Oudtshoorn Hiking Trail

Starting next to the railway bridge near the Ebb and Flow North Restcamp on the Touw River, the Half-collared Kingfisher Trail replaces the Giant Kingfisher Trail. Step right into superb woodlands of indigenous yellowwoods, white stinkwood, white milkwood, wild pear, climbers, lichens, flowering bulbs and ferns. Numerous species of trees are labelled along the way, enhancing the experience of forest diversity. Look out for the brilliantly coloured half-collared kingfisher for which the trail is named. Other forest specials to twitch about are the Knysna turaco (loerie), Narina trogon, brown-hooded kingfisher, dusky flycatcher, blue-mantled crested-flycatcher and tambourine dove. Take a break at one of the rustic picnic spots next to the river bank. Interesting display boards identify some of the woodland-dwelling birds and animals that are frequently seen. The trail leads to a waterfall and rock pool which is a great spot to cool off before returning on the same path. The 7.2km return route is not strenuous and usually takes three hours. Permits are required – there is a pay entrance at Ebb and Flow.

Named after the perky black and white kingfisher with a distinctive noisy call, this rambling route is perfect for whiling away a few peaceful hours around the Wilderness Lagoon. Starting at the Ebb and Flow South Restcamp, this mellow 10-kilometre trail follows the Serpentine River floodplain. Depending on the weather, the route can be done in reverse starting early in the morning along the two-kilometre sandy beach section. The boardwalk section runs along the Wilderness Lagoon to the Touw River mouth. Interesting information boards describe the numerous kingfishers that live along this shoreline.

One of the least demanding walks in the Wilderness area, the 5 km Brownhooded Kingfisher Trail follows the meandering course of the Duiwe River. Lush river woodlands line the riverbanks and the path crosses the river frequently. Take care when crossing after the river has flooded – particularly on wet slippery rocks. After a short distance the trail branches off along the tree-lined Klein Keurbooms River to the turning point – a beautiful rock pool. This lovely setting is perfect for a leisurely picnic and cooling off on a hot day. Knysna turacos are frequently heard and seen flapping between the treetops. Other birds to look out for are fish eagles, Martial eagles, Cape Battis, Burchell’s Coucal, Cape robin, little egrets and the brownhooded kingfisher. Permits are self-issuing at the entrance gate. A small fee is usually charged in peak season.

The St Blaize Hiking Trail is a wonderfully scenic combination of craggy coastline, interesting caves and rock formations, sweeping ocean views and pretty fynbos.Starting at the Khoi San Cave at The Point, it follows the coastline for 13.5 km to Dana Bay and usually takes about 4 hours at a moderate pace.The trail has recently been upgraded and is a comfortable walk along a contour path and through fine stands of coastal fynbos. Along the way there are a few spots for a cooling swim in rock pools or a small sandy beach.On a good day the views from the path are spectacular and you have a good chance of spotting whales, dolphins and even sharks in the water below. Peak whale watching season is from June to October and dolphins can be seen all year round.Hot Tips:Arrange transport from Dana Bay unless you are up for a mega hike and return along the trail back to The Point. Children should be accompanied by adults. Some of the sections are fairly exposed and care should be taken on steep sections. Watch out for waves at the sea caves and rocky sections of this rugged shoreline. Avoid hiking this trail in high winds. Obtain a map and directions from Mossel Bay Tourism - corner of Market & Church Street (near the harbour), +27 (0) 44 691 2202.

Bored with driving around in the stuffy car? Explore Mossel Bay with zero carbon footprint! In Cecil Shepherd Road you will find easy access to the St. Blaize Trail. The 15km trail follows the coastline between Dana Bay and Mossel Bay and is an easy hike. The views are breathtaking!If you stroll for 30 minutes towards the Point you will reach the St. Blaize Cave, a Khoi San midden dating back to the Iron Age. The stretch from Cecil Shepherd Road to the cave has awesome views of the Indian Ocean and various fynbos, birds and animals.And the fun doesn't stop here - from the Point you’ll have several options. You could explore the city centre and Mossel Bay’s historical buildings – the Bartholomew Diaz Museum Complex is definitely worth a visit. Feeling peckish? Soak up the sun's rays and dine al fresco on the patio at Jazzbury’s Restaurant on Marsh Street. You could also embark on a fascinating boat trip to the seal colony.

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

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.