Black Oyster Hiking Trail

Meander along cliff tops and sandy shores on this 4 night hike along the green and gold Mossel Bay coastline - Western Cape's Garden Route. Quality guiding on this fully catered, vehicle supported slackpacking trail, provides an enriched ecological encounter with the marine environment. The endangered Black Oyster Catcher can be seen in good numbers along this shoreline, whilst whales are an attraction from July to October.

Trip Duration3 Hike Days / 4 Nights
Daily DistanceDay 1: 19km / 6-8hr (cliff tops)Day 2: 14km / 4-6hr (at sea level)Day 3: 14km / 7-8hrs (at sea level)
Trail Grade3 / 5 - Fitness. Moderate to good walking fitness is required. Average of 6hrs hiking / a day.1 / 5 - Technicality. No real technical requirements or difficulties. Oldest person to complete this has been 83yrs.
Trail TerrainCoastal Trail – The trail starts and ends at sea level. Terrain differs every day, from footpaths along cliff tops to beaches and rocky shores.
AccommodationQuality guesthouses or character cottages (4-Star). Same house for all nights. Meals are prepared by local cooks in the traditional Cape style.
Logistic SupportFully catered & guided slackpacker, overnighting in characterful lodgings with top-notch catering.All rooms are private and mostly all ensuite, with bedding and towels provided.Transfers can also be arranged to/from George & Mossel Bay airports (extra fee).
Group SizePreferred min of 6 and max of 15 hikers.
PricingOn a min group of 6 persons: R9 700/pp/sharing – fully catered & supported 4 night package.

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At a Glance

Hike the largely undeveloped Southern Cape coastline between Mossel Bay and Gourikwa Private Nature Reserve, crossing the spectacular Gouritz River along the way.

During the mild winter months, this area is known for its whale activity as mothers come in to give birth in the quiet protected bays. The combination of raptors, marine and Fynbos avian species, makes this a birders paradise too.

Overnight accommodation is in well-appointed cottages and guest houses in Boggomsbaai.

Day 1Arrival Day - Meet in Boggomsbaai
Dinner at your guest house accommodation
Meet and greet with your guide
Day 2Hike Day 1: Hike Gouritz River Mouth to Boggoms Bay (19km)
After breakfast, transfer to Gouritz River Mouth for a boat transfer across Gouritz River.
Enjoy lunch at Fransmanshoek, a small nature reserve, featuring red coloured, craggy rocks, abundant bird life and beautiful veld flowers. Continue from Fransmanshoek back to Boggomsbaai.
Overnight: Private cottages – Boggomsbaai
Day 3Hike Day 2: Hike Boggomsbaai - Dana Bay (14km)
After breakfast start your hike to Dana Bay
Frequent sighting of whales (June to October). Dolphins often play and surf along the route.
Pass through Springer Bay and Nautilus Bay conservancies.
Transfer from Dana Bay back to Boggomsbaai in time for afternoon tea
Overnight: Private cottages – Boggomsbaai
Day 4Hike Day 3: Hike Dana Bay to Mossel Bay via St Blaize (14.5km)
The St. Blaize Trail follows a 30-metre contour along the cliffs from Dana Bay and ending at Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse.
Todays route offers dramatic sea views, excellent whale and dolphin watching, and rock dassies for company. This is an excellent day to see bird life, reptiles and wonderful flora.
Transfer from Mossel Bay back to Boggomsbaai.
Overnight: Private cottages – Boggomsbaai
Day 5Departure Day: Breakfast and depart at yuor leisure

Golden Dunes on the Black Oyster Trail

Quality guesthouses or characteristic cottages for all 4 nights (4-star grade). Private twin or double rooms - almost all ensuite or sharing 1 bathroom to no more than 3 persons.

Meals are prepared by local cooks in the traditional Cape style.

Do we carry our own backpacks?
No. You will leave your luggage at your overnight accommodation where you will stay all 4 nights. All you need is a small daypack for your packed lunch and supplies for each day's hike.
What type of footwear is appropriate?
A trail running shoe or hiking shoe with decent grip is more than sufficient for this trail.
What is the best time of year for this trail?
The trail is operational all year round except from 15 Dec - 10 Jan. During the mild winter months, the area is known for its whale activity. Whales come in to give birth in the quiet protected bays and dazzle us with their displays of breaching and lob-tailing.
Are there shorter versions of this hike?
Yes, there is also a two night version of this trail - on request.