There are hundreds of trails available to the public along the Garden Route, with some still managing to remain as little known gems. If you don't know the area, you will have a tough time deciding which trails are the best for you. At present, I operate between Knysna and Nature's Valley, and can be hired as a guide to accompany you on any of the trails within this area. It is impossible to make a note of all of them, so here are a few of my favourites I would like to suggest…
Robberg Nature Reserve
Robberg is not only a nature reserve, but also a national monument and a World Heritage Site. The Robberg peninsula is a must see if you visit Plettenberg Bay. An astonishing outcrop of land that is as diverse as it is beautiful. Covered in Fynbos and dune scrub, Robberg houses many different species of mammals, birds, and insects, and we often see whales, dolphins, seals, and sharks in the sea below. It is also home to the Rock Hyrax, or Dassie as we refer to them in South Africa (the Afrikaans name for them), a small mammal, about half the size of a rabbit, that live on the rocky outcrops. We often encounter them and they are always a delight to watch. Tough and nimble, they scamper with absolute ease across the rocks. I have had many dealings with these animals over my years in conservation and always enjoy watching and chatting about them.
Walk stats for the 3 hikes on Robberg:
The Gap:
- Easygoing to moderate
- Circular
- 2.1 km long, 1-1.5 hours
- Maximum 15 people
Witsand:
- Moderate
- Circular
- 5.5 km long, 4-5 hours
- Maximum 10 people
The Point:
- Strenuous
- Circular
- 9.2 km long, 5-6.5 hours
- Maximum 8 people
Kalanderkloof
The Kalanderkloof trail is situated in Nature's Valley and is one of the most scenic routes to take in the valley. This is a wonderfully diverse trail, changing from coastal forest to fynbos to river edge; titillating the senses with spectacular views, giant Yellowwoods, colourful birds and more.
This walk forms part of other trails in the Valley and can be extended to include seeing the Salt River, incorporating the coastal rock pools, etc.
Walk stats:
- Moderate
- Circular
- 5.9 km, 4-5 hours
- Maximum 10 people
Salt River
Please note: For safety reasons, part of this trail has been closed and, although walk-able, is dangerous. As a result alternate loops or one-way routes can be taken.
This is a gorgeous hike starting on Nature's Valley Beach, going up into the surrounding fynbos and forest, before moving down to, and coming out at, the Salt River mouth. This spot is a beautiful 'lost world' and you can easily believe you are alone on a deserted island.
Combining this trail with half of the Kalanderkloof trail above makes for a stunning day out with an approximate 14 km hike through, up and down the valley.
Walk stats:
- Moderate
- Combinations of one-way and loops
- Various lengths from approximately 5 to 16 km
- Maximum 10 people