The Dolphin Trail is a guided, fully supported coastal hike in the Tsitsikamma section of Garden Route National Park. It has much of the drama of the Otter coastline—suspension bridge views, forest, sea-level rock pools, steep cliffs and fynbos—but trades a heavy backpack for luggage transfers and lodge overnights.
This is a compact destination hike rather than simply a hotel stay. The walking is centred on two coastal stages between Storms River Mouth, Misty Mountain Reserve and The Fernery, with guides, lunches and support built into the experience. It works well for walkers who want real trail days and high-quality comfort, but it still has steep climbs, wet rock and exposed coast to negotiate.
Hike directions
Arrival day – Tsitsikamma National Park
Check in at the Garden Route National Park Tsitsikamma Section reception. The afternoon can be used for short local walks, including the Loerie Trail or the opening section of the Waterfall Trail, before the trail briefing.
Hiking Day 1 – Storms River Mouth to Misty Mountain Reserve (7.5 km)
The first walk crosses the Storms River suspension bridge and climbs a steep, rocky path to the lookout above the coastline. After the coastal views, the trail descends through indigenous forest to a stream-side lunch stop. A demanding climb up Steilkop follows before a more comfortable forest walk into Misty Mountain Reserve.
Hiking Day 2 – Misty Mountain Reserve to The Fernery (9.5 km)
The second stage drops from the lodge to rock pools and follows the coast at sea level. Expect rocky ground, sea spray and potential swimming or snorkelling stops. The route then climbs to a forest lunch stop and finishes with roughly 3 km through fynbos to The Fernery.
Departure day
The normal programme returns hikers to the national park by vehicle, using the old Storms River Pass route. Confirm transfer arrangements and times as part of the current booking.
What to expect
Walk with a daypack containing water, rain protection, a warm layer, sun protection, swimming gear and personal medication. Footwear needs good grip for wet rocks and uneven coast. The trail is guided, but every hiker should be comfortable with a sustained climb and careful movement over rough ground.
The lodge stops are part of the hiking experience, so selected landscape and exterior images of them may be appropriate in the gallery. Avoid turning the article into a room-by-room accommodation listing: the route, conditions and daily walking remain the main story.
About the area
Storms River Mouth is one of the Garden Route’s most striking meeting points between forest, gorge and Indian Ocean. The Dolphin Trail follows this wild edge of Tsitsikamma, where dense coastal vegetation opens abruptly onto rock shelves, waves and long sea views. Keep an eye out for marine life, coastal birds and the plant life of the fynbos, but maintain safe distance from cliff edges and surf.
Address and contact details
Trail check-in: Garden Route National Park – Tsitsikamma Section Reception, Storms River Mouth Route information and bookings: Dolphin Trail / Fagala Voet
Confirm current park entry, guide arrangements, transfers, the selected lodge sequence and weather-related conditions before travelling.
