Walks and Hikes
(all trips below can below also be done as a trail run)

All the following walks and hikes can be combined to do a weeks' walking vacation, staying in accommodation of your choice. Should you require assistance with accommodation, we would be happy to help arrange accommodation at Point Lodge, Knysna Hollow, Knysna Log Inn or Elephant Hide Guest House.

The Elephant Walks

Time: 3 hours to 5 hours
Distance: 7kms, 8kms, 9kms or 15kms
Exertion: Light to moderate
Features: Magnificent moist high forest, the old forest railway line, the King Edward VII 600 year old Outeniqua Yellow wood tree, forest birds, fungi.

Description: All three walks are in the the Diepwalle Forest, once home to herds of 500-600 elephants of which now only three remain. (officially, but who knows….). This area was also home to the famous woodcutters. The walks are great for anyone wanting to get a real forest experience with all the forest birds, the fungi, the mushrooms, the bushbuck, baboons…….the list is endless. Two walks can be done back to back to make a full day hike of 15kms. My personal favorite is the 8km route. On this route there are at least 4 magnificent 800+-year-old Outeniqua Yellowwoods that somehow escaped the Woodcutters axes back in the 1800’s. Forest giants in their natural habitat. There are also large areas of Tree Ferns …..picture Jurassic Park….or Lord of the Rings….it’s like being lost in time. Truly awesome. The walks are all fairly gentle and come be done anyone with a moderate fitness. I recommend this one for tree lovers!!

 

Goukamma Nature Reserve

Time: 4 hours.
Distance: 8kms
Exertion: Light to moderate
Features: Dune forest, dune fynbos, coastal dune/beach, Goukamma river crossing, birds, Mlkwood forest.

Description: This is a shorter fairly easy walk with outstanding views. We walk up and over some fairly vegetated dunes and return back to the reserve through the Milkwood forest. The walk starts by crossing the river in a small boat and then we climb through beautiful dune forest up the top of the dunes for unreal 360 degree views of the completely undisturbed beach, Goukamma river mouth, dune forest and on the other side one looks straight through to the indigenous forest and the George mountains in the distance. A fantastic coastal walk.

   

Millwood Mines Circuit

Time: 2 ½ hours
Distance: 6kms
Exertion: Light
Features: Historic interest, beautiful indigenous forest and mountains, old abandoned mine shafts in the kloofs and gorges.

Description: A short easy but incredibly interesting walk with outstanding examples of mountain fynbos and moist high forest. The site where gold was first discovered in RSA in the middle of the Knysna Forests. Explore old shafts in the forest nestled behind little water falls, listen to the famous loeries and then visit the old mining museum and original site the Millwood village. Nothing remains of the old village except some old restored mining equipment. The forest has basically returned to it's original state and the forest slumbers peacefully in the foothills of the Outeniqua Mountains.

Kranshoek Coastal Trail

Time: 3-5 hours
Distance: 9.4 kms
Exertion: Moderate
Features: Spectacular coastal scenery, indigenous forest, riverine forest, fynbos, rocky beach.

Description: A circular walk, which traverses amazing coastal scenery. The full walk is fairly tough and demands a descent and ascent of 200 meters. The walk passes through prime examples of high forest, crosses sections of coastal Fynbos and takes the hiker along some breathtaking natural scenery along a cliff coast. A chance to spot the elusive Cape Clawless Otter. Whales are abundant in season. ( July - September )

Woodcutters Trail

Time: 1 ½ hrs or 4 hours
Distance: 3kms or 9kms
Exertion: Light to moderate
Features: The heart of the Knysna Indigenous Forest in the Goudveld area with many prime examples of 600+ year old Outeniqua Yellowwoods and 3m high tree ferns.

Description: Huge trees, old giants , the hysterical cackling of Red billed Wood hoopoes, massive Tree Ferns, gulleys, streams, ancient Iron wood trees - this is the heart of the forest. Arum Lilly's, fungi, bracket fungi's', porcupines, dreams of Oupoot ( the long lost hero matriarch Elephant made famous by Daleene Mathee) Baboon droppings, Bushpig droppings and Bushbuck droppings are seen on almost every corner. A real forest experience, this is one you HAVE to do. Suitable for all ages, from 5 years old to …….

Natures Valley

Time: 6 hours
Distance: 16kms
Exertion: Moderate to high
Features: Magnificent unspoilt surroundings, Salt River Estuary, Mountain Fynbos, Indigenous Forest, birds, wildlife, spectacular views, huge yellowwood trees.

Description: his is a 16km circular route in Natures Valley. An amazing walk in the De Vasselot area of the Tsitsikamma National Park. Densely overgrown mountains, impenetrable forests and deep ravines made travel by wagon and ox almost impossible, thus making this area basically inaccessible to exploiters. Previously the area was inhabited by the Khoisan ( Hottentots/Bushmen). View varied and totally unspoilt surroundings with more than 60 species of birds from 3 different habitats. A truly beautiful walk of moderate to high exertion.

Robberg Nature Reserve

Time: 4 hours
Distance: 11kms
Exertion: Moderate
Features: Unbelievable coastal scenery and views across Plettenberg Bay. Geological and archeological interest, intertidal zone, huge seal colony, sea birds and animal-life.

Robberg Peninsula - Plettenberg Bay

Description: The Robberg Peninsula is a nature reserve and a national monument. A moderately strenuous circular walk which leads out high on the northern side of Robberg to the point, returning along the southern coastline to the Gap. Also the site of Nelson Bay Cave -first occupied 120 000 years ago. Hundreds of seals gather on the rocks at Grasnek and be viewed easily from high up on the cliffs. A perfect opportunity to see dolphins, penguins, and whales. ( whales only in season. The huge diversity of bird life, amazing Fynbos, and evidence of rocks dating back to the early Cretaceous period ( 130 - 110 million years ago) make this an extremely enjoyable walk with spectacular coastal scenery. An experience not easily forgotten.

Cradock's Berg and George Peak Trail

Time: 9 hours
Distance: 21.1kms or 19kms
Exertion: Very high
Features: Hike to the top of the world in the George region of the Outeniqua mountains. Views never seen before. Why do it? Because we can!!!!!

Description: The views are immense from the top. You can see the whole Garden route landscape from up there. Mountain Fynbos and jagged peaks. A very strenuous walk but the rewards are unreal. Don't forget your camera on this one. We climb up to 1579 meters above sea-level - the highest peak in the area. Warm and wind-proof clothing is essential as the weather can turn quickly and it can get very cold up there. This is a great adventure.