Trails: Sunshine Coast, Eastern Cape

Alexandria
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Alexandria
Location: In the Alexandria Conservation Area, about 100km north east of Port Elizabeth.
Description: The Alexandria Trail is not an easy trail as the distances are long each day. However the trail is well worth the extra effort. Those hikers who have to travel a long way to reach the trail should maybe look at doing it in conjunction with one of the other long distance trails in the area such as Tsitsikamma or Amatola. Coastal trails are always popular and this is one of the best.
Comments: Winds accross expansive dunefields, along high coastal cliffs and unspoilt beaches. Indigenous forest and fynbos, birds, small mammals. Hot in summer. Carry own water.
Enquiries: Addo Elephant National Park
Tel: + 27 (0)41 468 0916
Fax: + 27 (0)41 233 0196

Three Sisters Hiking Trail
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Alexandria
Tel: +27(0)43 743 6181
Fax: +27(0)43 743 6188
e-mail: meross@iafrica.com

Abbortsford
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: East London
Location: Urban day walk.
Description: 7 km; 3 hours; in the city of East London; mild uphills.
Comments: A view on Nahoon River. Good for bird watching.
Tel: +27 (0)43 722 6015
Fax: +27 (0)43 743 5091
e-mail: info@tourismbuffalocity.co.za
Web: http://www.tourismbuffalocity.co.za

Ocean View
Trail Type: Day loops; central hut
Closest Town: East London
Description: 24km/1 to 2 days; moderate; various routes; chalets; 12 persons max;
Enquiries: Ocean View Guest Farm
Tel: + 27 (0)431 736-2161

Bushmans River Canoe Trail
Trail Type: Canoe trail
Closest Town: Kenton-on-Sea
Description: 30km/2 days; maximum persons 12; children under 15 must be with an adult; equipment and overnight hut provided
Enquiries: Ken Kings
Tel: + 27 (0)46 648-1223

Amatola Hiking Trail
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: King William's Town [Back to Top]
Location: Travel north from King William's Town on the road to Stutterheim for 13 km. Turn left at the sign, left again to Pirie Trout Hatchery. Follow the gravel road for 7 km, passing the Rooikrans Dam.
Description: The Amatola Hiking Trail lies in the Eastern Cape Province. It starts close to King Williams Town and ends at Hogsback. The trail traverses some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery to be found in Southern Africa. What makes this trail very special is the abundance of waterfalls and mountain pools in which the hiker can cool off in and also the spectacular indigenous forests. The trail is just over 100Km long and takes 6 days to accomplish.
Tel: + 27 (0)43 642 2571
Fax: + 27 (0)43 604 5529
e-mail: amatolhk@dwaf.gov.za
Web: http://www.footprint.co.za

Amatola: Cata Loop
Trail Type: Day loops; central hut
Closest Town: King William's Town
Location: Travel north from King William's Town on the road to Stutterheim for 13 km. Turn left at the sign, left again to Pirie Trout Hatchery. Follow the gravel road for 7 km, passing the Rooikrans Dam.
Description: 11km/2day; easy; circular; overnight hut; 20 persons max.
Enquiries: Keiskamma Eco-Tourism
Tel: + 27 (0)43 642-1747
Fax: + 27 (0)43 642-2571
e-mail: printl@his.co.za
Web: http://www.boaa.co.za/amatola.htm

Amatola: Dontsa Loop
Trail Type: Day loops; central hut
Closest Town: King William's Town
Location: Travel north from King William's Town on the road to Stutterheim for 13 km. Turn left at the sign, left again to Pirie Trout Hatchery. Follow the gravel road for 7 km, passing the Rooikrans Dam.
Description: Other 2-day loops on the Amatola include the Cata, Evelyn, GwiliGwili and Dontsa Loops. There are a number of entry and exit points on the main Amatola Trail. To arrange own transport.
Enquiries: Keiskamma Eco-Tourism
Tel: + 27 (0)43 642-1747
Fax: + 27 (0)43 642-2571
e-mail: printl@his.co.za
Web: http://www.boaa.co.za/amatola.htm

Amatola: Gviligvili Loop
Trail Type: Day loops; central hut
Closest Town: King William's Town
Location: Travel north from King William's Town on the road to Stutterheim for 13 km. Turn left at the sign, left again to Pirie Trout Hatchery. Follow the gravel road for 7 km, passing the Rooikrans Dam.
Description: Other 2-day loops on the Amatola include the Cata, Dontsa, GwiliGwili and Zingcuka Loops. There are a number of entry and exit points on the main Amatola Trail. To arrange own transport.
Enquiries: Keiskamma Eco-Tourism
Tel: + 27 (0)43 642-1747
Fax: + 27 (0)43 642-2571
e-mail: printl@his.co.za
Web: http://www.boaa.co.za/amatola.htm

Amatola: Main Route
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: King William's Town
Location: Travel north from King William's Town on the road to Stutterheim for 13km. Turn left at the sign, left again to Pirie Trout Hatchery. Follow the gravel road for 7km, passing the Rooikrans Dam.
Description: 105km/6 day; average to difficult, must be fit; one way (linear); overnight huts; 20 persons max. The starting point at the Information Centre is about 2 km further on the Maden Dam. Day 1 - Maden Dam to Gwili-Gwili: 15,0 km / 6 hours. This is a fairly demanding walk through indigenous forest, and pine plantations. A converted forest house accommodates 30. It is equipped with bunk beds, mattresses, bath, sink, showers, wood stove and outdoor braai. Flocks of Cape parrots live in the forest. The view overlooking the forest canopy below is exhilarating. Day 2 - Gwili-Gwili to Dontsa: 18,5 km / 7,5 km hours. A walk through the moist forest along the ridge of the foothills of Mount Thomas. At Dontsa there are rock pools. Three traditionally styled rondavels provide accommodation. Day 3 - Dontsa Forest to Cata Forest: 19,1 km / 8,5 hours. This is a strenuous climb to the plateau grasslands with a steep descent to the Eseka River below. Overnight hut(s) provide basic amenities. Day 4 - Cata Huts to Mnyameni Valley: 14,4 km / 7 hours. The trail climbs form the huts to Geju Peak (1850 m) affording magnificent views as far as Queenstown. Day 5 - Mnyameni Hut to Zingcuka Forest: 17,7 km / 8 hours. The trail continues along a contour path. Look out for birds of prey, baboons and dassies. Many pools along the trail provide an ideal resting place. Bushbuck, duiker, samango monkeys and loeries inhabit this area. It is about a two-hour walk to the hut from the last pool. Day 6 - Zingcuka Hut to Tyume River (Hogsback): 16,5 km / 7 hours. The last day continues through the forest and passes an impressive waterfall. The trail ends 3 km from Hogsback.
Comments: The tumble of mountains (Amatola range) and forests between King William's Town and Hogsback is linked by the full six-day trail. Two-day loops on the Amatola include the Cata, Dontsa, Evelyn, GwiliGwili and Zingcuka Loops. There are a number of entry and exit points on the main Amatola Trail. To arrange own transport. Carry ow water. The full trail starts at Maden Dam and ends at the Tyume River near Hogsback. Unfit or inexperienced hikers should not attempt the trail. Snowfalls may be expected during the winter. The best time to tackle the full trail is between October and March, despite occasionally very hot days. An aspect of the trail that makes it fascinating is that it was the focus of several decisive battles between the British and Xhosa forces in the Frontier Wars. Amatola means 'place of many calves' - grazing lands used by the Xhosa and Khoi before them. Also mountain peaks, waterfalls, mammals and bird watching.
Enquiries: Keiskamma Eco-Tourism
Tel: + 27 (0)43 642-1747
Fax: + 27 (0)43 642-2571
e-mail: printl@his.co.za
Web: http://www.boaa.co.za/amatola.htm

Amatola: Zingcuka Loop
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: King William's Town
Location: Travel north from King William's Town on the road to Stutterheim for 13 km. Turn left at the sign, left again to Pirie Trout Hatchery. Follow the gravel road for 7 km, passing the Rooikrans Dam.
Description: Various options; 2-6 hours, average, day loop trails; on the Lady Slipper Mountain; dormitory, single rooms or camp site; tariffs on request
Enquiries: Keiskamma Eco-Tourism
Tel: + 27 (0)43 642-1747
Fax: + 27 (0)43 642-2571
e-mail: printl@his.co.za
Web: http://www.boaa.co.za/amatola.htm

Pirie Forest Walk
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: King William's Town [Back to Top]
Location: Maden Dam. Take the turn-off about 12 km from King William's Town on the King William's Town / Stutterheim road.
Description: 9 km; circular. The best way to see this forest is on the circular Pirie Forest Walk that starts at the southern end of the Maden Dam. The trail winds past a disused sawmill and logging rail (dating from 1910) and returns following the course of the Evelyn Stream. Another trail, the Sandile Trail, leads to the cave used by Paramount Chief Shortly before his death in 1878. The grave of Sandile lies on the edge of the forest and is a place of veneration and a national monument. Birds are abundant, both aquatic and terrestrial.
Tel: + 27 (0)43 642-1747
Web: http://www.boaa.co.za/amatola.htm

Kap River
Trail Type: Canoe trail
Closest Town: Port Alfred
Description: Beautiful beaches; numerous birds; mammals and flora. We also offer hiking and mountain biking. Swimming pool, picnic and fishing.
Enquiries: Western Region District Council
Tel: + 27 (0)46 625-0631
Fax: + 27 (0)46 625-0631
e-mail: phil@conservation.za.net

Kowie Canoe/ Hiking Trail
Trail Type: Combination
Closest Town: Port Alfred
Location: Water's Meeting Nature Reserve; Start at Riverside Caravan Park at 26 Menton Road, Port Alfred
Description: The only self-guided hiking / canoe trail in South Africa The canoe trail starts at Port Alfred and ends at Horseshoe Bend, located in Water's Meeting Nature Reserve. The trail can be extremely unpleasant in strong winds. Scenic views of the Horseshoe Bend in the Kowie River. Abundant bird life, including the conspicuous fish eagle. There is a limit of 16 people for the trail at any one time. Canoe Trail: 21 km/4 hours; from Port Alfred to Horse Shoe Bend. Horseshoe Bend Hiking Trails: there are three trails of 3km, 3km and 9 km respectively.
Enquiries: Water's Meeting Nature Reserve
Tel: + 27 (0)46 625 0876 or 624 2230
Fax: + 27 (0)46 625 0876

Kowie Nature Reserve Hiking Trail
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Port Alfred
Location: Just outside Port Alfred, off the Bathurst Road.
Description: 6 - 8 km walk; moderately easy; scenic 174 ha reserve protecting Succulent Thicket. Abundant animal life, including blue duikers, tree and rock dassies, and Spotted Necked and Cape Clawless Otters.
Comments: Braai areas, picnic spots and toilet facilities. Amenities are accessible by river. Access by road is not advised.
Enquiries: Riverside Caravan Park
Tel: + 27 (0)46 624 1235 or 625 0876
Fax: + 27 (0)46 625 0876

Oribi
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Port Alfred
Description: Closed.

Shipwreck Trail
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Port Alfred
Description: 64km/3-4 day; easy; take water; one way; sleep in own tents or local resorts; no permit required, no cost involved - this is not an official trail
Comments: Start at Fish River Sun and end at Kayser's Beach, or visa versa
Enquiries: Eastern Cape Tourism Board
Tel: + 27 (0)40 635-2115
e-mail: info@ectourism.co.za

Bushbuck Day Walk
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Port Elizabeth [Back to Top]
Location: In the Island Nature Reserve
Description: 23.3 km; 2 day/2 night; average; one way (transport back to base is available at a charge); in nature reserve and farms; Accommodation: base camp - Boplaas hut, Bundu hut and Oudewerf hut each sleeping 20 persons; huts on trail; 50 persons max/2 persons min.
Comments: Indigenous forest; bird watching (125 species); tree spotting (labelled trees); small antelope; picnic spots with fireplaces.
Enquiries: The Island Nature Reserve
Tel: + 27 (0)41 378 1634
Fax: + 27 (0)41 378 1607

Destades Igolomi
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Port Elizabeth
Description: 9km/2 hours; average; circular; in nature reserve; 10-12 persons max.
Enquiries: The Chief Nature Conservation Officer
Tel: + 27 (0)41 561 000
Fax: + 27 (0)41 555 213

Kabouga Guesthouse and Mvubu Bush Camp
Trail Type: 4 x 4
Closest Town: Port Elizabeth
Comments: In the Addo Elephant National Park, Zuurberg Mountains on the R355, 50 minutes from Port Elizabeth
Enquiries: John and Melanie Adendorff
Tel: + 27 (0)42 233-0581
Fax: + 27 (0)42 233-1212
Cell: + 27 (0)82 783 1187
e-mail: reservations@sanparks.org
Game viewing: Elephants and other game

Roseate
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Port Elizabeth
Description: 9km/1day; easy; circular; overnight facilities and camp site
Enquiries: Cape Recife Nature Reserve
Tel: + 27 (0)41 559 711
Fax: + 27 (0)41 559 711

Sacramento
Trail Type: Horse trail
Closest Town: Port Elizabeth
Description: 8km horse trail; guide available; no accommodation
Enquiries: Port Elizabeth Municipality
Tel: + 27 (0)41 559 711
Fax: + 27 (0)41 552 907

Zuurberg Hiking Trails - Cycad
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Port Elizabeth
Comments: The Zuurberg Section offers two walks: the Doringkloof Walk: 11 km / 4 hours; the Zuurberg Walk: 2,5 km / 1 hour. No facilities but visitors can book in at Inn opposite the entrance to the Park. Carry own water.
Enquiries: John and Melanie Adendorff
Tel: + 27 (0)42 233-0581
Fax: + 27 (0)42 233-1212
Cell: + 27 (0)82 783 1187
e-mail: reservations@sanparks.org
Game viewing: Elephants and other game

Zuurberg Hiking Trails - Doringhek
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Port Elizabeth [Back to Top]
Comments: From Port Elizabeth to the turn-off near Addo (about 60 km) and turn left into the gravel road at the Zuurberg Inn sign. A scenic drive (17 km) will lead to the Inn from where trailers can plan walks daily. The Zuurberg section of the Winterhoek Mountains forms a portion of the Addo National Park, some 12 km north of Addo. Three vegetation types dominate: Grassy Fynbos, Afromontane Forest and Succulent Thicket. A variety of animals are protected.
Enquiries: John and Melanie Adendorff
Tel: + 27 (0)42 233-0581
Fax: + 27 (0)42 233-1212
Cell: + 27 (0)82 783 1187
e-mail: reservations@sanparks.org
Game viewing: Elephants and other game

Zuurberg Horse Trail
Trail Type: Horse trail
Closest Town: Port Elizabeth
Description: Guided Horse trails on 1, 3 and 5 hour trails. Also the Narina Overnight Horse Trail. Suitable for all riders.
Comments: In the Addo Elephant National Park, Zuurberg Mountains on the R355, 50 minutes from Port Elizabeth
Enquiries: John and Melanie Adendorff
Tel: + 27 (0)42 233-0581
Fax: + 27 (0)42 233-1212
Cell: + 27 (0)82 783 1187
e-mail: reservations@sanparks.org
Game viewing: Elephants and other game

Blindekloof
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Uitenhage
Description: 2 days/34km; day 1 18km, day 2 16 km; circular; own tent; 6 persons max; toilet and showers at the office complex where the trail starts and ends; unmarked wilderness trail.
Enquiries: Groendal Wilderness Area
Tel: + 27 (0)41 992 5418
Fax: + 27 (0)41 992 7570

Cycad Trail
Trail Type: Day loops; central hut
Closest Town: Uitenhage
Description: The resort area offers chalets and facilities for camping, caravans, fishing, boating.
Enquiries: Mr Whitehead
Cell: + 27 (0)82 900 1201

Dam Route
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Uitenhage
Description: 34km/2 day; difficult; circular; 12 persons max; R2 per person
Enquiries: Groendal Wilderness Area
Tel: + 27 (0)41 992 5418
Fax: + 27 (0)41 922 7570

Emerald Pool
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Uitenhage
Description: Situated in the only recognised wilderness area in the Eastern Cape Province. Large variety of plants and wild life. Rock art. Groendal Dam.
Enquiries: Groendal Wilderness Area
Tel: + 27 (0)41 992 5418
Fax: + 27 (0)41 922 7570

Kwa-Zunga
Trail Type: Day loops; central hut
Closest Town: Uitenhage [Back to Top]
Description: Various options; 1-3 days; loops from same base; 11-12 km each; average; on a farm; overnight hut; 12 persons max;
Enquiries: Barnie Wehmeyer
Tel: + 27 (0)41 955-5378

Uitenhage Nature Reserve
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Uitenhage
Description: Various options; easy; no limit on numbers; chalets and caravan park available
Enquiries: Uitenhage Municipality
Tel: + 27 (0)41 966-1161

Upper Blindekloof
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Uitenhage
Description: 32km/2 day; day 1 18km, day 2 14km; difficult; circular; no overnight facilities, own tent; 6 persons max. Toilets and showers at the start and end of the trail - at the office complex.
Enquiries: Groendal Wilderness Area
Tel: + 27 (0)41 992 5418
Fax: + 27 (0)41 922 7570