What will follow is a list of 77 walking routes you can take in the Gardenroute. Some of them will require a permit and the hikes are rated.

 
Long walks - Click here to view >

To view short walks, click on button for the place of your choice

 
HEIDELBERG
+27  (0)2934- 21917		 GLENTANA
+27 (0)44 8019295/6/7
RIVERSDALE
+27 (0)2933 32418		 HEROLDS BAY
+27  (0)44 8019295/6/7
ALBERTINIA
+27 (0)2934 51000		 GEORGE
+27 (0)44 8019295/6/7
HERBERTSDALE
+27 (0)444 912202 		 WILDERNESS
+27 (0)44  8770045
STILBAAI
+27 (0)2934 42602		 SEDGEFIELD
+27 (0)44 3432658
MOSSELBAY
+27 (0)444 912202		 KNYSNA
+27 (0)44 38505510

GREAT BRAK RIVER
+27(0)44 620 3338
gbrtourism@gmail.com

 PLETTENBERG BAY
+27 (0)44 5334065


 

THE LONGER WALKS

1.  Boosmansbos Wilderness Area:  Heidelberg
 
starting point Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve Office
End Circular route
Distance 27-64 km
Duration  2-5 days
rating average -difficult
permit 02934 22412
features  mountain fynbos and indigenous forest

2. Attaquaskloof Hiking Trail - Mossel Bay
 
starting point A stile next to a green gate opposite the picnic area on the Robinson Pass between Mossel Bay and Oudsthoorn
end Circular route
Distance 38.3 km
duration 3 days
Rating difficult
permit Outeniquas-Witfontein 
044 8708323
features unspoilt exceptionally beautiful fynbos, rock pools and Attaquaskloof Pass with beautiful views

3 Botterberg Hiking trail -Mossel Bay
 
 
Starting point Imbabala Game Reserve
End circular route
distance 33 km
duration 3 days
permit Outeniqua  Nature Reserve - Witfontein 
0444- 952767
features  the trail winds through two camps and along hill veld, plateau's and river beds

back to top

4.  Tierkop - George
 
 

Starting point Witfontein
end Garden Route Dam via Pepsi Pool to parking area
Distance 17.5 + 12.5 km
duration 2 days
rating average
permit Outeniqua
features Pine plantations, indigenous forest, fynbos, dam, Pepsi Pool and waterfall

5. Outeniqua Hiking Trail - Wilderness
 
 

starting point Beervlei (Old Forest station- 8 overnight huts)
end Harkerville forestry Station
Distance 108 km
duration 7 days
rating easy - difficult
permit forestry office  044 3825466
features Indigenous forest, giant Yellow wood trees, animal and bird-life

back to top


 

6. Harkerville Coastal Hiking trail - Knysna
 
 

starting point Harkerville forestry station
end circular route
distance 26.6 km
duration 2 days
rating difficult
permit forestry office, 044 3825466 
features forest coast and fynbos

 

7 Otter trail - Tsitsikamma
 
 

starting point Storms River Mouth
end Nature's Valley
Distance 42 km
duration 5 days
rating difficult
permit Book 12 months in advance (national parks board) 012 343 1991 
 features coastal walk crossing various rivers with a rich variety of bird and animal life - magnificent views over ocean

 

8. Tsitsikamma trail- Tsitsikamma
 
 

starting point Nature's valley /caravan park
end Storm's River Bridge
distance 64 km
duration 5 days
rating average
permit SAFCOL 
042 3910393
features Indigenous forest, crossing, rivers, and mountain range with rich fynbos, animal and bird life

back to menu
 


DAY HIKES( click on button)

HEIDELBERG

9. Bosbok Hiking trail
 
 

starting point Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve Office
end circular route
distance 2-a0 km
duration 1-8 hours
rating easy
permit bookings at office 02934 22412
features indigenous forest

 

10. GRYSBOK
 
 

starting point Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve Office
end circular routes
distance 3-15 km
duration 2-8 hours
rating average
permit bookings at office
features fynbos

 

11. SNELSETTER FYNBOS TRAIL
 
 

starting point the homestead
end the homestead
distance 5 km
duration 3-4 hours
rating easy-average
permit permission from owner necessary  02934 22407
features unique fynbos, best from early august to late October, bird-life

back to menu
RIVERSDALE

12. SLEEPING BEAUTY HIKING TRAIL
 
 

starting point tollhouse
end old schools building
distance 13 km. and alternative 5 day route (23.5 km)
duration 4 hours
rating average
permit manager, tourist camp 
02933 32420
features Yellow-wood forest and fynbos

 

13. KRISTALKLOOF HIKING TRAIL
 
 

starting point Kristalkloof, Garcia Pass
end circular route
distance 23 km
duration 8 hours
rating easy
permit manager, tourist camp 
02933 32420
features fynbos

back to top


 

14.  ROOIWATERSPRUIT HIKING TRAIL
 
 

starting point Sleeping Beauty trail, Garcia Pass
end Rooiwaterspruit
Distance 23 km
duration  5 hours
rating average
permit manager, tourist camp 
02933 32420
features Rich variety of mountain fynbos

 

15.  MONT BLANC ADVENTURE T RAILS
 
 

starting point Mont Blanc Adventure Farm
end circular route
distance 60 km in total
duration  Various circular routes can be followed- discuss your preferences, and establish a route specifically suited to your needs
permit Willie Geldenhuys 02934 332214
features Magnificent mountain scenery, waterfalls and pools, indigenous forests, bushmen drawings. On request, routes can include absailing and/ or rock climbing

back to menu

ALBERTINIA

16. GOURIQUA HIKING TRAIL
 
 

starting point Gouriqua  Camping Area
end circular route
distance 14 km 
duration 3-4 hours
rating average
permit manager 
02934 53322/3
features rare albertinia fynbos

 

17. FYNBOS HIKING TRAIL
 
 
starting point Soutpan on the N2, between Albertinia and Riverdale
end circular route
distance 5 km
duration 3-4 hours
rating average
permit mr Horn 
02934 51709 
features fynbos and birdlife


 

18. WITBLITS HIKING TRAIL
 
 

starting point Bergfontein
end Riversdale/Bergfontein
distance 7 km
duration 4 hours
rating easy
permit B.Oosthuizen 
02934 52128

back to top


 

19. DIE POORT HIKING TRAIL
 
 

starting point Die Poort Wine Cellars
end Circular route
distance no official hiking trail
rating difficult
permit mr Jannie Jonker 
02934 52406
features fynbos, bushman paintings, river and waterfall

back to menu
HERBERTSDALE

20. DWARSRIVER HIKING - AND HORSE TRAIL
 
 
 

starting point Dwarsrivier Country Getaway
end Dwarsrivier/Eight Bells Mountain Inn
distance 7-14 km
duration 2-3 hours
rating easy
permit Jane Steward 
0444 65 11611
features fynbos, bird and animal-life

back to menu
 

STILBAAI

21. NOORKAPPER ROUTE
 
 

starting route Morris Point
end Jongensfontein
distance 11 km
duration 4 hours
rating: easy
permit none
features coastline,fish traps, shell gathering, flowers, whales, caves, ancient strandloper middens
recommend: low tide excercise

 

 22. WEST BANK ROUTE
 
 

starting point tourism office
end Morris Point/harbour
distance 3-6 km
duration 2-5 hours
rating easy
permit none
features Birds, river estuary, fish traps, harbour, tame eels and whales

back to top of page


 

23.  BOHNEN ROUTE
 
 

starting point in the reserve
end circular routes
distance 4-8 km
duration 2-4 km
rating easy - average
permit none
features Panoramic Ocean views, limestone and dune fynbos,small and medium antelope, birds

 

24.   LAPPIESBAAI BEACH ROUTE
 
 

starting point Lappiesbaai beach
end Circular route
distance 4-8  km
duration 2-4 hours
rating easy
permit none
features unspoiled soft sandy beach, unique rock information, shell gathering (especially pansy shell)

back to  menu


 

25. GEELKRANZ ROUTE
 
 

starting point Geelkranz Reserve
end Circular routes
distance 5-12 km
duration 3-6 hours
rating easy-difficult
permit 02934  42602 (guide necessary)
features Rehabilitation of dune fynbos, unique limestone caves on coastline, birds, fauna and flora

 

26.  STRANDLOPER ROUTE- STILBAAI
 
 

starting point Community Hall
end Circular route
distance 8 km
duration 2 hours
rating easy
permit none
features birds, estuary, fish traps, harbour, tame eels, nature garden, historical buildings, Jagersbosch

back to menu
MOSSEL BAY go to Mossel Bay homepage


27.  CAPE ST. BLAZE HIKING TRAIL


starting point Bat's Cave
end Dana Bay
distance 15 km
duration 4 hours
rating average
permit none
features Magnificent coastal views with towering cliffs and rocks, and a number of rocky bays and coves

 

28.  RUITERBOS HIKING TRAIL
 
 

starting point Eight bells Mountain Inn/ Ruiterbos Forest Station
end circular  route
distance 5 km
duration 2 km
rating easy
permit self-issued permit
features indigenous and pine forest

back to top of page


 

29. KOUMASHOEK CIRCULAR TRAIL
 
 

starting point a stile next to a green gate opposite the picnic table in Robinson pass
end The top of the Robinson Pass or back at the start
distance 16.5 km
duration 7 hours
rating average
permit none
features Fynbos, small animals

back to menu
GREAT BRAK RIVER go to Great Brak River homepage

30.WOLWEDANS HIKING TRAIL


starting point Municipality
end Wolwedans dam look-out point
distance 3 km
duration 2 hours
rating easy
permit none
features beautiful river trail with rich bird life

 

31.GREAT BRAK RIVER VILLAGE WALK
 
 

starting point Southern  Cross Road
end Circular route
distance 8 km
duration 2 hours
rating easy
permit none
features beach, estuary, river, village

back to menu
GLENTANA

32. GLENTANA BEACH WALK TO SHIPWRECK
 
 

starting point Parking area near the Sea Side Cafe, walk in an easterly direction towards the rocks
end walk back
distance 6 km
duration 3 hours
rating easy
permit none
features rocky beach, caves, wreck of floating dock

 

33. STEVE LANDMAN TRAIL
 
 

starting point Outeniqua Ressort, Bluff Street, Glentana
end Walk back
distance 4 km
duration 1 hour 30 min
rating easy-average
permit none
features beach

back to menu
HEROLDS BAY

34. DUTTON'S COVE WALK
 
 

starting point Park  at beach parking area, walk in easterly direction to residential area
end walk back
distance 4 km
duration 1 hour 30 min
rating easy-average
permit none
features Roads and paths overlooking sea

 

35. ROOIKRANSIES WALKS
 
 

starting point Walk from the Hotel in a westerly direction
end walk back
distance 4 km
duration 1hour 30 min
rating easy
permit none
features Roads and paths overlooking sea - magnificent views

back to menu
GEORGE go to George homepage

36. DORING RIVER WILDERNESS TRAIL


starting point Waboomskraal
end Circular route
distance 14 km
duration 7 hours
rating average -difficult
permit Outeniquas-Witfontein 044 8708323
features fynbos, mountain scenery and river


 

37. PASS-TO-PASS TRAIL
 
 

starting point Top of Mantagu Pass (old gravel quarry on the western side) or Outeniqua Pass
end Top of Outeniqua Pass or Montagu Pass
distance 4.7 km
duration 3 hours
rating difficult
permit self-issued permit at Montagu Pass/Outeniqua Pass
features View over Outeniqua mountain range with beautiful fynbos

back to top of page


 

38. KEUR RIVER BRIDGE NATURE TRAIL
 
 

starting point At Montagu Pass at the picnic spot 
end walk back
distance 1 km
duration 30 min
rating easy
permit none
features View over mountain passes and range with indigenous fynbos

 

39.  GEORGE PEAK AND CRADOCK PEAK
 
 

starting point Witfonein Forest Station (both routes first 8 km the same)
end walk back
distance George peak: 17.2 km/Cradock: 19 km
duration 10 hours
rating difficult
permit self-issued permit at Witfontein
features view over George and coast to Mossel Bay, fynbos and smaller animals

 

40. CRADOCK PASS TRAIL
 
 

starting point Witfontein Forest Station or start at North Station(old hotel, top of Montagu Pass) 
end North Station (organise a car at this end or walk back via Montagupass - additional 10.5 km)
distance Single walk 7.2 km
duration 6 hours
rating average - difficult
permit self-issued permit at Witfontein
features View over mountains towards Kasroo, fynbos and smaller animals

back to menu


 

41. WITFONTEIN
 
 

starting point Arbour road/North end of first Avenue/SAFCOL/Camfersdrift Road/Plane Road
end circular  route
distance varies
duration varies
rating easy
permit none, keep to the marked route
features walk through pine plantations with rich bird-life

 

42. TV TOWER (GEORGE)
 
 

starting point Witfontein, walk to the tower
end walk back
distance 5 km
duration 2  hours
rating easy
permit none, keep to the marked route
features tower with magnificent view over George and mountain ranges

back to top of page


 

43.  DIKKOP TRAIL
 
 

starting point Dikkop andk Bokmakierie Street (Eden residential area in George)
end walk back
distance 5 km
duration 2 hours
rating easy
permit none
features Plantations/Indigenous forest

 

44. GARDENROUTE DAM
 
 

starting point Eastern end of Stander Street (Eden residential area)
end walk back
distance 2.5 km to dam
duration 1 hour  30 min
rating easy
permit none, keep to the marked route
features walk through pine plantations next ot dam -  beautiful scenery

back to menu


 

45.  GROENEWEIDE FOREST WALKS (3 ROUTES)
 
 

starting point Saasveld College, northern point of golf course
end circular route
distance 15 km
duration 5 hours 30 min
rating easy- optional shorter routes of 7 km and 11 km
permit self-issued permits
features indigenous forest

back to menu
WILDERNESS Go to Wilderness homepage

46.  BOSBOK TRAIL


starting point Duiwe river between Island Lake and Langvlei
end circular Route
distance 3 km
duration 2 hours
rating strenuous, uphill
permit self-issued permit at start
features Fantastic view over the lakes area

 

47. WOODVILLE FOREST WALK
 
 

starting point north of Hoekwill
end circular route
distance 2 km
duration  30 min
rating easy
permit none
features forest

back to top of page


 

48.  WILDERNESS COUNTRY WALK
 
 

starting point behind Karos Wilderness Hotel, Hoogte road to Map of Africa
end circular route
distance  7 km
duration 2-3 hours
rating average
permit none
features farmlands, views of mountains, lakes, forest valleys, coastal plain, coastline and ocean

 

49.  KLEINKRANZ TO GERICKE'S POINT
 
 

starting point Walk during low tide form Kleinkranz to Gerike's  Point (Swartvlei Mouth) or vice versa
end walk back
distance 14 km
duration 6 hours
rating easy
permit none
features beach and fynbos

back to top of page


 

50.  THE PIED KINGFISHER TRAIL
 
 

starting point Wilderness Rest Camp
end Circular route
distance 11 km
duration 3 hours
rating  easy
permit self-issued permit at  start
features lagoon, coastal bush,  flood plain, beach and bird-life

 

51. GIANT KINGFISHER TRAIL
 
 

starting point ebb and flow
end walk back
distance 7 km
duration 3 hours
rating average
permit self-issued permit (pay entrance fee at Ebb and Flow)
features River valley, forest, rocks, pools and waterfall

back to top of page


 

52.  THE HALF-COLLARED KINGFISHER TRAIL
 
 

starting point western bank of Touw river alongside train/motor bridge next to Ebb and flow
end walk back
distance 4 km
duration 1 hour  30 min
rating easy, except for new Bosduif route which is rather strenuous.
permit self issued at start
features forest and river valley

 

53.  BROWNHOODED KINGFISHER TRAIL
 
 

starting point Duiwe River, between island Lake and Langvlei
end walk back (additional detours on sidepaths to viewpoints)
distance 6 km
duration 2 hours
rating average
permit self-issued permit at start
features River valley, rock

back to menu
SEDGEFIELD Go to Sedgefield homepage

54.  THE CAPE DUNE MOLERAT TRAIL
 

starting point Rondevlei Research Centre
end circular route
distance 8 km
duration 2-4 hours
rating average
permit self-issued permit at start
features lake,fynbos,dunes,bird and animal life

 

55.  SEDGEFIELD COUNTRY WALK
 
 

starting point centre of town
end circular route
distance 12 km
duration 3 hours 30 min
rating easy
permit none
features Sedgefield town, plantation, coastal bush, lagoon, magnificent scenery and views

back to top of page


 

56.  GOUKAMMA TRAIL
 
 

starting point Parking area-Goukamma Nature Reserve
end circular route
distance 8 km
duration 3 hours
rating average
permit pay at entrance
features coastal bush, Milwood forest, sand-dunes, beautiful views of teh coast and hinterland

 

57.  GOUKAMMA BEACH WALK
 
 

starting point at the boardwalk at Platbank
end rowwehoek on the rock on the eastern side of the Goukamma river mouth, next to Buffels Bay Road
distance 14 km
duration  3 hours 30 min
rating easy
permit none
features beautiful, unspoilt beach and intertidal pools

back to menu


 

58.  GOUKAMMA AND GROENVLEI TRAIL
 
 

starting point parking area -  Goukamma nature reserve
end the conservation station at Groenvlei
distance 13 km
duration 5 hours
rating average
permit pay at entrance
features grand coastal scenery, dun-fynbos, Milkwood forest, a wide variety of  bird-life and antelope

 

59.  FYNBOSKRUIN FYNBOS WALK
 
 

starting point Fynboskruin Restaurant, Swartvlei Beach Road
end fynboskruin Restaurant
Distance 10 km
duration 4 hours
rating average
permit Pay at Sedgefield Information and Tourism Centre, (0)44 343 2658
features Lovely walk through fynbos. Excellent views of lakes, lagoon, mountains, sea and even Mossel Bay on a clear day

back to top of page


 

60. GERICKE'S POINT BEACH WALK
 
 

starting point Swartvlei beach
end Swartvlei Beach
distance 6 km
duration 2 hours
rating easy
permit none
features Should be done at low-tide. Beautiful tidal pools, rock formations.......

back to menu

KNYSNA
There's more! Click to view Knysna walks

61.  BRENTON-ON-SEA  BEACH WALK


starting point Brenton-on-sea
end Buffalo Bay or walk back
distance  7 km
duration 2 hours
rating easy
permit none
features sandy beaches

 

62. JUBILEE CREEK FOREST WALK
 
 

starting point parking area
end circular route
distance 3.6 km
duration 1 hour
rating easy
permit self-issued permit at start
features Indigenous foreset, steream and swimming hole, one of largest trees in the area

back to top of page


 

63. MILLWOOD GOLDMINE TRAIL
 
 

starting point Millwood picnic spot
end circular route
distance 5.6 km
durration 2 hours
rating moderate
permit self-issued permit at start
features Remains of old mining village, museum, graveyard, plantations fynbos, forest

 

64. TERBLANS GOLDMINE TRAIL
 
 

Starting point parking area
end circular route
distance 6.5 km
duration 2 hours
rating easy
permit self-issued
features tall forest and swimming hole

back to menu

65.  THE ELEPHANT TRAILS
 
 
 

starting point In front of Diepwalle forest station
end 3 circular routes
distance  9 km/8 km/7 km
duration 2 hours 30 min/2 hours/2 hours 30 min
rating  easy
permit pay entrance fee
features tall beautiful forest, many large Yellowwood trees

 

66. WITELS FOREST WALK
 
 

starting point parking area
end circular route
distance 2 km
 duration 30 min
rating easy
permit self-issued permit at start
features fairly open forest

back to top of page


 

67.  WOODCUTTERS TRAIL
 
 

starting point Krisjan se nek picnic site
endr circular route
distance 3,1/9 km
duration 1/3 hours
rating moderate
permit self-issued permit R4 per person charged during peak season
features  Unique forest vegetation and swimming

Go to Knysna homepage
PLETTENBERG BAY go to Plettenberg Bay homepage

68.   GARDEN OF EDEN FOREST WALK


starting point Parking area
end circular route
distance 1 km
duration 30 min
rating easy
features tall, moist forest with stream,, bridges, braai facilities
permit sign register and pay entrance fee

back to top of page


 

69.  KRANSHOEK COASTAL WALK
 
 

starting point Picnic site
end circular route
distance 3 km/9 km
duration 2 hours/5 hours
rating difficult
permit sign register and pay entrance fee
features forest, plantation, fynbos, coastal escarpment, roack beach, picnic site

 

70.  ROBBERG NATURE RESERVE
 
 

starting point parking area
end circular route
distance 2.2 km/5.6 km/9.2 km
duration 45 min/2 hours/4 hours
rating easy - difficult
permit at entrance
features Forest, plantation, fynbos, coastal escarpment, rock beach and picnic site

back to menu

71.  MILKWOOD SCENIC TRAILS
 
 

starting point Any point along the route (Lagoon at central beach)
end circular
distance 3 km/5 km 
duration 1 hour/2 hours
rating easy
permit none
features forest, beaches, wetlands, historical and scenic town sites

 

72.  WITTEDRIFT NATURE TRAILS
 
 

starting point Wittedrift High School
end circular route
distance 1,5- 10 km
duration 2-8 hours
rating easy-difficult
permit none - the overnight hut can be booked at Witttedrift Butchery
features Wetlands, river,interesting geology, views, fynbos and scrubs (dogs and horse allowed)

back to top of page


 

73.  NATURES VALLEY NETWORK

(Grootrivier trail/ Kalanderkloof and uitsig trail/ the Point/Apiesrug/picnic site to Salt River Mouth/ The village Viewpoint/ Keurpad, Forest Hall Route and the Rugpad/ Forest Hall to Salt River mouth via coast/ Inland across the Brak river)
 
 

starting point various
end circular routes
distance 1-6 km
rating easy-difficult
duration  1-3 hours
permit free permit from De Vasselot Camp Site
features Very tall, beautiful fynbos, luxuriant forest growing in deep valle, magnificent views of whole area, sandy beaches and rocky cliffs

back to top of page


 

74.  STINKHOUTKLOOF TRAIL
 
 

starting point Parking area at Bloukrans Forest Station
end circular route
distance 8,4 km
duration 3 hours
rating difficult
permit sign register at entrance
featires pine plantations, forests, valleys and streams

 

75.  RUGBOS FOREST WALK
 
 

starting point parking area (eastern side of Bloukrans Pass)
end  circular route
distance 1 km
duration 30 min
rating easy
permit sign register at entrance
features tall beautiful forest

back to menu


 

76.  STORMS RIVER MOUTH TRAILS
 
 

starting point  parking area (Tsitsikamma National Park)
end walk back
distance 1 - 5.6 km
duration 1 - 3 hours
rating easy-difficult
permit pay entrance fee at National Park
features forest, fynbos, caves, suspension bridge and rugged coast

 

77.. THE BIG TREE AND RATEL TRAIL
 
 

starting point parking area 3 km west of the Stormsriver Bridge on the R 102 - turn-off to the Big Tree 
end Circular route
distance 4.2 km
duration 1 hour 15 min
rating  average
permit sign register and pay entrance fee
features one of the largest Yellowwoods in the country, and a walk through beautiful indigenous forest

view map of Plettenberg walks

Port Elizabeth also offers several hiking trails. So pack in those hiking boots and explore.....
back to top of page

For enquiries about accommodation in the area contact Email: bookings@time2travel.com

 ps: if any of the telephone numbers have changed or the telephone code has changed, we apologise sincerely, but all the information was accurate at the time of the composition of this document.

Go back to the South Africa, Cape & Gardenroute Home Page
Search Engines

©Global Wave Internet Marketing (Pty) Ltd