The Chokka Trail

The Chokka Trail – a coastal hiking trail

DSC00265Three picturesque fishing villages, a rugged coastline, sand dunes as far as the eye can see, a tidal river, protected fynbos, wetlands and a visit to South Africa’s only privately owned working harbour. These are some of the ingredients that make up the Chokka Trail, a 62km slackpack hiking holiday between Oyster Bay, St Francis Bay and Cape St Francis.

This is the best possible way to see and experience just how beautiful the greater St Francis is – on foot, at your own pace and with overnight accommodation at guest houses and a Resort. The trail is situated in the Kouga Region, Eastern Province, a mere hour’s drive west of Port Elizabeth.

DSC00332Since the Chokka Trail was launched in October 2013, hundreds of hikers successfully complete this 4 day/3 night hiking holiday each year – what else do you expect from an award winning trail that is fully catered for and finishes each day with a home cooked meal, hot shower, cold beer and comfortable bed!

We have explored further hiking options and opportunities to cater for each and every need. We also encourage our hikers to stay longer and enjoy our mountain biking routes, top golf courses, beach horse rides, our doubles squash courts (yes, we have 2), to name but a few.

When you plan your trip, keep in mind that we are less than 90km away from the Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area and Gamtoos Valley, the Tsitsikamma, as well as Addo and the Sunshine Coast.

DSC00327The trail takes you through parts of the Coastal Cradle of Humankind, through a variety of fynbos, giving you a chance to see Southern Right whales, dolphins, otters, small game like duiker and bushbuck and over 250 species of birds.

You will enjoy a cruise on the famous St Francis canals, hike past the Seal Point Lighthouse, situated on the south eastern most point of Africa, and visit Port St Francis where you will enjoy a calamari tasting (which of course is chokka!).

fish-traps-300x225This, plus all your meals (a full breakfast, a packed lunch, and dinner at the various accommodation establishments for the duration of the hike) are included in the rate.

You only pay for your own drinks. Luggage is transported between stops, while you carry your day pack – make sure you add enough water according to your own needs.

The Chokka Trail has a fresh surprise round every corner. And beauty at every step of the trail’s 62km.

Contact us for assistance with additional accommodation before or after the hike at special Chokka Trail rates, as well as airport transfers.

Please note that the trail is closed from 16 December to 7 January each year and rates are revised in August.

For more information on the Chokka Trail please refer to the website.