There are many hiking trails in South Africa - but none offers as great a variety as the Settler Hiking Trail.

Situated mid way between Port Elizabeth and East London it starts at the Great Fish River mouth, the historical border between the 1820 Settlers and the Xhosa. It will take you along the lonely beaches of the sunshine coast, dense dunebush and farmland teeming with wildlife. Discover the abundance of the valley bushveld and the most beautiful game reserves in our area. Highlights of the Settlers are the accommodation along the Trail: Enjoy our rustic Beachhouse and Treehouse as well as the comfortable Farmhouse and the stylish Nyala Valley Game Lodge. The trail is ideal for all age groups (from 10 years on) and allows enough time for relaxation and additional activities such as: canoeing, fishing, swimming and bird watching. All you need to bring are hiking boots, sleeping bags and a love of nature.

Day 1: Enjoy the quiet beauty of our Farm, maybe a short walk or a sundowner on our veranda with the view down to the sea. Here you can leave behind what you don't need on the trail, including your car. Spend the evening in front of our open fire place.

Day 2: (10km/3hours) The short drive through the Kapriver Nature Reserve with the magnificent view of the Great Fish River is worth a journey. The Hike starts at the river mouth and takes you along the deserted beaches that are home to the Black Oyster Catcher and Giant Kingfisher. In addition, you have an excellent chance of seeing a school of Dolphins near to the shore. The reefs at the lighthouse are well known as a good fishing spot - particularly for Black Musselcracker. A little further on you will see Kleinemonde at the end of the bay. Two lagoons divide the small resort. These, as well as the white beach and the nearby ocean, will provide a real holiday atmosphere. If this is too laid back you should canoe up the river- the late afternoon is ideal for bird watching or game viewing. Your accommodation for day 2 is our Beachhouse on the bank of the river- you won't find a better place for a braai!

Day 3: (12km/3-4hours) Enjoy the sunrise from the wooden deck. How about a walk along the beach to the "Three Sisters"? There is time enough, so you can start at lunchtime. You will walk through dense dune thicket - it could be rewarding to be quiet. A better chance of encountering bushbuck and duiker is hard to imagine. Shortly after the Tharfield farm house, one of the oldest in the area, the path winds down to the splendid wilderness of the Valley Bushveld. Now you have a choice:
Do you prefer the basic Loerie's Loft Tree House in the top of a thousand year old Yellowwood ( sleeps up to 8 persons, ideal for Nature-lovers with children ) or would you prefer the rustic Lilypad Bush Camp in the Nyala Valley Game Reserve ( sleeps up to 24 persons, ideal for larger groups, hot water shower! or there is even the luxurious Nyala Valley Game Lodge ( sleeps 6 persons, for details see 1820 Party leader ).

Either way an unforgettable experience. Enjoy the evening around the campfire under the Southern Cross.

Day 4: (10km/3hours) Get up early - don't miss the game drive! ( Included in the price. ) A good opportunity to see Nyala, Kudu, Blue Duiker, Impala, Waterbuck, Zebra, and more than 100 bird species. Now it is time to start the last day's hike: through pineapple fields and kloofs with palms and cycads you will return to "The Hope". Don't miss the view back over Kleinemonde; on clear days you can see over 20km far. Before leaving for home enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and a piece of German cake.

1820 Party leader
Although sleeping in the tree house or in the bush camp may be romantic- in bad weather or if you like it a bit more comfy there is a great alternative for the third night. Situated in the middle of the reserve, near a huge old fig tree lies the unique Nyala Valley Game Lodge ( sleeps 6 persons ). Without doubt a highlight of the trail. If you book the 1820 Party leader we will also provide linen for all accommodations. R480 pp.

The price of R300 for the Settler Hiking Trail includes the accommodation for 3 nights ( farmhouse, beach house, Loerie's Loft Tree House or Lilypad Bush Camp ) as well as maps, one game drive in the Nyala Valley Game Reserve, transport to the Fish River Mouth and farewell tea.

Linen, catering, guide and transport of luggage are not included, but can be arranged on request.

Guide: You don't necessarily need a guide for the trail. But if you like to have somebody with you, who knows the area and the traditions of the Xhosa people, our guide would be happy to join you. R200 per group and hike.

Catering: All accommodations provide at least a fireplace and wood as well as water. The Beach house, the lodge and the farm house offer kitchen facilities. Bring your own food! There is no shop along the hike, next shopping center in Port Alfred, 30km away. For an additional amount of R350 pp (minimum of 3 persons ) breakfast, lunch packet and dinner will be provided.

Transport of luggage: If you want to enjoy the hike without carrying a heavy backpack, ask for our luggage service. We will take your luggage from place to place. R175 plus R25 pp.

For further information and bookings please contact us:
Tel/Fax: 046 - 6250660
E-mail: thehope@imaginet.co.za