by car. Your luggage will be transported to your accommodation each night, so you only need to carry a day pack on the trail itself.
Fish Eagle Tours is a recommended shuttle service for a return trip from George Airport to the Tsitsikamma National Park area.
Yes, you can drive your own car to Tsitsikamma National Park. However, if you plan to hike the Dolphin Trail and stay at different lodges, you'll need to arrange for luggage transfer or use a shuttle service for your return journey.
The starting point is Storms River Mouth in Tsitsikamma National Park. You can use 'Storms River Mouth Rest Camp' as a GPS destination.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The cost for the Dolphin Trail typically includes guided hikes, accommodation, and meals. Prices can vary, so it's best to check the official SANParks website or contact tour operators for the most current pricing and booking information.
Yes, advance booking is highly recommended, especially for the luxurious accommodation and guided services. Popular times can book up quickly.
Bookings usually include guided hikes, accommodation for three nights, and all meals (breakfast, lunch packs, and dinner). Luggage transport between accommodations is also part of the package.
Yes, there are park entrance fees for Tsitsikamma National Park. These are typically included in the overall Dolphin Trail package, but it's advisable to confirm this when booking.
The Dolphin Trail is a multi-day hike, so it operates continuously for the duration of your booking. The park itself has opening and closing hours, which you can find on the SANParks website.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Dolphin Trail is considered a moderate hike. Day 1 involves two climbs, and Day 2 has one climb with some rock scrambling. It's described as comfortable and not overly hectic, especially with the slackpacking approach.
The trail is typically hiked over two days. Day 1 is approximately 7.5 km, and Day 2 is about 9.5 km. Hikes usually start around 9:30 am and finish between 3:30 pm and 4:00 pm.
You'll experience diverse scenery including rugged coastlines, lush forests, fynbos meadows, suspension bridges, and beautiful tidal pools.
Yes, the Dolphin Trail is a guided hike. Your knowledgeable guides ensure safety, provide insights into local flora and fauna, and manage logistics.
You have a good chance of spotting wildlife such as Knysna Turacos, baboons, vervet monkeys, whales, dassies, seals, and even boomslangs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The trail includes delicious meals, from breakfasts and dinners at the lodges to packed lunches and picnics on the trail. Expect items like brownies, juice, coffee, wraps, chicken wings, quiche, and milk tart.
It's best to communicate any dietary requirements or allergies to the tour operator or lodge in advance when making your booking. They are usually accommodating.
While there are no public restaurants directly on the trail, your accommodation lodges (Misty Mountain Reserve and The Fernery Lodge) have excellent dining facilities.
Alcohol is typically not included in the standard package but can be purchased at the lodges. Enjoying local wine with your dinner is a popular option.
The dining experiences at Misty Mountain and The Fernery are exceptional, with delicious food, wine, and stunning views contributing to a luxurious retreat.
📸 📸 Photography
Everywhere! The dramatic coastline, lush forests, suspension bridges, and tidal pools offer endless photographic opportunities. Don't miss the viewpoints along the coastal paths.
Yes, as it's a slackpacking trail, you only carry a day pack. This allows you to easily access your camera or phone to capture the stunning scenery.
A smartphone with a good camera is sufficient for most. If you're a keen photographer, a wide-angle lens can be great for landscapes, and a telephoto lens for wildlife.
The suspension bridges over the Storms River Mouth are iconic. Also, any elevated points along the coast offer panoramic ocean views.
Drone usage is often restricted in national parks. It's essential to check the specific regulations with SANParks before flying a drone in Tsitsikamma National Park.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the guided nature ensures safety, it's important to assess your children's hiking capabilities. The luxurious accommodation and delicious meals at the end of each day provide a comfortable reward, making it a memorable family experience. Consider booking during less crowded periods for a more relaxed pace.
💰 Budget Travelers
💖 Couples & Honeymooners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Dolphin Trail Experience: Luxury Meets Adventure
Each day's hike is rewarded with exceptional lodging. The first night might be at a comfortable, ocean-adjacent chalet, while subsequent nights are often spent at high-end lodges like Misty Mountain Reserve or The Fernery Lodge. These establishments boast incredible amenities, gourmet dining, and breathtaking views, transforming the hiking experience into a true retreat.
Guides play a crucial role, not only ensuring safety and navigation but also enriching the journey with their knowledge of the local fauna and flora. They often point out unique bird species, explain the medicinal uses of plants, and share insights into the region's natural history, making the trek both physically and intellectually stimulating.
Navigating the Trail: What to Expect
Key features of the trail include traversing suspension bridges, particularly over the iconic Storms River Mouth, and walking through shaded, ancient forests. The route also leads you along the coast, where you can discover and swim in beautiful tidal pools – a highlight for many hikers. The guides are adept at managing the pace of the group, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience safely and comfortably.
Wildlife Encounters on the Dolphin Trail
The coastal sections provide chances to see marine life. Whales (especially during migration seasons) and dolphins can sometimes be spotted offshore. Closer to the shore, you might see dassies basking on rocks, and if you're lucky, a seal might make an appearance. Guides are often excellent at spotting these creatures and sharing interesting facts about their behavior and habitat.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit