Diaz Trail

About Diaz Trail

Start: Woody Cape, Alexandria State Forest
Finish: mouth of the Great Fish River
Duration: 80 km, 5 days
Fitness: moderate to difficult
Our tip: highlights include wild and deserted beaches, the largest shifting dune fields in the southern hemisphere, shipwrecks, and the Diaz Cross

This slackpacker, fully catered for, trail is a must for those who want the gruel and grind of a real beach hike, but still want to sleep in luxury at night. The entire trail wends its way along the beaches of the Wild Coast, via Cannon Rocks, the Diaz Cross, Kenton-on-Sea and on to the Great Fish River mouth.

Day one: Woody Cape to Cannon Rocks

The initial leg of the trail takes you passed many shipwrecks, through the huge shifting dune field to the Springs, a natural artesian flow of water right on the beach, where you will break for lunch. Your destination is Cannon Rocks.

Day two: Cannon Rocks to Bushman's River Mouth

The day starts with a walk to Boknes, and a swim in the sheltered lagoon, followed by two hours' on the beach to Diaz Cross - placed where Bartholomew Diaz, the Portuguese explorer who discovered the Cape of Good Hope way back in 1488, erected a Padroa. The next part of the hike from here to Bushman's River, Africa's longest tidal river, is littered with wrecks and beautiful bays. The evening includes a sundowner cruise.

Day three: Bushman's River to Kowie River

Kenton-on-sea lies between the Bushman's and Kariega rivers; the scenery is beautiful. Cross the Kariega by boat and head up to the Kasouga River mouth. From here pass the famous wreck of Cape St Blaze before lunching at Ship rock. The day is fairly taxing but includes Rihkhals Rocks, Kowie point, Bretton Beach, and Kelly's Beach highlights. The evening includes another sundowner cruise along the Kowie River, past the fishing village of Port Alfred and through unspoilt Euphorbia forest.

Day four: Port Alfred to Kleinemonde

Head to the Riet River via Fountain Rocks, Oyster Rock and the Rufanes River, enjoying a swim and the time to pick mussels at Three Sisters for your evening meal (depending on the tide). Lunch at the second sister overlooking Sharks Gully and the blowhole. The evening at Kleinemonde includes a sundowner cruise up the river.

Day five: Kleinemonde to Fish River mouth

Breakfast in the Great Fish Point Lighthouse, passing Clayton Rocks en route. This, the last day, has some of the best scenery. Walk via Little Fish Point, the Palmiet river and Rocky Point, reaching the Great Fish River mouth in time for lunch. The afternoon includes a paddle up the Kap River.