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 Hike The West Coast Crayfish Trail
The trail forms part of the South-North Tourism Route (SNTR) initiative, a community based tourism network developed based on sustainable and responsible tourism principles in conjunction with local people from the area. Most of the enterprises that make up the route were created in their entirety or in part with Social Responsibility funding from the Department of Environment Affairs and Tourism (DEA&T). The aim of this initiative is to establish a self-regulated tourism industry that will benefit local people.
The 6 day guided Crayfish Trail starts in Elandsbaai and ends in Ebenhaeser to the north, and includes overnight accommodation at community owned guesthouses in the remote villages of Steenboksfontein, Lambertsbaai and Papendorp. Although this is mainly a coastal route giving visitors the opportunity to explore virtually uninhabited stretches of coastline, the trail also occasionally meanders inland to visit interesting sites in the Strandveld.
Participants are asked to be patient, understanding and provide constructive feedback as to how the Trail can be improved. The trail price includes all accommodation as mentioned in itinerary, food, non-alcoholic drinks, local guides, hostess, support vehicle to transport luggage between overnight stops, transport between Lambertsbaai and Doringbaai, and transport for the driver from Ebenhaeser to Elandsbaai at the end of the trail to collect car.
Photo courtesy of Tiana Stanton
 Only small groups of 6 to 10 people are allowed at a time.
Trail Hike Itinerary
Day 1: Drive to Elandsbaai where you meet up with your local guide and host for the evening. Depending on your time of arrival explore the mountain that overlooks the wetland and beach. Enjoy the hospitality of your local host and caterers. Overnight in the Vleihuisie Guesthouse, a beautiful old clay farmhouse that has been renovated into a guesthouse run by a community enterprise.
Day 2: Make your way along the wetland to the beach and walk along the beach for 18km adjacent beautiful white dune fields towards Steenboksfontein. En route you will occasionally meander inland to look at interesting features in the Strandveld. At Steenboksfontein you wii meet up with your host Mrs. Burger and enjoy your meals in the local Farm Kitchen. Overnight in Steenboksfontein Guesthouse.
 Day 3: Continue along the beach for 9km to Lambertsbaai for a cultural experience in the local fishing community. A short guided drive through the Strandveld will bring you to Doringbaai where you will overnight in the old fishing compound. The compound is located on the cliffs above small beaches and has an awe inspiring view of the sea. This once thriving hostel for migrant fisherman is today a sad relic of a once flourishing fishing industry.
Although the buildings have largely deteriorated, one of the old migrant fisherman and his family still occupy part of the compound. To demonstrate the tourism potential and turn the compound into an asset for the community the Doringbaai Multi-Purpose Resource Centre (with the assistance of the Department of Environmental Affairs & Tourism, Matzikama Municipality and Oceana) have renovated a section of an old accommodation block into a comfortable guestroom and dormitory. Enjoy a unique overnight experience in the company of your local host and caterers at the aspiring Benguela Lodge.
 Day 4: Follow a scenic path along the cliff tops to Strandfontein and on to Papendorp. En route you will see unique plants and in winter and spring beautiful wildflowers, whales and dolphins. Overnight in the Papendorp Guesthouse in a relaxed environment overlooking the lovely Olifants River Mouth and wetland.
Day 5: Follow an adventurous path along the Olifants River bank to Ebenhaeser. The river walk is beautiful with plenty of interesting birds and fishing activities to entertain you, but be prepared to get muddy. Overnight at Ebenhaeser Guesthouse and enjoy the quiet peace of this rural farming and fishing community. Ebenhaeser has many historical old clay buildings that are rapidly deteriorating. The guesthouse is located in a lovely old clay house that has recently been renovated by the Ebenhaeser Multi-Purpose Resource Centre with the assistance of the Church, the Matzikama Municipality and the Department of Environmental Affairs & Tourism.
Day 6: Return to Elandsbaai for your vehicle and your trip home.
Quick Facts
Experience: 6 day hiking trail along the west coast of South Africa
Duration: 6 days
Operator: South North Tourism Route (SNTR), community based tourism network
Contact: Coreen Coetzee at
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More info: http://www.south-north.co.za/cray_rt_trail.htm
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