Hiking Trail Description

In The Island Nature Reserve remnants of indigenous forest grow next to plantations. The forest is a good example of a climax community growing on consolidated dunes. There are numerous walks, mainly along the old extraction roads and horse bridle path. The area contains some splendid yellowwoods and is excellent for bird watching (120 species recorded to date). The forest is the home of vervet monkeys, bushpig and small antelope (bushbuck, blue duiker). Watch out for ticks.

Direction: Driving west form Port Elizabeth (approximately 25 km) access is from coastal and inland roads and is well marked.

Duration: The short trail, 1,3 km (about 30 minutes) is easy. The full circuit, 16 km (about 3,5 hours) requires some endurance, especially in hot weather. As it is easy to take an incorrect route, get a map at the start.

Amenities: Picnic sites with fireplaces; trees labelled with their national tree list numbers. Water is only available at the picnic area.

A charge is levied at the gate: open from 6h00 to 18h00.