Experience the Ultimate Luxury on the Chokka Trail

Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey? Look no further than the Chokka Trail! This incredible trail offers a unique and luxurious slackpacking experience that will leave you in awe.

From the moment you set foot on the trail, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and stunning views. As you hike through the rugged terrain, you’ll discover hidden gems and natural wonders that will take your breath away.

But what sets the Chokka Trail apart from other hiking experiences? It’s the perfect combination of adventure and luxury. With carefully curated accommodations and world-class cuisine, you’ll feel pampered every step of the way.

Imagine arriving at your luxury lodge after a day of hiking and being greeted with a refreshing drink and a warm smile. As you settle into your comfortable room, you’ll be able to unwind and recharge for the next day’s adventure.

And speaking of adventure, the Chokka Trail has plenty to offer. From exhilarating coastal walks to fascinating cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a history buff, you’ll find endless opportunities for exploration.

But it’s not just about the journey; it’s also about reconnecting with yourself and the world around you. The Chokka Trail allows you to slow down and appreciate the beauty of nature. It’s a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with what truly matters.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind hiking experience that combines luxury and adventure, look no further than the Chokka Trail. It’s time to embark on a journey that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

As I embarked on the 62-kilometre Chokka Trail, I found myself comfortably at the back of the group. This position allowed me to set my own pace and relish in the serenity that nature provided. Every so often, I paused along the way to remove pesky grass that had made its way into my socks, pricking at my ankles. Standing still, I would gaze up at the vast sky with joy, breathing in the salty air that mingled with the warmth of the sun. Moments of respite were also enjoyed, where I would remove my socks and shoes, letting tiny grains of sand escape, while my fellow walkers became mere specks in the distance. “Ah, this is all mine!” I couldn’t help but marvel. However, my solitude would be interrupted as I caught sight of my colleague, Matt, casually strolling along behind me. His long-sleeved shirt danced in the wind, glimmering shards of sunlight reflected off his sunglasses and camera as he expertly captured the mesmerizing beauty of the Eastern Cape coastline.

As I embarked on the path from Oyster Bay, a distinct aroma filled the air – the unmistakable scent of Cape clawless otters. It was a delightful sign that we were surrounded by nature’s wonders.

I had the pleasure of meeting my walking companions while we traveled from Cape St Francis to Oyster Bay. Our goal was to venture on the first day of the trail, an 18-kilometer trek along the mesmerizing coast towards Thysbaai. We dropped off our belongings at our designated lodging for the night, Oyster Kaya, and grabbed our packed lunch before setting off.

The journey began with serene shoreline footpaths and rugged jeep tracks. As we pressed on, we stumbled upon ancient Khoisan fish traps, beautifully preserved circular rock walls that were only visible during low tide. It was captivating to witness an artifact from a time so long ago. Along the way, we also came across charming beach huts, weathered and adorned with delicate shell decorations, reminiscent of the carefree summer vacations we all cherish.

As I made my way back to Oyster Kaya, the sun began to set, and the sea spray dampened my face. The golden rays of sunlight painted a beautiful scene across the land and water. It was at this moment that I struggled to recall the names of the six people ahead of me. There was a cheerful woman wearing gaiters named Lisa, along with her friend Fran who was also sporting gaiters. Then there was Phyllis, who had just conquered Kilimanjaro. I mentally noted that I should get myself a pair of those handy walking poles they were using. And let’s not forget about Craig and the young Gareth, who was accompanied by his lovely girlfriend, Ilse. All of them hailed from Gauteng and were bursting with energy.

As the sun set that evening, my body felt worn out but my spirits were high. I was content with life and eager for the next day – the sand dunes. Valiant, one of the border collies who had joined us on our journey, snuck into my room to sleep. With the comforting sounds of a tired and warm dog’s yawns, I drifted off to sleep.

The next morning was crisp and fresh as we began our adventure. Laughter filled the air as we walked along a path in a nature reserve. The scent of lemon buchu still lingered from when I had gathered it earlier. Finally, we reached the top of a sand dune. As I looked up, I saw waves of sand stretching out as far as the eye could see, with dense green coastal vegetation lining the dune’s sides. A gentle breeze tugged at my shirt from the west. Completely amazed by the vastness in front of us, I couldn’t help but make a joke, saying, “We don’t need to go to Namibia now, Matt.”

Wow, what a journey it has been! Reflecting on the past four days, I can confidently say that the highlight of the Chokka Trail was the incredible adventure through South Africa’s longest dune system, the Sand River. Let me tell you, it was an experience like no other! The sand transformed into a mesmerizing canvas of shapes, curves, patterns, and colors. It was truly a sight to behold.

The moment we set foot on those dunes, excitement flooded through us. The first three kilometers were a thrilling uphill climb, testing our endurance and determination. But when we reached the top and took in the breathtaking view, we couldn’t help but let out joyful cheers that echoed through the air. It felt as if we were carefree children, exhilarated by the sheer thrill of it all.

Matt, my adventurous companion, compared the landscape to a freshly sculpted ice-cream. And you know what? I couldn’t agree more. The sand had a soft, caramel-like texture, just like a delicious soft serve. It was as if nature had crafted this masterpiece exclusively for our enjoyment.

As I moved through the dune corridor between Oyster Bay and Cape St Francis, I couldn’t help but feel a rush of excitement. The steep descents ahead promised an adrenaline-pumping adventure. It was like a roller coaster ride, but on sand.

As I zipped down the dunes, I marveled at how the landscape changed. The once towering dunes gradually transformed into smaller mounds, adorned with pockets of vibrant vegetation. It was as if nature had carved out its own masterpiece in the middle of this vast corridor.

And then, just when I thought I had seen it all, a wetland appeared. The dunes gave way to a serene expanse of water. It was a refreshing sight amid the sandy terrain.

As I explored further, I noticed something peculiar. Scattered across the ground were giant zebra-agate-snail shells. They were like little treasures waiting to be discovered. On the firmer areas, they crunched beneath my boots, creating a satisfying sound. Each step felt like a new discovery as the shells splintered into fragments.

When I think back to that day, I realize how special it was. The dunes we saw were like nothing I had ever seen before. They were constantly changing, shaped by the forces of wind and water. It’s impossible to accurately map or describe this place because it transforms from week to week. I was lucky to have Esti Stewart as our guide. She was like a graceful gazelle, effortlessly moving through the sand.

As we walked, Esti pointed out interesting things we shouldn’t miss. She showed us a faint circle in the sand, created by a strand of grass blowing in the wind. She warned us to be careful in that spot, as it was home to Khoisan implements that dated back 2,000 years. It amazed me to think that these artifacts were continuously uncovered and then hidden again by the shifting dunes. Who knows what we might find here in the future?

It took us six hours to finally head east and leave the dunes in the late afternoon. In the west, we could see the massive spinning turbines of the Kouga Wind Farm, a sign of civilization. Stepping out of the Sand River, I expressed my gratitude to Bokkie and Lindy Lombard, our hosts at Oyster Kaya. On our first evening, they had warned us to drink lightly. They knew we had a long and difficult walk ahead the next day, and they were right – a hangover wouldn’t help. I was also thankful for the delicious roast lamb that Bokkie had prepared for our dinner, as well as the breakfast. Bokkie had even taken the time to ask each of us how we liked our eggs cooked.

When I finished my dune trek, I couldn’t have been happier to see my bedroom at Dune Ridge Country House that night. The main attraction was Grandma’s enormous feather bed, and to top it off, the floors were heated and they even gave us complimentary sherry. It was pure luxury, and it rejuvenated me for day three of my adventure to Cape St Francis.

On day three, we embarked on a leisurely 14-kilometer journey through coastal forests and thickets, eventually passing by Mostertshoek. There, we spotted a few cozy vacation homes right on the shoreline. Around lunchtime, we took a break and sprawled out on Mostertshoek Beach, feeling like sun-loving lizards. The beach was covered in countless tiny shells, creating a sparkling spectacle. As we relaxed, my travel companion, Matt, and I decided to collect some green and blue sea glass as a souvenir for our colleague, Caro, back at the office. She had mentioned how rare it is nowadays, so we thought it would be a thoughtful gesture before we continued on our journey.

I had the opportunity to visit Oyster Kaya with Phyllis Gainsford, Fran Nadar, and Lisa Brett. It was such a delightful experience. In the afternoon, we took a trip to Sanccob’s penguin sanctuary. Located at the very tip of our continent, it was quite a sight to see. Seal Point Lighthouse, a prominent feature of the sanctuary, warned ships in foggy conditions. We decided to take a short walk along the beach from the lighthouse to Cape St Francis Resort, where we would be staying for our third night. The resort was bustling with activity, as many weekenders were enjoying their time there. It was a stark contrast to the serene and tranquil nature we had experienced earlier in the day.

I couldn’t believe how different Esti’s design was for the final day. Instead of ending in St. Francis Village, which was 12 kilometers away, we started the day with a beautiful walk along the beach that took us to Shark Point. For our break in the middle of the morning, we spent a wonderful hour at Chokka Block Restaurant, where Clive Canter taught us all about the real taste and texture of calamari. Even though we were already full, we managed to eat a delicious lunch at St. Francis Brewing Company. I was especially impressed with the falafel, and we even got to try their craft beers, all included in the price of the trip.

As we wrapped up the four-day adventure, we all hopped on a boat for a sunset cruise through the St Francis canals and along the Krom River. It felt like pure magic when Esti surprised us with a cozy stay at Brisan B&B for our final night. Anthony Miller and Janet Harrison, the wonderful hosts at this charming house, made sure we were comfortable with electric blankets that kept us warm. The next morning, we were refreshed and ready to tackle the long journey back to Cape Town, which would take around eight hours.

There’s something extraordinary about walking that goes beyond merely putting one foot in front of the other. It’s like a massage for the brain, allowing thoughts to flow and connections to form, even in the silence. We not only shared the breathtaking landscapes but also shared meals, laughter, and deep conversations. And let’s not forget the unforgettable moment when Eric, Esti’s helpful husband and co-owner of the trail, took care of my blisters by using a shot of methialite to catapult them into oblivion on day two. I couldn’t help but release a few shrieks of both pain and relief!

During my trip, I quickly learned the importance of moving a bit faster. However, I also discovered that there are advantages to being at the back, such as being able to follow in the footsteps of others through 16 kilometers of sand dunes.

Now, let me tell you about the Chokka Trail. It’s a guided tour that lasts for four days. It’s reasonably easy, so you won’t have to worry too much about difficulty.

When it comes to planning your trip, there are a few things you need to know. First, you’ll need to drive to Cape St Francis Resort, which is about an hour away from PE. Once you arrive at the resort, you’ll be shuttled to Oyster Bay, the starting point of the trail. Don’t worry about leaving your car at the resort – it will be kept in a safe spot.

So, why not embark on this exciting adventure? Lace up your shoes and get ready to explore the beautiful Chokka Trail!

What you need to know:

Hey there! Just wanted to give you the scoop on some important details before you dive into this awesome adventure. So, the first thing to note is that the group size needs to be anywhere between four and twelve people. We want to make sure there’s enough camaraderie without feeling overcrowded, you know?

Now, here’s the deal for the first day: you can totally take charge of your own experience! It’s unguided, so you have the freedom to decide how much or how little of the walk you want to tackle. It’s all about what feels right for you. And hey, if you’re feeling extra energized and ambitious, don’t hesitate to request an earlier start time so you can conquer that full 18-kilometer stretch. We’re here to support your hiking dreams!

Now let’s talk about the practicalities. The trail is fully catered, which means we’ve got your meals covered. But when it comes to drinks, that’s on you. You’ll need to take care of those costs yourself, except for the beer tasting – we’ve got you covered there. Gotta enjoy a little refreshment after all that outdoor fun!

Rate & Booking:

Alright, so let’s get down to the nitty-gritty: the cost and how to book. For this incredible four-day and four-night experience, the rate is R5,860 per person. That includes all the adventure, accommodations, and meals. Now, if you’re ready to jump right in and make this happen, give us a call at 0738250835 or head over to chokkatrail.co.za. We can’t wait to have you join us!