Harkerville Coastal Hiking Trail
Beauty: 4.5/5
Difficulty: 8/10
Technical rating: Short, steep climbs and descents with sections of rocky coastline that require careful navigation.
Duration: 2 days
The Harkerville Trail is a magnificent two-day hiking route through indigenous forest and along a rugged stretch of Garden Route coastline. Situated between Plettenberg Bay and Knysna, the 28 km trail features dramatic ocean views and wild coastal terrain that rivals the Otter Trail. It begins where the Outeniqua Trail ends, making it easy to extend your Outeniqua adventure by a couple of unforgettable days.
Note: This account is based on the 2014 route. After recent fires, the coastal section has been rerouted and contact numbers have changed. Confirm all details directly with SANParks: +27 12 428 9111.
Day 1: Harkerville Hut to Sinclair Hut (±15 km)
The trail starts at Harkerville Hut, which also serves as the final stop on the Outeniqua Trail. We opted to combine both trails — a six-day Outeniqua plus the two-day Harkerville — and it proved to be an unforgettable choice.
The first section winds through lush indigenous forest, alive with cicadas, moss-covered trunks and earthy scents. After roughly 10 km of forest walking, the trees open to reveal an incredible view of the coastline and deep blue ocean below.
From here, the path descends sharply to the rocky shore, where the ocean crashes against rugged cliffs. This stretch is as thrilling as it is beautiful — including a short but nerve-testing section around a rock face suspended above the waves. Thankfully, sturdy metal chains offer support, and the brief burst of adrenaline is well worth it.
The coastline continues for around 4 km, each bend revealing new sea-spray views and natural pools perfect for cooling off. Although the distance is short, the rocky terrain makes progress slow — and wonderfully immersive.
Eventually, the trail climbs back up to the cliff top through fields of fynbos, ending the day at Sinclair Hut. The hut offers spectacular sunset views and a welcome rest after a demanding yet deeply rewarding day.
Day 2: Sinclair Hut to Harkerville Hut (±13 km)
Day 2 begins by descending the opposite side of the ridge from Sinclair Hut, immediately revealing sweeping ocean views framed by mountain slopes.
After a brief descent, hikers wade through the clear waters of the Grooteiland River mouth before rejoining the pebble-strewn shoreline. The following coastal section mirrors the magic of the Otter Trail, featuring wooden stairs, chain ladders and the occasional scramble — adventurous but manageable.
Each corner unveils another breathtaking scene — waves pounding the cliffs, mist drifting across rock formations and sunlit pools tucked between boulders. The coastline here demands effort, but rewards it with unparalleled beauty.
Eventually, the trail climbs inland again, reaching open grassy cliffs where hikers can pause to look back on the ocean below. From there, the final 8 km retrace forest paths through tranquil indigenous canopy, leading back to Harkerville Hut — a fitting close to two days of wild beauty.
Conclusion
The Harkerville Trail may only last two days, but it easily ranks among South Africa’s most scenic hikes. For those completing the Outeniqua Trail, adding Harkerville at the end is highly recommended. The combination offers a seamless journey from deep forest to coastal cliffs — a challenging yet unforgettable experience that every hiker should have on their list.
Booking & Info
Bookings through SANParks:
Email: reservations@sanparks.org
Tel: +27 12 428 9111