Oyster Catcher Trail

The Oyster Catcher Trail is a fully guided Garden Route coastal hiking trail

The Oyster Catcher Trail is a fully guided Garden Route coastal hike which aims to introduce hikers to the plight of the much endangered African Black Oystercatcher and to experience this beautiful coastline up close.

On the Oyster Catcher Trail a trained guide teaches you about the wonders of the coast where the endangered Black Oystercatcher finds its food, lays its eggs and feeds its chicks. The sight of whales in winter and dolphins frolicking just behind the breakers will long be remembered. Contour paths are followed where the Indian Ocean thunders against high cliffs far below. Overnight accommodation in luxury guesthouses is part of the journey.

Swimming in the breakers can be enjoyed all year round along quiet golden beaches where the old strandlopers feasted and left middens of shells and Stone Age implements. Snorkel in quiet rock pools and small private bays. Fresh sea food and traditional cuisine await you at night, in front of an open fireplace. The walk takes you along high dunes where the world of sea and sand stretches endlessly. Explore ancient fish traps at Kanon and Cape Vacca. At the end of the trail, you will have discovered how important mans contribution is in the conservation of our fragile environment.

The Oyster Catcher Trail Itinerary

• Start: Mosselbay
• Day 1 Mossel Bay - Danabaai: 15km
  Here at the Koi San cave - St Blaize, the actual coastal walking trail commences. It is along a contour path with spectacular cliff top views over the Indian Ocean. The trail then wanders down to the rocky seashore where members of the group can bathe in rocky pools or relax on a small sandy beach. Along the way the guide will point out various nesting places of coastal birds. No doubt many sightings of whales and dolphins will occur during certain months. The whales are particularly active during the months from June to October; Dolphins can be sighted all year round. The first day ends at Dana Bay and accommodation is provided in up market guesthouses with stunning views of the ocean. Your hosts will serve drinks and traditional evening meals.
• Day 2 Danabaai - Boggomsbaai: 12km
  After breakfast the walk proceeds along the beach to Vleesbaai and then along a rocky shore, rich with marine life, to historical Fransmans Hoek. Inviting rock pools, safe gullies, oysters, clams and black mussels are in abundance. Here some safe snorkeling can be enjoyed. At Fransmans Hoek, which was named after the nation whose war ship, the "La Fortune" was wrecked in 1763 - a mussel soup and home made bread lunch will be prepared on an open fire. From here the walk is along the coast to Kanon Village. A Fish braai awaits the hungry before retiring after a days walk.
• Day 3 Boggomsbaai - Kanon: 15 km
  After breakfast the walk proceeds along the beach to Vleesbaai and then along a rocky shore, rich with marine life, to historical Fransmans Hoek. Inviting rock pools, safe gullies, oysters, clams and black mussels are in abundance. Here some safe snorkeling can be enjoyed. At Fransmans Hoek, which was named after the nation whose war ship, the "La Fortune" was wrecked in 1763 - a mussel soup and home made bread lunch will be prepared at the, on an open fire. From here the walk is along the coast to Kanon Village. A Fish braai awaits the hungry before retiring after a days walk.
• Day 4 Kanon - Gouritzmond: 4 km
  After breakfast on day 4, an easy coastal walk lies ahead to Gouritz River Mouth. After a boat trip and brunch, motorised transport will be provided back to Mossel Bay.
• Drop off will be at the starting point in Mossel Bay.

Accommodation on the Oyster Catcher Trail

• The Old Post Office Tree in Mossel Bay
• Cape Vacca Cottage
• African Oceans offers Luxury Accommodation in Mossel Bay
• Sandpiper Fishermans Cottages in Boggoms Bay
• Bokmakierie Guest House in Dana Bay

Accommodation in and around Whale Coast