For The Love Of Nature

THE WEEKLY TRAIL MIX!

UPDATED WITH ADDITIONS, UPDATES AND CORRECTIONS.
Your one-stop shop for all this weekend’s hiking club plans. If you want to get out into nature then join one of our awesome local clubs. There is no better way to explore exciting places and meet interesting people.

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

*FRIDAY 09 OCTOBER 2026*
ADDITION!
Club: Let’s go hiking Port Elizabeth
Trail:Maitlands
https://chat.whatsapp.com/BjOB4hzW4uG4veYf8Z6IrZ
Description: A sunset walk along this beautiful stretch of our coastline to enjoy the sunset.
Distance: 8km
Cost: R30

*SATURDAY 10 OCTOBER 2026*

EASY/ EASY+:

Club: Let's go hiking Port Elizabeth
Trail: Sacramento
https://chat.whatsapp.com/L7mzqeDZa8HEHRYOOZTtLn
Description: CORRECTION: Starting at the cannon in Schoenmakerskop and walking along the beach and back.
Distance: 7km
Cost: R30

Club: Start Hiking Gqeberha
Trail: JBay Zebra Lodge
https://chat.whatsapp.com/CldLTxWCyEgC1HxOuTDPJm?s=sw&p=a&mlu=4&ilr=4
Description: An easy walking trail with views stretching across the Baviaanskloof Mountains and the Indian Ocean. Come and meet the resident zebra herd living near the lodge.
Distance: 10km
Cost: R70

Club: Voetsac Hikers
Trail: Bergrivier Eco Retreat
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/12Jwaufqfq5/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Description: “Walk down to the river then up the red rout some under cover , then across the ridge and down the silver rout back down to the river and back to the cars ( some beautiful views )”
Distance: 9Km
Cost: R80 for members & R100 for non members.

MODERATE:

Club: Voetsac Hikers
Trail: Bergrivier Eco Retreat
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/12Jwaufqfq5/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Description: “Walk down towards the river then up a long hill , walk along the ridge (beatiful view) to the downhill section. This is a moderate hike so there is some climbing to be done.”
Distance: 12Km
Cost: R80 for members & R100 for non-members.

Club: Let's go hiking Port Elizabeth
Trail: Lower Blindekloof
https://chat.whatsapp.com/E65SCMEqlOQCbjknbCKe7r
Description: OMMISSION: One of the most popular trails at Groendal, this will take you up to the monument site before heading down into the gorge and then following the river with multiple water crossings.
Distance: 12km
Cost: R103

*SUNDAY 11 OCTOBER 2026*

EASY/ EASY+:

Club: Trail Trekkers Hiking Tribe
Trail: Fynbos Trail
https://www.facebook.com/share/1AK86yWFDs/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Description: A flat, easy-walking trail through the fynbos “fields” at Schoenmakerskop.
Distance: 6km
Cost: R30 for adults and R20 for children under 12

Club: Let’s go hiking Port Elizabeth
Trail: Waterkloof
https://chat.whatsapp.com/Gb9nGwIvS0qLelNWSmMOhR
Description: A beautiful trail through a gorge running sort of parallel to the Fernkloof trail. This trail has a number of water crossings as you follow the river to pool where you either have to swim through or do a rather tricky climb around the side to get to end of the trail where there is another pool with a waterfall flowing into it.
Distance: 10km
Cost: R103

**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.**

🥾 𝐆𝐄𝐄𝐋𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐌 – 𝟑 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐒, 𝟑 𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐒 & 𝟑 𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘 𝐃𝐈𝐅𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐒!

There are hikes where you go for a walk…

And then there are adventures where you come home sun-kissed, legs complaining, head full of incredible views and already thinking about the next one. 😂

We had absolutely perfect weather for our visit to Geelhoutboom Farm, just outside Glenconnor in the Eastern Cape. Blue skies, sunshine, the smell of fynbos and that unmistakable feeling that adventure is waiting somewhere around the next corner.

We were incredibly fortunate to be invited as a test group to hike all three of the new trails being developed by owner Jan Potgieter, before they open to the public.

And what an adventure it was!

The concept is fantastic. Three trails. Three different peaks. Three very different experiences, with the rustic farmhouse as your base camp.

Each trail winds through a fascinating mix of Nama-Karoo and Albany Thicket, climbing its own peak and opening up spectacular views across the valleys towards the Cockscomb Mountains on one side and the Zuurberg Range on the other.

And don't be fooled by the word trail…

These are proper hikes!

There are narrow cliff ledges, steep descents over loose rock, challenging climbs and sections where you're traversing rock faces at around 45 degrees.

And somehow, each day seemed to get a little tougher.

By Day 3, we weren't entirely sure whether the trail was getting harder… or whether our legs were simply filing a formal complaint.

🥾 DAY 1: 13 km | 460 m elevation
🥾 DAY 2: 14.5 km | 430 m elevation
🥾 DAY 3: 9 km | 450 m elevation

But every single kilometre came with something different to discover.

🌿 WHAT STOOD OUT FOR US

The trails have been thoughtfully designed around the natural ridgelines, making fantastic use of the landscape rather than simply taking you from A to B.

The vegetation and scenery change constantly, and no two days feel the same.

We saw herds of buck, troops of monkeys and baboons, and even beautiful Knysna Loeries tucked away in the forest on Day 2.

And then there are the views…

Those moments when you stop, catch your breath and realise that the climb was absolutely worth it.

But the adventure didn't end when we took our boots off.

🔥 THEN CAME THE EVENINGS…

As the sun slipped behind the very mountains we'd spent the day conquering, we settled around a crackling fire, watching the landscape change as daylight faded.

And then came the stars.

With no city lights competing for attention, the night sky at Geelhoutboom was simply incredible. Sitting around the fire, looking up at a sky absolutely packed with stars, surrounded by the quiet of the Eastern Cape countryside…

Those are the moments that stay with you.

It made us stop and think just how incredibly fortunate we are to live in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. ❤️

Sometimes the best part of reaching the summit isn't the summit itself. It's having somewhere beautiful to return to, sit back, breathe and take it all in.

The accommodation is rustic but comfortable, and having the farmhouse as your base makes the whole experience feel like an adventure rather than simply arriving, hiking and heading home.

But because we were there as a test group, our job wasn't just to enjoy ourselves. We also had to be honest about what still needs attention before these trails are ready for the public.

The trail markings are plentiful and generally easy to follow, although some of the road-marking paint has already started to flake in the harsh Eastern Cape sun.

There are a few narrow ledges and sections below the ridgeline where erosion has started to affect the trail, and some of the rock faces on Day 3 could become particularly slippery in wet weather.

And honestly, that's exactly why test hikes like this are so important.

Jan now has the opportunity to address these areas, make improvements and fine-tune the trails before opening day.

Because once those final touches are done…

Geelhoutboom is going to be one seriously exciting new hiking destination. 👀🥾

Bookings will be handled by Baviaans 2 Bay Adventures, so go give them a follow and keep an eye on both pages for the official launch.

Three trails.
Three peaks.
Three very different adventures.

Geelhoutboom… we can't wait to see you open! 🌿🥾🔥

Even though we are out and about with little to no signal the Trail Mix must go on 😬
This weekend features the moderate Oldenburgia trail (not for those who don’t like steep climbs!!) in Grahamstown which, until today, was the only place I had ever seen the endangered Oldenburgia bush! You might also get to see beautiful King Proteas this time of the year!

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

*SATURDAY 03 OCTOBER 2026*

EASY/ EASY+:

Club: Voetsac Hikers
Trail: Roseate Tern
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/12Jwaufqfq5/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Description: “Beautiful beach walks. Walk past lighthouse. See some World War II buildings.”
Distance: 9Km
Cost: R10 for members & R30 for non members.

MODERATE:

Club: Start Hiking Gqeberha
Trail: Oldenburgia (Grahamstown)
https://chat.whatsapp.com/CUJBFqULJDb9IBlp7JImei
Description: Beginning and ending at the top of Mountain Drive near the toposcope in Makhanda, the trail features high ridges, rocky hillsides, and sections through Featherstone Kloof as well as significant climbs.
Distance: 17km
Cost: No cost

Club: Voetsac Hikers
Trail: Cairn Loop
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/12Jwaufqfq5/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Description: “Quite a steep climb then drop down into the valley, hike up the valley then up and over in a circular route back to the cars.”
Distance: 12Km
Cost: R60 for members & R80 for non members.

Club: Let's go hiking Port Elizabeth
Trail: Lower Blindekloof
https://chat.whatsapp.com/E65SCMEqlOQCbjknbCKe7r
Description: One of the most popular trails at Groendal, this will take you up to the monument site before heading down into the gorge and then following the river with multiple water crossings.
Distance: 12km
Cost: R30

*SUNDAY 04 OCTOBER 2026*

EASY/ EASY+:

Club: Let’s go hiking Port Elizabeth
Trail: Waterkloof
https://chat.whatsapp.com/Gb9nGwIvS0qLelNWSmMOhR
Description: A beautiful trail through a gorge running sort of parallel to the Fernkloof trail. This trail has a number of water crossings as you follow the river to pool where you either have to swim through or do a rather tricky climb around the side to get to end of the trail where there is another pool with a waterfall flowing into it.
Distance: 10km
Cost: R30

Club: Trail Trekkers Hiking Tribe
Trail: Fynbos Trail
https://www.facebook.com/share/1AK86yWFDs/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Description: A flat, easy-walking trail through the fynbos “fields” at Schoenmakerskop.
Distance: 6km
Cost: R30 for adults and R20 for children under 12

MODERATE:

Club: Active Us - Wellness Coaching
Trail: Woodridge
https://www.facebook.com/share/18jWw3zxoi/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Description: “Experience a stunning hike through the scenic Woodridge School grounds, featuring lush forests, rolling hills, and peaceful streams—all neighboring the breathtaking Van Stadens Flower Reserve. ”
Distance: 8,5km
Cost: R80 (includes an electrolyte drink)

**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.**

Tonight’s amazing sunset at Geelhoutboom. Picture taken by Charl Gouws

🔔 𝐒𝐎𝐌𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐒. 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐎𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐘'𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐎𝐍𝐄, 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐘'𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐎𝐍𝐄. 💔

1815. Let that date sink in for a moment.

The Market Square Bell, associated with the historic Van der Kemp's Church in Gqeberha, has reportedly been stolen.

A piece of our history that has stood for more than 200 years. A silent witness to generations of people, to the growth of our city, and to the stories that have shaped the place we call home.

And now it's gone. 😡

Earlier this month, we shared a post about Van der Kemp's Church, highlighting the incredible history woven into our city's streets and heritage sites. We spoke about the importance of remembering and preserving these places because they are so much more than old buildings and forgotten landmarks. They are part of who we are.

And now, during HERITAGE MONTH, we learn that a historic bell dating back to 1815 has allegedly been stolen.

The irony is heartbreaking. The anger is real.

How do we celebrate our heritage while pieces of it are being taken from us? How do we teach future generations to value their history when the very objects that connect them to it are disappearing?

Our heritage cannot be replaced with a replica. Its value isn't simply in the metal it's made of, but in the more than two centuries of history it represents.

This isn't just about a bell.

It's about respect. It's about responsibility. And it's about what we are leaving behind for the generations who come after us.

PLEASE, if you know anything about the whereabouts of the Market Square Bell, speak up. If anyone has been offered the bell or knows where it might be, please report the information to the relevant authorities. Retief Odendaal NMB on behalf of the Democratic Alliance has offered a R2500 reward for the return of the bell. Let's do everything we can to help bring this piece of our history home.

And to those who see historic artefacts as nothing more than something to steal or sell for scrap: shame on you.

Our heritage belongs to all of us. We have a duty to protect it.

🔔 More than 200 years of history. Stolen in a moment. And a reminder that heritage means nothing if we don't protect it.

This is how life should be lived!

Day 1 of the Addo trails. We were joined by some of the locals and after about 2 hours and 247m of elevation we have been spoilt with incredible views stretching all the way to Cockscomb and now having a “braai break” with the fire ready when we got here. They even have toilet facilities - this is first class hiking 🥾 🍾.

WHEN A “DRIBBLE” BECOMES A ROAR!

Fernkloof has always been one of our favourite hikes. We’ve done it numerous times, but there was always one thing missing… the waterfall! More accurately, the tiny little dribble that usually passed for one.

So when we heard the waterfall was actually flowing — and the trail was accessible — there was absolutely no question… we were going!

And the hike gave us an early taste of what was to come. A stream crossing that normally requires nothing more than a few hops across the rocks had transformed into a waist-deep river crossing, with a strong current to contend with!

With multiple crossings along the way, our feet stayed wet pretty much the entire hike — but nobody was complaining!

Because when we finally reached the waterfall… WOW! 🤯

What is normally a trickle had been transformed into a spectacular, thundering cascade, pouring down through the circular opening in the rock canopy.

Powerful. Majestic. Beautiful.

It literally took my breath away.

Sometimes you just have to get your feet wet to see nature at its absolute best!

𝐍𝐎 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐋. 𝐍𝐎 𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐀𝐆𝐄. 𝐍𝐎 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆… 𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝟒𝟓 𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘 𝐊𝐄𝐄𝐍 𝐇𝐈𝐊𝐄𝐑𝐒! 🦒🌿🥾

We thought we were taking a small test group out to try the proposed 10km hiking trail at Pabala Private Nature Reserve on Heritage Day.

The hiking community apparently had other ideas. 😂

Our “test group” turned into 45 adventurous souls, which just goes to show how hungry hikers are for new hiking trails in the Eastern Cape!

And after putting this proposed route through its paces, we can safely say…

Pabala has something VERY special brewing. 🌿

Located just before Hankey, Pabala Private Nature Reserve already offers an impressive collection of experiences, including lodge accommodation, camping, a day spa, restaurant and pub facilities, game drives and wildlife viewing.

And now… hiking trails! 🥾

One of the things that makes Pabala particularly exciting is the opportunity to experience the landscape with wildlife around you.

Because we were such a large group, the animals understandably kept their distance. Pabala’s wildlife is still fairly skittish around hikers, but watching giraffe and herds of antelope moving across the plains was every bit as magical as getting up close would have been.

And then there is the landscape…

🌿 Fynbos
🌸 King proteas preparing to bloom
⛰️ Wide-open plains and beautiful elevation
🦒 Wildlife moving through the reserve
☀️ Big skies and very little shade

This proposed 10km hiking trail is not a walk in the park. With approximately 470m of elevation gain, it is going to give your legs something to remember!

But there is good news for hikers who aren't quite ready for the full 10km.

There are escape routes along the proposed route, which will allow shorter hiking options to be developed, particularly towards the end of the trail. And plans are also underway for shorter approximately 2km trails around the tented camp, making Pabala more accessible for families and younger hikers.

We think the best hiking season here will be during the cooler months, particularly late autumn, winter and early spring. With limited shade, the summer heat is going to make this terrain considerably more challenging.

And those king proteas?

🌸 Once they burst into bloom, this place is going to be something to behold!

We are incredibly grateful to Pabala Private Nature Reserve for trusting us to explore the property, help develop hiking routes and turn some of these possibilities into actual trails.

This is exactly why we love what we do.

We aren't simply looking for places to hike.

We're looking for places where new adventures can be created. ❤️

And Pabala has plenty of potential.

Oh… and did someone say post-hike burger? 🍔

The Pabala kitchen joined us for the test hike and put on a R100 burger, chips and cold drink special for the hikers.

The patties are homemade.

And they are DELICIOUS. 🤤

We're hoping this becomes a regular offering once hiking groups start making their way to Pabala.

Because let's be honest…

10km. 470m elevation. Wildlife. Fynbos. Proteas.

You are going to deserve that burger.

And we're only getting started…

Pabala hiking trails are coming. 🥾🌿

Keep following For the Love of Nature as we help bring this exciting new hiking destination in the Eastern Cape to life.