Travel Adviser : Walkabout on West Coast’s diamond shore

Best time to go
Flower season, late July to early September, will be the most beautiful. December to March is the hottest, but then there’s always the option of a swim. April to July could be uncomfortably cold during the nights. For the most pleasant overall temperatures with a chance to still see some flowers, we recommend August to November. Crayfish season is from mid-November to April (permits can be bought at most coastal municipalities and post offices).

What to take
Everything for selfsufficient camping – tents, sleeping bags, food, cutlery and cooking utensils. But, because it’s a slackpacking trail, there’s no need to take tiny hiking tents, thin sleeping bags and the like. Pack to camp comfortably – bigger tents, camping chairs, stretchers or inflatable mattresses and pillows. Foodwise, pack everything needed for each night in clearly marked packs and it will be brought out to you. It’s possible to have meat frozen and beer and drinks kept cold. Make sure you have enough snacks and dry food to carry with you during the day. Drinking and cooking water is supplied at the overnight stops. Don’t forget sunblock and hats.

What it costs and who to contact
The five-night trail is R700 a hiker, including transfer to and from the start and end points and a braai on the last night. Contact Jacana Collection, tel 086-152-2262 or 011-656-0606, e-mail info@jacanacollection.co.za or web http://www.jacanacollection.co.za.