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SCENERY
On the Otter the scenery is constantly changing. Caves, waterfalls, rock outcrops, sandy and rocky beaches (some covered with driftwood) as well as ravines and indigenous forests with unique vegetation and stretches of fynbos can be seen. The Indian Ocean, constantly within view, enhances the rugged coastline and reflects the setting sun at the end of the day. The weather in the Tsitsikamma National Park can be unpredictable, variable, unsettled and has a substantial influence on the visual effects of the coastal scenery.
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Mist rising from the sea towards the tree-covered slopes. |
A magnificent view from the escarpment.
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One of the rivers on the Otter, Elandsbos River mouth. |
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FUNGI
Fungi, which could also be called "flowers of the forest", are extremely interesting and capture the imagination, mostly growing on fallen and decaying trees. Fungi are neither plants nor animals. Some species look like plants but need to ingest food like animals.
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Funnel Woodcap (Lentinus sajor-caju).
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Red Stinkhorn (Clatbrus archeri), also known as Devil's Finger.
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Truffle fungus (Hydnoplicata convoluta).
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Orange Tuft (Gymnopilus junonius) growing in large quantities together with moss on a fallen tree.
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Turkey Tail or Many-zoned Polypore (Coriolus versicolor).
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Sulphur Tuft
(Hypholomafasiculare). |
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CAPE FYNBOS
The world renowned Cape Fynbos could very well regarded as one of the wonders of the world and constitutes eighty per cent of the Cape Floral Kingdom, hosting 8600 plant species, of which 5800 are endemic. Many of these species can be seen along the trail.
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A variety of fynbos in a relative small area. |
Beautiful contrast between dry Snow Bush and green fynbos.
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One of the many species of Erica that can be found along the trail.
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FERNS
Ferns are among the oldest groups of living plants. Fossils of early ferns are found in rocks of the Upper Devonian Period, dating back 365 million years. The Tsitsikamma indigenous forests boast a rich fern flora.
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Ladder Brake or Chinese Ladder (Pteris vittata) next to a fresh water stream.
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Forest Fern Tree (Cyathea capensis).
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Carrot Fern (Asplenium rutifolium) on tree trunk.
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ROCK FORMATIONS
The landward part of the Tsitsikamma National Park consists mainly of rugged quartzite cliffs of the Cape Fold Belt. These cliffs fall steeply to the sea, forming much of the coastline and leaving little room for beaches at their base. For million of years, these rocks have been eroded by waves and wind, resulting in rocks with peculiar shapes and patterns.
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Erosion by waves and wind over millions of years resulted in this weirdly shaped rock outcrop.
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Relentless forces have gouged a hole in shale. |
Two giant rock outcrops guarding the Indian Ocean.
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RIVERS and STREAMS
Several rivers and streams must be crossed on the trail, each one different and also convenient for filling water bottles. However, these same rivers and streams have been the cause of many exciting and scary experiences. Fascinating scenery unfolds when high tide rushes into these rivers which the plough through narrow ravines and deeply forested valleys, forming myriads of waterfalls cascading down the cliffs.
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Elandsbos River with its wide, sandy bed and brown water.
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Mouth of the Lottering River, with rushing waves coming in from the Indian Ocean.
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Beautiful fresh water pool upstream of the Geelhoutbos River at Scott Huts.
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WILDLIFE
Besides a multitude of indigenous plants, many animals also find sanctuary in the forest and along the coastline. A forest ecosystem cannot function satisfactorily without the animal population. A typical forest is made up of a vast assemblage of different plants and animals and it is this well-balanced interaction, if left undisturbed, which makes it last into perpetuity. The avifauna along the trail is rich and varied.
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African Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus moquini). The name can be misleading as these birds feeds mainly on mussels, limpets, crustaceans and worms. Oysters rarely form part of their diet. |
The Cape Clawless Otter (Aonyx capensis), is a predator that lives on crabs, frogs, fish and octopus. This otter can be distinguished from the Spotted-Necked Otter by the fingers that have no claws (hence the term clawless). |
Knysna Dwarf Chameleon (Bradypodion damaranum), being masters of camouflage. Bradypodion, actually means "slow foot" which describes the extremely slow manner of mowing forward.
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TIDAL POOLS and MARINE SPECIES
Crystal clear tidal pools are found along the pristine shoreline displaying an exciting underwater world. A spectacular diversity of marine life is sustained here. The rocky pools host a symbiotic combination of fish, sponges, sea squirts, molluscs, crustaceans, sea weeds as well as turtles, sharks and marine mammals. Each of these is uniquely specialised and occupies a different niche.
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Calm tidal pool along the rocky shore of the coastline, ideal for snorkelling. |
Seaweeds, anemones, snails and red bait are evident in this shallow inter-tidal pool.
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Barnacles. These highly modified crustaceans encased in shells, permanently attached themselves to the substrata.
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