Brackenburn Private Nature Reserve is a magnificent 150 hectare property that forms part of the famous Tsitsikamma forest of the Garden Route.
The property is almost entirely indigenous forest with a mix of new and old growth. I have opened up some of the original logging trails and designed some of my own walks between them for guided walks. The owner of the property has granted me exclusive rights to these trails; virtually guaranteeing you complete privacy on all of the trails.
At present there are four circular routes and one ending off property as a one-way route. They are as follows:
Forest Meander:
A lovely interactive meander through the reserves' forest edge; perfect for kids and adults alike. Explore the bugs and birds, and enjoy the fantastic variety of indigenous trees. Come away with an introduction to some of the trees of the garden route, insects, flowers, fungi, and woodland birds.
Walk stats:
- Easygoing; for all ages
- 1 km, 1 hour
- Maximum 15 people
River Pools:
An amazing and popular walk on the reserve. This is a fabulous introduction to the indigenous river and forest life along the Garden Route. The route down into the valley is steep and sometimes slippery, but we take our time; enjoying the wonderful changes from the upper reaches of the forest into the valley. The temperature drops, and everything in the valley is covered in moss and lichens; giving you a fairytale feel. At the bottom, your first encounter of the Buffels River is a beautiful pool, with gorgeous scenery all around. From here we follow the river exploring the banks, pools, and forest edges as we go. There is lots to see and learn as the river is always full of life and stories. We follow a steep trail back up to the top of the reserve, ending with spectacular views of Robberg Nature Reserve, Plettenberg Bay and the surrounding mountains.
Walk stats:
- Moderate fitness level, but quite technical with multiple river crossings involving slippery and/or loose rocks
- 2.5 km, 2-3 hour
- Maximum 10 people
- Includes a cold drink at the end
River Adventure:
This trail is situated more or less in the middle of the reserve, and is a great walk to quite literally 'get away from it all'. The route into the valley is steep and quite slippery once you are near the bottom. The valleys remain damp most of the year; noticeable from all the moss and lichen growth. The forest affords us little snippets of views as we make our way down before coming out onto the amazing Buffels River. We meander along the river, leaving it slightly ever so often for a wander through the forest and explore as we go along. This river is always alive with life, and the route is often filled with dragonflies, damselflies, frogs, and a myriad of other creatures; never a dull moment. There is a steep return up to the start, but this is taken slow and we end with cold drinks on a deck on the outskirts of the forest.
Walk stats:
- Moderate fitness level, but quite technical with multiple river crossings involving slippery and/or loose rocks
- 3 km, 2,5-3 hours
- Maximum 10 people
- Includes a cold drink at the end
Forest to Beach:
This is a spectacular trail combining forest, river, fynbos and beach, for a titillating walk. Starting out on a ridge, with wonderful views of the surrounding mountains and forest, we wind slowly down into the valley, noting the changes in the forest as we descend. Eventually coming out onto the Buffels River and following along until we combine with the Matjes River; continuing along this river and eventually emerging at Arch Rock, on the Keurbooms Beach. There are over 15 river crossings along this route, with each one requiring some balance and strength in legs. There is a short walk along the beach with wonderful views of Plettenberg Bay and Robberg Nature Reserve, and there are often whales or dolphins sighted as well.
Please note that this is a one-way route. I can either arrange a transfer back to the start to fetch your vehicle, or you can arrange a lift for yourself. This walk ends at the carpark at Enrico's Restaurant, at Keurbooms main beach.
Walk stats:
- Moderate fitness level, but quite technical with multiple river crossings involving slippery and/or loose rocks
- 7,5 km, 4-5 hours
- Maximum 10 people
- Includes a cold drink halfway
River Extravaganza:
This is a brand new loop on Brackenburn, and one that is fast becoming my favourite walk. It starts out on the River Adventure Trail, but continues along the river; giving you approximately 5 km of spectacular river front scenery. This new area I have opened up is virtually untouched forest and the birdlife is numerous and busy. As always, there is a multitude of frogs and insect life, as well as many signs of the forest and river mammals; otter, bushbuck, bushpig, porcupine and more.
As with all my exclusive walks, the trails is designed and maintained by myself. It is rustic, leaving the area as untouched as possible, and immersive.
Walk stats:
- Moderate fitness level, but quite technical with multiple river crossings involving slippery and/or loose rocks
- 9 km, 5 hours
- Maximum 10 people
- Includes a cold drink at the end
I will take all ages on these walks, but we can discuss this and abilities as you inquire or book.
Booking for all walks is essential