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We parked at the well kept parking lot close to the office and a very tidy bathroom.
We were signed in (filling in the permits and paying the small entry fee). Please take note that payments should be made by card....NO CASH ARE ACCEPTED AT THE OFFICE.
We took a group photo at the detailed sign board at the start of the hike, and off we went.
We've decided on the 7km hike and followed the blue footprints.....The walk to the Big Tree, under tall shady trees was soothing, as the sun was already out and about.....
We were lucky to be greeted by two bush bucks in very close proximity of the Big Tree.
As we proceeded on our hike, i saw a flower for the first time in my years of hiking. It was impossible to miss this striking orange flower. The forest provides a good balance with splashes of bright colors amongst the green all around you.
The trail took us out of the shady trees onto an open path and we walked uphill for quite a stretch, in the sun, (all part of the package i guess), but it was rewarded with a spectacular view once we reached the top. We had a pitstop at the picnic benches and indulged in the beauty and the peace and quiet mother nature extended to us.
After a much enjoyable pitstop, we made our way back again, downhill this time, under nice shady trees to the finish point.
At the exit gate, a young Night Adder was in a huge rush to get past us strangers.
And us, treating the environment and its inhabitants with respect, we stopped and let him pass first. We acknowledged that we are in his territory.... i must admit that we quickly looked around to see where's the rest of the family was.
After we've walked out of the forest, we enjoyed a last snack at the picnic tables by the parking area before we headed back to Mossel Bay. What a hike!
Thank you, SANparks, for a well maintained and well-marked hiking trail. We will definitely be back to introduce more nature fanatics...
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This is a must see destination if you enjoy nature, the main attraction is the 800+ year old Yellow Wood tree at the start of the walk. Lots to be seen in the forest, especially after the rainy season when all kinds of mushrooms are growing along the paths. The 2KM walk is quite easy, well sign posted and can be done with young children. The 7KM is more challenging, starts as part of the 2KM walk and then breaks off to the right and starts a journey up towards the mountain.
The climb is not in the shade of the forest so hats, sunscreen and loads of water if it’s a hot day. (Approx. 1.5KM climb) Cell phone signal is patchy in the area, especially down in the forest area. The view is worth the climb though and there are two areas with small benches where you can have a seat and catch your breath.
Once you made it back to your car be sure to stop at the Hoekwil Cafe for the best coffee and cheesecake on...
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The new 7km trail is superb. The trails winds through the forest - magnificent tree canopy high above - before heading up the hill. This is quite a change in vegetation and once up the hill you get great views of the Hoekwil farms. There is a picnic table which is worth a short stop just to look and enjoy. The downhill is easy on the legs and lovely running. Then back into the forest for the final section to the end The trail has many nice elements from passing the Big Tree on the out and return route, some small bridges, and circles of wood cut from fallen trees that have been like stepping stones. I saw a good number of fungi species - there is sure to be fungi around most of the time being in the rich, moist forest. There are toilets at the start/finish and also picnic tables and braai facilities. It is great that there is a longer trail to complement the existing 2km route. Well done to...
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