The Garden Route offers a diverse variety of walks and hikes in and around Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, taking one from the rugged coastline to the lush indigenous forest and up the craggy mountains to reveal some of South Africa’s most breathtaking views.
HIKES AND WALKING TOURS IN THE GARDEN ROUTE
The hikes range between 3 and 20 km, catering to the needs of every walker.
Very easy, light exertion or light to moderate exertion
Woodcutters Trail – “Circles in a Forest”
- Time: 2.5 hrs or 4-5 hrs
- Distance: 3km or 9km
- Rate includes snacks, excludes permits
Features: The heart of the Knysna indigenous forest in the Goudveld area with many prime examples of 600 year old Outeniqua Yellowwoods and 3m high tree ferns.
Description: Huge trees, red billed wood hoopoes, large tree ferns, gulleys and streams, ancient ironwood trees, arum lilies, fungi, bracket fungus, porcupines, dreams of Oupoot (the long lost hero matriarch elephant made famous by Dalene Matthee). Baboon droppings, bush pig droppings and bushbuck droppings are seen in abundance. A real forest experience that is suitable for all ages.
Kranshoek Coastal Trail
- Time: 3 hrs or 4-5 hrs
- Distance: 4km or 9km
- Rate includes snacks, excludes permits
Features: Spectacular coastal scenery, indigenous forest, forest, fynbos and rocky beaches.
Description: A circular walk, which traverses beautiful coastal scenery. The full walk is fairly tough and demands a descent and ascent of 200 meters. The walk passes through prime examples of high forest, crosses sections of coastal fynbos and takes the hiker along breathtaking natural scenery along a cliff coast. Whale spotting is possible between July and September.
Light to moderate exertion
Elephant Trails
- Time: 3 to 5 hrs
- Distance: 7km, 8km, 9km or 15km
- Rate includes snacks, excludes permits
Features: Magnificent moist high forest, the old forest railway line, ancient Outeniqua Yellowwood trees, forest birds, fungi.
Description: All three walks are in the Diepwalle Forest, once home to large herds of elephant of which now only one remains. This area was also home to the famous woodcutters. The walks are perfect for anyone wanting to get an authentic forest experience.
Goukamma Nature Reserve
- Time: 4 hrs
- Distance: 8km
- Rate includes snacks, excludes permits
Features: Dune forest, fynbos, coastal dunes, river crossing, birds, Milkwood forest.
Description: This is a shorter fairly easy walk with outstanding views, walking up dunes and returning back to the reserve through the Milkwood forest. The walk starts by crossing the river in a small boat and then climbing through beautiful dune forest to reach a 360 degree breathtaking view of beach, river, forest and mountains.
Robberg Nature Reserve
- Time: 4 hrs
- Distance: 11km
- Rate includes snacks, excludes permits
Features: Breathtaking coastal scenery and views across Plettenberg Bay. Points of geological and archaeological interest, intertidal zone, large seal colony, sea bird and animal life.
Description: A moderately strenuous circular walk around the Robberg Peninsula which is both a nature reserve and national monument. Also the site of one of the first occupied caves in the area, 120 000 years ago. A perfect opportunity to see dolphins, penguins and whales.
The diversity of bird life, fynbos and evidence of rocks dating back to the early Cretaceous period (130 –110 mil. yrs ago) make this an interesting and enjoyable walk.
High exertion
George Peak Trail
- Time: 7 to 9 hrs
- Distance: 19km or 21km
- Rate includes lunch, excludes permits
Features: Hike to the top of the world in the George region of the Outeniqua Mountains.
Description: A very strenuous walk with unforgettable views. Destination: 1579 meters above sea level - the highest peak in the area. Warm and wind-proof clothing is essential and don’t forget your camera!
Natures Valley
- Time: 8 to 9 hrs
- Distance: 16km
- Rate includes lunch, excludes permits
Features: Magnificent unspoilt surroundings, Salt River estuary, mountain fynbos, indigenous forest, birds, wildlife, spectacular views and huge yellowwood trees.
Description: A 16km circular route in the de Vasselot area of the Tsitsikamma National Park. Densely overgrown mountains, impenetrable forests and deep ravines make this a true experience of unspoilt nature. A beautiful walk of moderate to high exertion.
Please note:
Rates subject to change without prior notice.
All rates are based on a minimum of two guests. Singles are welcome subject to single supplement rates. Please enquire.
