Hiking Trail Description

The main feature of the reserve is the large tract of dense Coastal Forest situated on steep slopes and descending into a valley. The trail passes through a portion of the forest and links up with the old wagon trail to the disused lead mine. Interesting features of the area are the many small mammals, such as, bushbuck, blue duikers, porcupine and rodents and the abundance of birds. Hikers should take their own water, as the stream water is not potable.

Direction: Located in the Maitland Nature Reserve, about 35 km west of Port Elizabeth, off the Seaview-Kragga Kamma Circular Drive adjacent to the caravan and camping site.

Duration: Circular; 2 to 3 hours / 3 km. An easy trail ideally suited for groups of children accompanied by their teacher.

Amenities: Self-guided trail with information boxes. Small hall for conservation education of school children. Maitland Camp at the Maitland River Mouth.

No permits required.

Note: There are long walks from Kini Bay to Van Staden’s River Mouth past the mouths of rivers (Maitland, Van Staden’s) that are popular camping and caravan resorts controlled by the Western District Council.