For The Love Of Nature

🌿 𝐖𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐇𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐖𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐝... 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐞 𝐖𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐨⁣

Yesterday we returned to Groendal Nature Reserve for the first time since the devastating 2026 floods. Our plan was to explore the Hammerkop Trail for the very first time, but when we checked in we were told the roads leading to the Fernkloof, Waterkloof and Hammerkop trailheads are still closed due to flood damage.

So... we pivoted.

Our new plan was to hike the Upper Blindekloof Trail, but while signing in we met a group of South African Sea Cadets preparing for their overnight hike to Eels Cave. They mentioned that on a previous attempt they had accidentally gone off route while hiking via Bushpig and Ten Stop Hill.

We explained the alternative route (the one we were familiar with) via Nerina Ridge, which is accessed from the Lower Blindekloof Trail, and before we knew it... our plans changed again.

We decided to hike the Lower Blindekloof Trail so we could help guide them to the correct turnoff.

The cadets headed off first, and we caught up with them again at the monument before they continued deeper into the valley ahead of us.

If you've never hiked Lower Blindekloof, it is an absolute gem. The trail meanders through beautiful indigenous forest, with countless river crossings, exciting boulder hopping and towering cliffs that make you feel wonderfully small. It's one of those trails where every bend reveals another breathtaking view.

Instead of turning around where we'd originally intended, we decided to continue to the transition pool that links Lower Blindekloof with Upper Blindekloof and find a route to Skelmkloof. With a later-than-normal start and the slow, technical terrain, we eventually decided it was wiser to head back while there was still plenty of daylight.

On the way back... we met the Sea Cadets once again.

Looking back on the day, it genuinely felt like divine intervention. Every closed road, every change of plan and every unexpected decision seemed to place us exactly where we were meant to be. The floods have changed sections of the landscape considerably, and without familiar landmarks it's surprisingly easy to miss the Nerina Ridge turnoff if you've never hiked the area before.

We were able to walk the group to the correct junction, exchange contact details, send them route maps, and share the Mountain Rescue emergency number. Although cellphone reception is almost non-existent in Groendal, there is signal on Nerina Ridge, allowing them to receive the information once they reached the ridge.

Sometimes the adventure you plan isn't the adventure you're meant to have.

Groendal remains one of the most spectacular hiking destinations in the Eastern Cape, but it is also rugged, raw and unforgiving. If you're visiting for the first time, we strongly recommend hiking with someone who knows the area before attempting these routes on your own.

We learned that lesson ourselves years ago.

Yesterday reminded us that hiking isn't only about reaching a destination. Sometimes it's about being in exactly the right place, at exactly the right time, for someone else.

Have you ever had a hike where everything changed... but somehow everything worked out exactly as it was meant to? 🥾🌿

Please note - important info!

This weekend’s adventures await! If you don’t mind a little rain (currently between 2mm and 4mm only - depending which hike you choose) then you’ve come to the right place.

PLEASE FOLLOW THE LINKS TO THE ORGANIZERS FACEBOOK PAGE OR WHATSAPP GROUP FOR MORE DETAILED INFO.

*SATURDAY 11 JULY 2026*

EASY/ EASY+:

Club: Voetsac Hikers
Trail: J-Bay Zebra Lodge
https://chat.whatsapp.com/GNMtGreM4xa7MlRr8125DW
Description: “An easy meander through the game park, observing various wild life, including Springbuck, Waterbuck, Kudu, Zebra, Wildebeest and Giraffe.”
Distance: 10Km
Cost: R60 for members & R80 for non members.

Club: Voetsac
Trail: Sleepy Hollow
https://chat.whatsapp.com/Cuu7oZvg71M4T618lt3E6N
Description: “Two concecutive short steep uphills to the ridge, a gentle walk to the end and back, down to the pools for a tea stop and then on to the old
lead ore mines that were operated in about 1957. Along the river back to the parking area for a braai.”
Distance: 8Km
Cost: R50 for members & R70 for non members.

Club: Let's go hiking Port Elizabeth
Trail: Roseate Tern
https://chat.whatsapp.com/GJgSilK2Q8j9tnD0i3dYE6
Description: A coastal trail through coastal fynbos.
Distance: 9km
Cost: R30

MODERATE:

Club: Start Hiking Gqeberha
Trail: Cape St Francis Blow Hole Trail
https://chat.whatsapp.com/GpoXilrU6Ee0vVT9NIl1w5?s=sw&p=a&ilr=0
Description: A coastal trail starting at the Cape St. Francis lighthouse.
Distance: 10-12km
Cost: Free

Club: Let’s Go Hiking
Trail: Zuurberg Doringhek Trail (Addo)
https://chat.whatsapp.com/ETZajjXKMuM6BrgWJeyw7k
Description: A hike featuring mountain fynbos, indigenous forests and breathtaking views as well as the Blougat Pool and Otto’s Pool. An added bonus is that your entry allows you to enjoy a self-drive through the Addo Elephant National Park.
Distance: 14km
Cost: R140

Club: Plett Hiking and Social
Trail: Half Robberg
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19KdX3Pn6j/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Description: This trail heads along the northern ridge of the peninsula and onto the sand dunes, before heading down to the tombolo and boardwalk. Hikers will pass above the resident seal colony along the way.
Distance: 5km
Cost: SanParks entry fee

*SUNDAY 12 JULY 2026*

EASY/ EASY+:

Club: Trail Trekkers Hiking Tribe
Trail: Lower Guinea Fowl
https://www.facebook.com/share/1AK86yWFDs/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Description: A mostly flat hike through the beautiful Baakens Valley.
Distance: 6,5km
Cost: R30 for adults and R20 for children under 12

Club: Active Us - Wellness Coaching
Trail: Retha’s Trail & Coastal Fynbos Trail
https://www.facebook.com/share/18jWw3zxoi/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Description: “… starting at the Sacramento Cannon in Schoenmakers! We’ll be exploring Retha’s Garden Trail, winding behind the houses, and then onto the Cape Fynbos Trail behind Sappers Hoek.”
Distance: 5km
Cost: R30 (includes an electrolyte drink)

Club: Let’s Go Hiking
Trail: Kini Bay to Laurie’s Bay
https://chat.whatsapp.com/LAY0bW0qkIjIhP6IrBCoXj
Description: A scenic beach trail following the coastline.
Distance: 5km
Cost: R30

**Note that all hike ratings and descriptions are - as far as possible - as per the individual club and not necessarily our rating or description. Please choose your hike carefully according to your experience and fitness. If in doubt ask the hike leader ahead of time.**

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐞 🌳⁣

There are mornings when the alarm goes off before sunrise and you wonder whether staying in bed might be the better adventure.
Yesterday started like that.

It was already chilly when we left Gqeberha, but nothing could have prepared us for what was waiting at inniKloof Nature Reserve in the beautiful Gamtoos Valley near Hankey.
As we stepped out of the car to begin our hike, the temperature read a frosty 3°C.
Suddenly that warm duvet back home seemed like it had some pretty convincing arguments! 😂

Thankfully, once we started walking, every frozen finger was forgotten.
It's been almost two years since our last visit, and I'd forgotten just how special this hidden Eastern Cape gem really is.

The drive alone is worth it. Endless citrus orchards stretched across the valley, with oranges and naartjies glowing in the early morning sunshine against deep green leaves. The Gamtoos River was still flowing strongly through the kloof after the recent floods, adding even more beauty to an already spectacular setting.

We chose to tackle Die Nek Trail, the longest and most challenging route at Innikloof. At around 3km and approximately 300 metres of elevation gain, it may be short on distance, but it makes up for it in effort.

The reward?

One of the most breathtaking moss-covered trails we've ever experienced.
The shaded mountainside rarely sees direct sunlight, creating the perfect conditions for lush green moss to blanket rocks, trees and the forest floor. Around every corner was another scene that made us stop, admire the view and reach for the camera.

The trail is well marked to the viewpoint, although the section beyond has become quite overgrown and could benefit from some clearing. The moss and clay also makes parts of the descent slippery, so proper hiking shoes, a pole and careful footing are a necessity.

We spent close to two hours enjoying every step before deciding to leave the remaining trails we have done before for another visit. Another adventure, and a stop at Bergvenster, was calling our name.

🥾 One of the things I love about Innikloof is that there's something for everyone. Whether you're after a gentle 800 m nature walk or a more demanding climb like Die Nek, the reserve caters for all fitness levels. If you've got the time, you can comfortably complete all the trails in a day and at R50 pp for a day permit it is well worth it.

✨ Looking for a unique weekend adventure?
From the 17th to the 19th July 2026, Innikloof is hosting a special Astrophotography Weekend, giving visitors the chance to experience the reserve beneath some of the darkest skies in the Eastern Cape. Spend the day exploring the trails, then stay for an evening of stargazing and night photography. It sounds like the perfect combination of adventure and nature.

📍 Location: Innikloof Nature Reserve, Gamtoos Valley, near Hankey, Eastern Cape.
Sometimes the places that don't make the biggest headlines end up leaving the biggest footprints on your heart.

Would you brave a 3°C start for scenery like this? 🥶🥾🌿

Seize the day! Breakfast with a view

Looking for an outdoor experience this weekend? Then you’ve come to the right place.
As always we make it easy by having all the local club hikes in one place for you to choose from.

PLEASE FOLLOW THE LINKS TO THE CLUBS FACEBOOK PAGE OR WHATSAPP GROUP FOR MORE DETAILED INFO.

*THE FOLLOWING HIKES WILL HAPPEN ON SATURDAY 04 JULY 2026*

EASY/ EASY+:

Club: Start Hiking Gqeberha
Trail: The Island Reserve
https://chat.whatsapp.com/BhpAZlK4MvQKkkrCANAyjx?s=sw&p=a&ilr=0
Description: A beautiful coastal forest trail in the Seaview area
Distance: 10km or 16km
Cost: TBC

Club: Voetsac Hikers
Trail: Woodridge Cycle Route
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/12Jwaufqfq5/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Description: “The walk is in the open with little cover. It’s a hike along a trail that overlooks the river and is characterised by a stony path.”
Distance: 10Km
Cost: R60 for members & R80 for non members.

Club: Let's go hiking Port Elizabeth
Trail: Sacramento Trail
https://chat.whatsapp.com/HpYv7k3AeE8LCT2ohQxhR8
Description: A scenic coastal route starting at the historic cannon.
Distance: 8km
Cost: R30

MODERATE:

Club: Voetsac
Trail: Woodridge Full Route
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/12Jwaufqfq5/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Description: “The river walk is in the open with little cover. It’s a hike along a trail that overlooks the river and is characterised by a stony path.”
Distance: 12Km
Cost: R60 for members & R80 for non members.

Club: Let’s Go Hiking
Trail: Maitlands Reserve
https://chat.whatsapp.com/BwbZZlTpgKQIR3DqdyFh1E
Description: A coastal trail with part forest, part coastal fynbos and views of the ocean.
Distance: 8km
Cost: R30

*THE FOLLOWING HIKES WILL HAPPEN ON SUNDAY 05 JULY 2026*

EASY/ EASY+:

Club: Trail Trekkers Hiking Tribe
Trail: African Dawn
https://www.facebook.com/share/1AK86yWFDs/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Description: “An easy+ hike through the beautiful sanctuary where you will see many animals. It is mostly flat with a few little hills.”
Distance: 8km
Cost: R100 for adults and R50 for children under 12

Club: The Tired and Lost Hikers
Trail: Noorsekloof Trail (JBay)
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1DQQAeL5LA/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Description: A beautiful trail alongside a stream with over 50 bird species, including the Knysna loerie, Knysna woodpecker, and paradise flycatcher.
Distance: 3,5km
Cost: No cost

Club: Active Us - Wellness Coaching
Trail: Van Stadens Flower Reserve
https://www.facebook.com/share/18jWw3zxoi/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Description: The Forest and Boulder Trail at this beautiful and popular reserve.
Distance: 5km
Cost: R30 (includes an electrolyte drink)

Club: Let’s Go Hiking
Trail: Black Mamba (Crossways)
https://chat.whatsapp.com/IuVSUO8CpTQKbOdXBDn3lZ
Description: An easy forest trail at the “back” side of 3Rivers accessed via a tunnel under the N2.
Distance: 6km
Cost: R100

**Note that all hike ratings and descriptions are - as far as possible - as per the individual club and not necessarily our rating or description. Please choose your hike carefully according to your experience and fitness. If in doubt ask the hike leader ahead of time.**