Three picturesque fishing villages, a rugged coastline, sand dunes as far as the eye can see, a tidal river, protected fynbos, wetlands and a visit to South Africa’s only privately owned working harbor.

These are the ingredients that make up the Chokka Trail, a slack packing trail between Oyster Bay, St Francis Bay and Cape St Francis. This is the best possible opportunity to see and experience just how beautiful the area is – on foot, at your own pace and with overnight accommodation at guesthouses and a resort.

Hikers meet for the four day/three night route at the Cape St Francis Resort, where you can leave your vehicle in a secure parking area for the duration of the hike.

You will then be transported to Oyster Bay, a holiday village 20km to the west, and start your Chokka Trail experience with a warm-up walk to Thysbaai, an out-and-back of up to 14km – or whatever distance takes your fancy.

Oyster Bay is a hidden treasure, with one of the most unspoilt beaches in South Africa. It is hard to find a more relaxing view than the one from your overnight stop.

The day starts at Mostertshoek, on the Wild Side east of Cape St Francis. The hike takes you through parts of the Coastal Cradle of Humankind, along the shoreline of Cape St Francis and St Francis Bay, through a variety of fynbos and giving you a chance to see Southern Right whales, dolphins, otters and small game like duiker and bushbuck. A visit to the SANCCOB Seabird and African Penguin Rehabilitation Centre at the Seal Point Lighthouse is included, they will be expecting you for an informative talk.  You will then proceed via the Cape St Francis Beach and Shark Point towards Port St Francis.

The highlight of the day is a local wine and calamari tasting (chokka) at Port St Francis, the only privately owned working harbour in South Africa, where you can also visit a working chokka boat (if available).  You will be transported to the Cape St Francis Resort where you will have dinner at the award winning Joe Fish Restaurant.

This is when the trail starts in earnest, walking the length of the Sand River to St Francis Bay. The Sand River is a dune bypass system, a highway of non-stop rolling sand dunes.  There is very little chance of interaction with people other than those in your group for the duration of the hike, while you enjoy a wonderful outlook to the Baviaanskloof Mountains away to the north.

At almost 17km, this is the longest section of the trail. The extent of the challenge will depend on weather conditions on the day, but it remains a privilege to enjoy the white washed dunes, leaving only your footprints behind. You will be picked up at the famous Sand River bridge (the one which made headlines when it washed away!) and taken to your overnight stop for the second night.

You will enjoy a cruise on the famous St Francis canals, and if you have any energy left, you can have a swim or paddle a canoe on the water before your well-earned sundowners and dinner.

This day finishes the trail with an up to 12km walk through the Irma Booysen Flora Reserve and Seal Point Reserve in Cape St Francis before you leave in your own vehicle for lunch at the St Francis Links, a world class Jack Nicklaus golf estate.

The Chokka Trail is fully catered and includes bed and breakfast, packed lunches, dinner at the various accommodation establishments as well as the canal cruise and calamari tasting. You only pay for your own drinks.  Luggage is transported between stops, while you carry only a day pack – make sure you add enough water according to your own needs.

You have the opportunity to see blue duiker and otters, exquisite tiny indigenous flowers, Oyster Bay’s ancient fish traps, shell middens and hidden pools between the dunes. There is a fresh surprise round every corner. And beauty at every step of the trail’s 56km.

This wonderful experience can be booked through The Cape St Francis Resort reception.