MTO Tsitsikamma Trail Accommodation Makeover and New Porterage Option
One of South Africa’s oldest and dare we say it, favourite, hiking trails – the MTO Tsitsikamma Hike – has recently had its overnight huts refreshed, renewed, upgraded and in some instances, the number of beds increased. MTO Trails, part of the MTO Group, has also recently launched a porterage option for hikers seeking a more leisurely stroll through nature.
Located within the environs of MTO’s plantations in the Tsitsikamma, straddling the Western and Eastern Cape, the MTO Tsitsikamma trail has attracted hikers for more than 40 years. Traversing some of South Africa’s most scenic landscapes, the trail can be done either as a day pass, a six-day full hike (62.3kms) or only for a day or two. The choice of duration is for those whose boots hit the ground, as too, whether the hiker wishes to undertake the trail carrying their own gear or ‘slackpacking’.
Since the trail’s inception, it has seen many thousands of adventurers, but MTO, who are now the custodians of this piece of heaven, have injected some much-needed upgrades and enhancements to the tired accommodation that was on offer.
The modernisation of these facilities has been made taking the principles of ecotourism into account, with MTO staying true to its company ethos of sustainability and consideration for the fragility of the environment.
The labour of love has been overseen by MTO Ecotourism Manager, Douw Van Der Merwe, who shares,
“the improvements enhance what has always been an exceptional hike, staying true to the original integrity of the trail. We’ve retained the original ethos of the experience but with the added option of porterage so we can now cater for a larger audience – the true believer in hiking or the novice looking to explore nature for the first time – all of which we hope will keep visitors happy and enjoying their time spent amongst the trees for at least another 40 years to come.”
Breaking new ground
Part of the transformations have seen the construction of cross laminated timber (CLT) sleeping units made from timber from the MTO plantations themselves. These units are made with next generation building technology at MTO’s plant in Retreat outside Cape Town and allow for modular construction of all shapes and sizes. On site in the Tsitsikamma, MTO has built a series of two-man A-frame units that are quite literally, rooms with views over the surrounding spectacular valleys and hills, as well as more extensive 6-man huts complete with their own eating areas.
Existing huts have also been given an overhaul to make them more comfortable.
The communal meeting, cooking and wash facilities too, have been beneficiaries to the modernisation – no more bucket showers of cold water – as a state-of-the art donkey and showerheads are now installed. But, if showering in the elements and on full display to the accompanying nature is more your style, each of the Tsitsikamma accommodation sites will now host an outdoor shower – replete with hot water – to refresh or energise tired limbs.
Solar driven ‘electricity’ points also cater for the modern hiker with a USB charging ability now on offer, along with other charging points.
The trail attracts local and international visitors alike, and with the ecotourism sector growing in popularity, MTO is ideally positioned to participate in the share of this transformative travel sector and sharing economy.
Critical to the long-term success of the hike, has also been the company’s support of local enterprise, a position it has adopted throughout all levels of its business, which is a true example of circular economy in action.
The hike is graded with a difficulty rating of 6/10, with relatively long days, requiring moderate to good fitness. Technical rating: Standard trail walking, interspersed with small river crossings and some beach walking on day one.
Bookings can be made either online or call 0871582110 or email: info@mtoecotourism.co.za.
Let the adventure begin – Go MTO.
