Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za

03 May 2025

3-minute read

Starting from Storms River in the Tsitsikamma Forest, situated in the unrivalled beauty of the Garden Route National Park, is the Dolphin Trail, the “glamping version of the more famous Otter Trail.”

Renowned for its breathtaking coastal scenery and diverse marine life to the right of the trail, and the pristine forest and rugged rocks on the left, the Dolphin Trail runs along the same coastline as the Otter Trail but in the opposite direction. Fatima Peer Surtee was inspired to embark on the Dolphin Trail when a friend told her about the adventure that awaited her in the Tsitsikamma Forest.

The duration of the trail is typically 3-nights and 2-days, covering a distance of approximately 17 kilometres. The first day’s hike is about 7.5 kilometres while the second day is about 9.5 kilometres, and hiking time is around 5-7 hours per day. Hikers’ walk “through the forest, along the beaches, and up and down the mountains.” A moderate level of fitness is required for someone considering this trail, and Fatima suggests packing a good pair of walking shoes that you’re comfortable in, light layers of clothing as the days can get very hot while hiking, and a walking stick for support.

For the Dolphin Trail, accommodation and food are provided, with arrangements for halal food on request, or the option of seafood or vegetarian meals. Fatima suggests booking for two people at a time as the rooms sleep two, and if you’re going alone or are an odd number, you would be allocated a room with a random person in the group. Two guides are allocated to each group, but while walking, the guides stay at a distance and cannot be seen unless called on. Bookings can be done on the Dolphin Trail website and a list of essential items to take along is included. Based on her experience, Fatima said that she went in September which was an ideal time as there were no rains and the weather was not too hot, with the best time to visit being from Spring to Autumn.

The fauna and flora along the path are indescribably beautiful, and Fatima mentioned that around every corner, there are amazing views of the landscape and endless photographic opportunities. As the day warms up, there are multiple opportunities for swimming in the rock pools in the ocean, a lovely way to refresh oneself. Whales and dolphins can be seen in the ocean at certain times of the year, and otters hide behind the boulders along the trail. “When you immerse in nature, you can’t help but be in awe of our Creator,” Fatima stated.

Listen to the full interview here.