A HIKE, A WALK OR A LEISURELY STROLL? The spectacular but little known trails in the Eastern Cape s provincial nature reserves offer something for everyone. Share ADVENTURES. HIKE the Eastern Cape. adventureprovinceeasterncape @visit_ec AdventureProvince adventureprovince
INTRODUCTION Take a load off and breathe. Discover the beauty and tranquility at the Eastern Cape Provincial Nature Reserves. The provincial nature reserves trails offer something for everyone - seasoned hikers, those without the time of fitness levels that the more strenuous hiking trails require, or dawdlers who simply want to get back to nature. Groendal Wonderful outdoor time for the whole family, - enjoying and respecting nature! Share ADVENTURES. HIKE the Eastern Cape. Aliwal North Hluleka Mthatha Thomas Baines Graaff-Reinet East London Port Elizabeth HIKING TRAILS East London Coast Nature Reserve Groendal Nature Reserve Mkhambathi Nature Reserve Ongeluksnek Nature Reserve Hluleka Waters Meeting Mkambathi Hluleka Nature Reserve Island Nature Reserve Thomas Baines Nature Reserve Waters Meeting Nature Reserve FOR A FULL LIST OF NATURE RESERVE HIKING TRAILS VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.visiteasterncape.co.za
EAST LONDON coast nature reserve GROENDAL nature reserve Umtiza Forest Reserve incorporates the remaining indigenous forests on the northern banks of the Buffalo River, 14km north of East London. The reserve is named after one of the rare trees found in the reserve, the umtiza listerana, part of the legume family and if you want to know what it looks like, there is a geocache hidden in one of them on the circular trail in the Umtiza Forest. Tree labels and information boards make it a worthwhile educational experience. 1. 2.5km day walk (1hr) 2. 6km day walk (2-3hrs) 3. 1.5km day walk (30min) Within the Groot Winterhoek mountain range, the Groendal Wilderness Area is 45 428ha of remote and unspoilt rugged terrain cut through by numerous streams and ravines. It protects the water-catchment area of the KwaZungha River, with the Groendal Dam at its centre. Historically, this third-largest proclaimed wilderness in South Africa was a refuge for the Khoi- San people, evidenced by the many paintings on the walls of caves and shelters in the area. 1. Lowerblinderkloof 16km (4hrs) 2. Upperblinderkloof 32km (overnight) 3. Bushpig 16km The reserve is home to Samango monkeys, tree dassies and blue duikers. Birding in the reserve is one of the highlights, and you can anticipate sighting thirty to forty in one visit. There are three easy day walks on a network of trails. The first is a distance of 2.5km (1hr), which circles the Manager s Office and remains on the plateau. The second walk is 6km long (2-3hrs) and crosses to the north of the Buffalo Pass Road. The third is a shorter distance of 1.5km (30min) and covers part of the previous trail. Round off your visit with a picnic at the picnic area near the nature conservation offices. No Demarcation Non-guided. Field rangers can accompany when available. The Groendal Nature Reserve is characterised by deep kloofs, flowing streams and clear pools, with over 2 000 species of flora recorded - predominantly fynbos. Wildlife includes bushbuck, duiker, grey rhebok, mountain reedbuck, grysbok, bushpig, vervet monkeys and leopard. Bird life is fairly diverse, with about 180 species having been recorded. With its many trails, ranging from easy day walks to stenuous overnight hikes - some with compulsory swims, hikers of all fitness levels are sure to find what they are looking for at Groendal. There is also a short, clearly marked circular trail route which is popular for visitors who simply want to relax and unwind at the Rooikrantz picnic area. 4. Eel Cave 32km (overnight) 5. Emerald pool 32km (overnight) 6. Elephant Cave 16km 7. Fernkloof 12km 8. Waterkloof 16km 1-5 clearly demarcated 6-8 unmarked (used by people who know the area well) Self guided Office 087 286 6516 Central Reservations 043 492 0881 reservations@ecpta.co.za Mangrove trees, indigenous forests, Samango monkeys, tree dasies, blue duiker Conservation Fee applies Office 087 086 2499 Central Reservations 043 492 0881 reservations@ecpta.co.za predominantly fynbos, bushbuck, grysbok, vervet monkeys, leopard EASY, moderate and strenuous Adult R34 Child: R17 (per day) Conservation Adult: R22 Child: R11 (per day)
HLULEKA nature reserve ISLAND nature reserve A 772ha area of coastline characterised by the Congwane Mtombo and Ndabeni Hluleka Forest Reserves and riverine gorges, lying 30km south of Port St Johns, Hluleka Nature Reserve is one of the Wild Coast s best kept secrets. This tranquil reserve showcases a diverse range of eco systems rocky seashores, golden beaches, lagoons and lush forests of quinine, coral, stink ebony and Natal fig trees as well as an abundance of wildlife. The trails of this reserve lead hikers along the wild, rocky shoreline, across vast expanses of pristine beaches and through densely wooded ebony forests. Meandering paths lead through the forests to open hilltops offering spectacular dolphin and whale watching. For those who are simply getting away from it all, wandering through the spectacular forests to hidden picnic spots is a sure way to unwind. Fenqe Trail 1.5km Mfeyesele Trail 2km Mafusini Trail 1km Mphutshenge Trail 2km Hluleka River Trail 1km Demarcated Volunteering tour guides available An ideal destination for day trips with the family, the Island Nature Reserve provides excellent opportunities for hiking on a number of trails with excellent vantage points, providing amazing views of the coast and surrounding areas. The most well known trail is the 16km Bushbuck Hiking Trail which starts outside the main office of the Nature Reserve. The majority of the trails are easily manageable and span shorter distances. The Island Nature Reserve has beautiful, easily accessible grasscovered picnic spots. Wildlife to be seen in the reserve includes blue duiker, bushbuck and vervet monkeys. Keen bird watchers will be delighted by the variety of over 180 bird species to be found. Bushbuck Trail 16km (6-7hrs) Trail 1-900m Trail 2-975m Trail 3-3.95km Trail 4-7.6km (3.5hrs) (also an easy 1.3km trail to picnic sites with fireplaces) Trail 5-3.4km Eland, bushbuck, spotted genet, Burchell s zebra or blue duiker can be spotted on the reserve trails. The reserve is also home to many bird species, including the African finfoot, ground hornbill, osprey, Knysna touraco, green coucal and the narina trogon. Well marked Non-guided Office 087 285 7784 Central Reservations 043 492 0881 reservations@ecpta.co.za Office 087 086 2498 Central Reservations 043 492 0881 reservations@ecpta.co.za Bushbuck Trail requires endurance in hot weather lush forests, various fig trees, Burchell s zebra, spottet genet, narina trogon Easy Adult: R22 Child: R11 (per day) Conservation Fees Adult: R22 Child: R11 (per day) outeniqua yellow-wood, white milkwood, blue duiker, bushbuck, vervet monkeys Adult R32 Child R21 (per day) Conservation Adult R11 Child R6 (per day)
MKHAMBATHI nature reserve ONGELUKSNEK nature reserve Situated on the coast of north-eastern Pondoland between Port Edward and Port St Johns, Mkhabathi is a relatively small 7 720ha reserve with a spectacular 10km long coastline of rugged, rocky beaches and calm inlets. Its open grasslands offer large numbers of grazing herbivores such as eland and red hartebeest and are flanked by the orested ravines of the Msikaba and Mtentu rivers showcasing prolific birdlife. The most popluar of the variety of trails in the reserve is the one along the Mkhambathi River - perhaps the most beautiful of the many rivers traversing the reserve, with its series of spectacular waterfalls. The Horseshoe Falls is most impressive as it drops down over the terrace in a wide arc, then tumbles over another waterfall before dropping several metres into the ocean. The waterfalls characterise Mkhambathi - making it a truly magnificent place! Horseshoe Falls 4.2km Mkhambathi Waterfall 5.5km Mtentu to Gwegwe (coastal) 8km Gwegwe to Point Beach (coastal) 4km Vulture colony 6.5km Mtentu to Point 12km Remote, mountainous and pristine, Ongeluksnek Nature Reserve offers a unique window into rural lifestyles. The 13 000ha reserve is located in the steep mountain grasslands of the southern Drakensberg, on the Lesotho border. With globally significant plant and animal biodiversity, unique habitats and high levels of endemism, Ongeluksnek forms part of the Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Park (MDTP). Ongeluksnek offers fantastic hiking for all fitness levels. There are several marked trails, as well as longer mapped, but unmarked, trails for the more adventurous - ideal for horses or mountain bikes. Look out for both Bearded and Cape Vultures, grey rhebok, common and mountain reedbuck, black wildebeest, plains zebra, Chacma baboons, caracals, black-backed jackal and aardvark. Bushman Caves 828m from main road Waterfall 699m from main road Trig Beacon 3.4km from waterfall Killarney 3.9km from Trig Beacon Vulture Hide 1.4km from Killarney A 2km canoe trip up this mysterious river will reveal the feathery-leaved, Mkhambathi palm, endemic to this area. Two famous shipwrecks, the Sao Bento (1554) near the mouth of the Msikaba River and the Grosvenor (1782) lying in Lambasi Bay, add to the mystery of Mkhambathi Nature Reserve. Not clearly demarcated but with signage Volunteering guide/ranger upon request R159/hour Verdant, lush summers, snowy winters, and the Maloti-Drakensberg Mountains with the greatest gallery of rock art in the world painted by the San people, still in beautiful condition, make Ongeluksnek a truly unique Eastern Cape adventure. Demarcated Non-guided. Field rangers assist by arrangement. Office 087 285 7752 Central Reservations 043 492 0881 reservations@ecpta.co.za Office 087 086 2503 Central Reservations 043 492 0881 reservations@ecpta.co.za magnificent forested ravines, eland, red hartebeest, prolific birdlife moderate Adult R32 Child R16 (per day) Conservation grasslands, unique habitats, bearded and cape vultures, zebra, ardvark Adult R11 Child R6 (per day) Conservation Adult R11 Child R6 (per day)
THOMAS BAINES nature reserve WATERS MEETING nature reserve Thomas Baines Natures Reserve lies 12 km southwest of Grahamstown, just off the N2 highway. The reserve covers an area of 1005ha and displays a rich diversity of fauna and flora, with three distinct habitats: Grassy Fynbos, Valley Bushveld and Afromontane Forest. The Ecology Connection Trail 5km The 174ha Waters Meeting Nature Reserve, between Bathhurst and Port Alfred, lends its name to the meeting of freshwater and saltwater in the Kowie River several kilometres upstream from the Kowie River Mouth. The reserve can only be accessed from the Kowie River, from Port Alfred. Blue Trail 9km Red trail 3.5km The reserve is home to the African buffalo, Chacma baboon, common eland, greater kudu and at least 25 reptile species and 175 recorded bird species of birds, making it an ideal birding destination. Best explored by car, preferably 4x4 or 2x4 vehicle, along a 15km track, walking throughout the reserve is not advised, other than at the Ecology Connection trail which is designed for educational purposes but can also accomodate adults. Facilities at the reserve include a fully equipped environmental education centre for school and youth club outings which caters for up to 60 learners at a time. The Settlers Dam - popular for bass fishing, sailing, board sailing and canoeing, features a recreation site with picnic tables and braai facilities. For those seeking the contentment and serenity that nature offers there are three main hiking trails through coastal thicket of the reserve, from 3 to 9km, offering a celebration of bird and plant life. Wildlife includes rock dassies, blue duiker, otters, kudu, waterbuck and bushpig. The trails, starting at the Hiking Trail car park, can be tackled separately or as one complete trail. They are well marked by different colour footprints that indicate the name and direction to be followed (toe pointing to the right direction). Along the riverbank there are picnic spots with braai areas for those who simply want to take the day off. A steep hike up from the river will take you to a viewpoint with a beautiful view of the horseshoe bend in the Kowie River. Green trail 3km Orange Trail 5km Demarcated Non-guided Office 087 285 7399 Central Reservations 043 492 0881 reservations@ecpta.co.za Office 087 286 6541 Central Reservations 043 492 0881 reservations@ecpta.co.za grassy fynbos, bushveld, Afromontane forest, African buffalo, baboon, greater kudu Conservation coastal thicket, otters, waterbuck, bushpig, kudu, rock dassies, blue duiker moderate Adult R34 Child R17 (per day) Conservation
HELPFUL TIPS FOR FAMILY HIKING TRIPS Plan well ahead. Make sure they have the proper footwear and socks as well as hats. Prepare backpacks for everyone make the children feel responsible. Let the children set the pace. Start early in the day and keep the children fed and hydrated. Teach them good outdoor ethics and to respect nature. Stay on the trail and don t allow them to take shortcuts. No yelling or loud noises. No throwing rocks or breaking tree branches. No picking of flowers. No writing on rocks or trees. No running on the trails. Respect other hikers space. No littering. Remember - what you take in, you take out. Make the walk an adventure. Let children help choose the hiking trail and destination goals. Share your excitement about sights and discoveries along the way. Invent games to play. Make a list beforehand of objects or animals to spot and challenge them to find everything on the list. Perhaps even a prize for the winner! Gently examine plants and point out unusual insects. Lessons in nature make for wonderful family memories. Praise your young hiker s efforts and have fun. REMEMBER TO TAKE sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, good walking shoes, camera, binoculars, water and insect repellent Please Note: Walk in a group Watch out for ticks adventureprovinceeasterncape @visit_ec AdventureProvince adventureprovince