Hiking Trail FAQ List
Q
Is there electricity at the huts?
Only at the Bloukrans hut do we supply a USB charging station - which is solar powered.
Q
What are costs for transport to and from the start and finish of the hike?
Unfortunately the shuttle services must be privately arranged and tariffs might differ between operators.
Q
Do we need to bring our own water for the 5 days, or is there water at the huts?
There is water at all the huts - all the water provided at the huts are coming straight out of the rivers and is drinkable. You can bring water-purify tablets, as the raintank water needs to be boiled before consumption.
Q
When can we arrange for porterage?
Porterage is to be arranged no later than a week prior to the hike.
Q
Do we need a camping stove, I see it is suggested, but is there not a braai place at all the huts?
You can bring your own but there is a braai/cook area at all the huts.
Q
If cars do need to be stationed at both ends, are they in a safe and secure parking area?
The safest parking space is at the start of the trail (Natures Valley De Vasselot Rest Camp) and The Boskor Sawmill, they have 24-hour security, other starting points have parking space but are all park-at-own-risk parking spaces.
Q
Will one car need to be parked at the end of the route and then one car at the start, or is there a transport option from the end back to the start?
You can decide if you want to park one car at the start and one at the end point. There are shuttles that you can make use of to take you from one point to another. Shuttle service contact details are provided with confirmation of booking.
Q
How many people do the huts sleep and if your group does not fill the hut, will there be other groups staying in that hut with you?
Each hut can take 24 people per hut, so yes if your group does not fill the hut and there is still space available people can book those spaces. You can alternatively arrange to reserve the huts exclusively.
Q
What are the "Porterage" options and how does it work?
Please see the porterage information section.
Q
What is "Porterage"?
Porterage is where Mto Trails staff porter your baggage from hut to huts. The relieves you from having to carry your own baggage.
Q
Are trail routes and directions for the 6 days provided after booking?
All info regarding the trail is provided upon request and before making a booking.
Q
Does the package purchased via MTO Trails include hiking permits and accommodation?
Yes, the package includes the permit to traverse the trails as well as access to the overnight huts and facilities.
Q
What is the minimum / maximum of hikers that can hike the trail?
2-24 Hikers
Q
What is your busiest times on the trail?
December holidays, Easter Holidays and school holidays.
Q
Do we have to supply food?
No, it is a self-catering trail.
Q
Where does it start and end and is it a circle route?
The Trails starts in Natures Valley and end at the Storms River Bridge (at the Total Garage). It is a one directional hike.
Q
What is needed to do the hike?
Please see our booking pack or hiker checklist guide.
Q
What is the logistics of parking space, pick up and drop off after finishing the trail?
You can either park at the beginning or end of the trail and arrange with a shuttle to be picked up and dropped off at your vehicle after you finished your hike. There is ample parking at each location.
Q
How many days is the trail and the distances between each hut?
The full hike is a 6 Day trail but you can customise your hiking experience to your need. Therefor you can complete various sections at your leisure. Distances vary from 3km to 16 km.
Q
Is there an age restriction for kids to do the hike?
No, however the hike requires a fairly-fit person to complete the longer days. By customising your hike to 2 days some access routes are much shorter and easier to complete.
Q
Is the trail guided or unguided and is it properly marked?
The trail is unguided but marked in one direction, should you request a guide, please send us a note and we will direct you to local guides.
Q
What is the tariffs per person with porterage fees included?
The hike costs R200 pp and the porterage is R825 per trip for 5 people minimum (R165 per additional person)
Q
Where can we get accommodation for the night before we start our hike?
We recommend Natures Valley Rest camp (de vasselot) as this is the start of the hike. However the first hut Kalander is only a short hike away, so you can arrive later in the day to start your adventure.
Q
What cooking crockery or utensils do you supply at the huts?
We only supply the basics, 2 cast iron pots, braai grids, 1 large frying pan and a kettle or two to use for heating up water.
Q
Is there firewood at the huts?
Yes , there is firewood at all the huts except the first hut - Kalander.
Q
What is the best time of the year to do the hike?
During the warmer months so that you may enjoy the lovely rock pools to cool down during the hike.
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