Reconnection is at the very heart of all we do. We physically manage and co-ordinate the reconnection of portions of land to create vital, natural corridors which conserve and promote biodiversity in an increasingly fragile and threatened environment. We then also provide an equally invaluable opportunity for you to experience and immerse yourself within this pristine environment.

The Inqua Trail, is not simply another adrenalin fuelled wander in the wild. Rather, it is an opportunity to awaken your senses and authentically connect with the wonder of your place within the world. Our expert, professional guides are not only equipped to share the natural gems this trail holds, but have also been trained to guide and lead intuitively. This is so much more than a hike.  

#somuchmorethanahike

INQUA TRAIL – LEG 1 – AMPHITHEATRE

Amphitheatre Leg. 9km. 489m elevation gain.
Moderate difficulty with some coastal rock scrambling (20%) which can be difficult for inexperienced hikers. There is also one short, steep but fun 3m climb up a chimney, made easy by a professionally installed via ferratta – 30cm stainless steel staples .

Day 1 begins at Robberg Nature Reserve with a visit to the archaeological dig at Nelson’s Bay Cave which sets the tone for the rest of the hike, walking in the footsteps of our ancestors’. The entire corridor falls within the Cradle of Human Culture and the cave clearly illustrates our existence here over 140 000 years ago during the Middle Stone Age. We then head out of Robberg Nature Reserve and onto what is colloquially known as “the wild side” of Plettenberg Bay.

The scenic value of Day 1 is world class and includes multiple caves and clear rock pools waiting to refresh weary hikers. Even on the wildest of weather days safe pools can be found. A short but fun, steep chimney climb and numerous multi-disciplinary sites – pristine, undisturbed geological, paleoanthropological, and archaeological sites – form part of the day’s packed itinerary.

The highlight of Day 1 is undoubtedly the spectacular and awe inducing Amphitheatre, dating to the Jurassic period and beyond. From there, we move up through undisturbed southern Outeniqua sandstone fynbos where you will see some top red lis, high priority species of flora, then loop back around onto the dramatic coastline as a massive sea arch is revealed in the distance. Finally, we descend to the camp and nearby tidal rock pools, nestled in a sheltered, quiet coastal cove – your home for the night.

INQUA TRAIL – LEG 2 – RONDEBOSSIE

Rondebossie Leg. 11km. 742m elevation gain.
Moderate to difficult hike with minimal coastal rock scrambling (5%) which can be challenging for inexperienced hikers. Much of the single track is loose broken rock and good hiking shoes are a must.

Day 2 begins immediately with a climb onto the coastal headland with the dramatic Rondebossie Neusgate forming an inspiring backdrop. As we traverse up towards the headland, a brief forested section follows the coastal plateau out onto spectacularly high cliffs providing an opportunity to witness sightings of otters, dolphins and whales.

After a comfortable hour or so walk we descend into the bay of Oumatjie which includes a series of dramatic arches, one of the largest caves, and some of the very best rock pools, of the Inqua Trail. A steep ascent onto Fynbos Nature Reserve opens up into an area of beautiful coastal fynbos and a long forested kloof that miraculously survived the 2017 fires.

Lunch is served either in this pocket of glorious, Afromontane overlooking rock pools or along the forested trail itself. A final 2km forest hike crosses over into Cairnbrogie and your campsite for the night. Depending on the weather, the campsite will either be set up near the coast or in a sheltered, forested area.

INQUA TRAIL – LEG 3 – CROOKS CROSSING