Natures Valley Hiking Trail

Hike on the wild side just 8 km south of Plettenberg Bay. The brochure carries this warning – 'beware of freak waves and strong currents at all times. The peninsula is dangerous. Please do not wander off to lookout points especially when strong winds prevail'. Well if your credo is ‘lead me not into temptation; I can find it myself’, this will appeal to you. The rugged peninsula of Robberg Nature Reserve offers a shot of the great outdoors un-distilled – crashing waves, barking Cape fur seals, stunning scenery and beaches – and that feeling of being far from the madding crowds. It’s worth the effort for the breathtaking views alone. You can see Plettenberg Bay and up the entire coastline to Nature’s Valley. The demarcated walking trails offer three options ranging from a quick 45 minute walk to the Point Circuit, a five-hour hike that is fairly strenuous. This round trip leads one right to the dramatic Robberg point. Timing is important as sections of the route are rocky and dangerous to traverse at high tide. It is not recommended for little ones. If you choose to walk all the way around Robberg Peninsula, you can overnight at the secluded wooden Fountain Shack. CapeNature provides braai and cleaning utensils in a bag at the gate. Water bottles, good hiking shoes, hats and clothing for sudden weather changes are crucial.

Known as ‘Day One’ of the massively popular Otter Trail, the Waterfall Trail is definitely a worthwhile excursion at Storms River Mouth. The linear route runs along the coastline for three kilometres until reaching the graceful waterfall, which marks the halfway point. The starting time for doing this walk is all important – in latest time to start in summer is 14:30 and in winter it is 13:30. The hike is considered tricky because of the jagged and slippery terrain and it is advisable to tackle it at low tide. Don’t forget to take your swimming gear for a cooling plunge under the waterfall. Look out for the red flash of Knysna turacos in flight. Grab a map of the various walks and a list of fauna and flora species at the Storms River Mouth Info Centre.

Hike through the home of the last group of Knysna elephant and the magnificent Outeniqua Mountains. Giant yellowwood trees, songbirds, tinkling streams, the largest indigenous forest in South Africa and its legendary elephants – the seven-day Outeniqua Hiking trail has much to offer for seasoned hikers. Apart from the thrill of seeing 600-year old towering yellowwoods, there are numerous other trees including stinkwood, ironwood, white pear, Cape beech, red alder and Cape holly. Birds to look out for are the Knysna turaco, Narina trogon, red-billed wood hoopoe, olive woodpecker, black-headed oriole and the Cape robin-chats. Part of the trail passes through the awesome rainforest of Diepwalle and here you’ll be amazed by colourful fungi, lichens and feel dwarfed by huge tree ferns. Vervet monkeys can often be seen clambering in the tree tops and the forest is alive with the sound of birdsong. The seven-day route starts at Beervlei Forest Station and ends at the Harkerville hut near the Harkerville Forestry Station. Shorter options of this 108 km trail can be done. Overnight huts provide bunk beds, mattresses, firewood and water. Contact SANParks for bookings and more info +27 (0) 44 302 5606.

No time for the two-day Harkerville or five-day Otter Trail? The stunning nine-kilometre Kranshoek Coastal Walk echoes much to be seen on the Harkerville Trail. Prepare to be dazzled as you thread your way through the indigenous temperate forest. A kaleidoscope of ferns, leaf-litter, colourful fungi and lichens, spider webs and backlit foliage will embrace you. Clearly demarcated paths lead through the forest to deep kloofs and crystal streams, perfect for a dip on a hot day. Knysna turacos (loeries) flit and caw among the treetops and you might spot an otter fishing in the pools. Viewpoints along the path offer breathtaking views of the seashore. Look out for whales or dolphins frolicking in the surf below. The first beach is gorgeous and sheltered – perfect for a picnic. Start walking early when the day is still cool and chill out on the seashore over midday. Along with a two-litre water bottle, sunblock and hat, take your camera and snorkelling gear - the rock pools are magic to explore. The trail starts and ends at the Kranshoek picnic site. There is a small fee during school holidays, at other times it’s free.

South Africa’s most frequently hiked trail is so popular that bookings need to be made at least a year in advance – but don’t let that stop you. The dramatic setting of luxuriant Tsitsikamma forest meeting the rugged Indian Ocean coastline in the Garden Route National Park contributes greatly to this unforgettable five-day hiking experience. Along with the incredibly diverse natural beauty, the area is paradise to numerous birds, wildlife, plants and trees. Starting at Storms River Mouth, the first day is an easy warm up of 4.8 km, passing an interesting cave and gorgeous waterfall. The following three days are fairly tough and a reasonable level of fitness is required. The last leg of the 42 km route is a relatively easy 6 km amble to Nature's Valley. Footpaths mostly follow the shoreline along cliff tops with stunning ocean views – dolphins and whales are often spotted. The trail returns to sea level for river crossings. Be aware of the dates and times of high and low tides as it is highly inadvisable to attempt river crossings during high tide. The best time to hike the trail is between September and March. Overnight stops are situated at stunning locations. Rustic wooden huts offer bunks and mattresses, fireplaces, firewood, drinking water and toilets.

Starting a little distance from the restaurant, the Loerie Trail is one of the short hikes from Storms River Mouth Rest Camp that don’t require permits or fees. The two-kilometre circular route starts on the same path as the Blue Duiker Trail and takes a short cut through beautiful scrub forest featuring small trees of Cape Beech, Kershout and Bastard saffronwood. The meandering path then passes through pristine coastal fynbos. Don’t miss seeing the views from the lookout platform. This is also a brilliant vantage point to spot whales in winter. Grab a copy of 'Secrets of the Forest' and 'Deeper into the Forest' at the Enviro Centre. Maps and info are available at the camp's Info Centre. The start and end is well signposted just off the tarred road.

One of the top two-day trails in the country, this magnificent trail is fondly nicknamed the ‘mini Otter’ for its similarities with South Africa’s most popular multi-day hike. More lovely than the Otter Trail? Some consider it more stunning but anyone suffering from a fear of heights will find it a tough challenge. Hiking the Harkerville Trail is a dream come true for seasoned hikers. The route starts at Harkerville Hut, an old forestry dwelling close to the Garden of Eden picnic site between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. The first day treks for 11 kilometres through lush indigenous forest decorated with an assortment of fascinating fungi and ferns. The calls of Knysna turaco and other forest birds ring through the forest canopy. After tripping through the forest hikers are greeted by dazzling views of the coastline. Chains, bridges, and ladders have been fixed into steep rock faces to aid hikers in tricky sections. The overnight spot is at the comfy Sinclair Hut – beds, a fireplace and wood are provided but you’ll need to backpack with everything else. The second day treats hikers to 12 kilometres of even more spectacular coastal scenery and incredible indigenous forest before reaching the start at the Harkerville Hut.

The starting point for this stunning trail is Diepwalle Forest Station, situated 23 km north of Knysna along the Uniondale road. If you don't have time to walk the entire trail, the route can be done in three sections. Each is colour coded for easy identification, with the shortest route of 6.5 km, Elephant Walk III, marked with red elephant motifs and black on yellow arrows. Prepare to be seduced by big trees, fungi, tree ferns, lichens, pretty tumbling streams and forest birds! Diepwalle is an awesome rainforest and is the refuge of a tiny remnant of the famous and highly secretive Knysna elephants. It was thought that only a solitary elderly cow remained but recent research has found that there may be seven or more. The circular red route is fairly easy and follows a short section of the Outeniqua Hiking Trail and passes two gigantic Outeniqua Yellowwood trees that are over 600 years. Elephant Walk I (black) is 9 km and Elephant Walk II (white) is 8 km. Along with 30 m high yellowwoods, other trees to spot are stinkwood, ironwood, white pear, and Cape holly. Birds to look out for are the Narina trogon, red-billed wood hoopoe, olive woodpecker, black-headed oriole and the Knysna turaco (loerie). Vervet monkeys can often be seen clambering in the tree tops. Permits are obtained at the Diepwalle Forest Station office. Grab a map and tree identification list (various trees are numbered). There is a lovely tea room here – the scones go down well after tripping through the woods.

Following an old mining path along the Forest Creek, the Circles in a Forest Hiking Trail beckons hikers to explore the loveliness of the Goudveld Forest. This genuine forest experience is suitable for families and people of all ages, offering two trail options starting at Krisjan-se-Nek. Feel dwarfed as you pass the towering 600-year old Outeniqua Yellowwood trees. You can almost hear them whisper Oupoot, the name of the long lost heroine and matriarch elephant made famous by Dalene Matthee. This is truly the heart of the Knysna indigenous forest typified by giant Yellowwood trees, three-metre high tree ferns, Red-billed Wood-hoopoe, babbling streams, ancient ironwood trees, arum lilies, colourful mushroom and bracket fungi. Evidence of baboon, bush pig, porcupine and bushbuck can be seen everywhere. Keep glancing up to the treetops and you might spot a Knysna loerie. Formerly called the Woodcutters Trail, this route is named after one of Dalene Matthee’s famous novels. The three and nine kilometre trails range from easy to moderate and are manageable for anyone over the age of five.

This five-hour trail isn’t for slackers but offers some gorgeous scenery. Spectacular views of the Goukamma coast, dune fynbos, scrub woodland and distant Outeniqua Mountains offer a unique hiking experience. The one-way trail starts at the Goukamma River picnic site entrance and follows the Goukamma Circular Route after crossing the river on a small boat pont. Telltale signs of bontebok, porcupine, bushpig, genet and other small animals litter the pathways. Hikers traverse over the extensive dune fields that boast some of the highest vegetated dunes in South Africa. The route then winds through dense Milkwood forest thought to be over 600 years old. Keen birders should lookout for rare Bluemantled Flycatchers as well as other forest specials. Eventually the trail leads to the shore of Groenvlei Lake where Fish Eagles are often seen and heard. This entirely self-contained fresh water lake is perfect for a refreshing dip after the day’s explorations. Booking is not necessary but permits are required. Transport needs to be arranged at Groenvlei Conservation Station where the trail ends.

This magnificent indigenous forest trail leads down to enormous rock pools. Pack your rucksack with a picnic and swimming costume. Amble through the forest and learn its secrets. You will be blown away once the forest canopy opens to reveal the beautiful pools sparkling in the sunlight. It is roughly a 40-minute walk there. The last 10 minutes are rather steep but manageable for most people. Suitable for kids who are able to swim.Need to know? Since this is an ecologically sensitive area, permits from SANParks (South African National Parks) are needed. Only 12 persons per day are permitted. It is patrolled and fines are issued where appropriate. Pre-book your chosen date in advance directly with Cathy at Sanparks (044 302 5606). Permits can also be obtained from the permit hut at the entrance to Goudveld Forest, or enquire at Forest Edge Nature Lovers’ Retreat reception.Source: Forest Edge Nature Lovers’ Retreat