Hiking Trail Description

The Groendal Wilderness Area, promulgated in 1976, is the only formal wilderness area in the Eastern Cape Province. It offers tranquillity, is remote and unspoilt. There are a large variety of plants and wildlife includes bushbuck, duiker, grey rhebuck, mountain reedbuck, grysbok, bushpig, vervet monkey and leopard. As the main catchment of the Swartkops River, it encloses and protects Uitenhage’s main water supply, the serpentine Groendal Dam. It is historically interesting as it was possibly the last refuge of the San in the Groot Winterhoek Mountains: a large variety of their rock paintings have been identified. The only marked trail is the Blindekloof trail. Remaining trails are unmarked wilderness trails and map reading skills are essential to walk them.

Direction: Take the Groendal Road from the northwestern outskirts of Uitenhage for about 8 km to the office where you can register. It is wise to get Directions from the Office, as there are many walking routes.

Blindekloof: 16 km / 4 hours, an easy day’s walk. It starts from the office parking area, leads through Succulent Thicket and riverine forest and follows the Blindekloof Stream to Crystal Cavern Pool; certain trees are marked with tree numbers. Hikers return along the same route. Groups are limited to 12 for day excursions and 6 overnight.

Upper Blindekloof: 32 km / 2 days; group size 12; fairly strenuous. From the parking area it leads uphill for the first 16 km before it descends steeply to Blindekloof Stream. Follow the stream until one reaches the Paardekloof junction; climb steeply out of the kloof meeting the jeep track and down hill back to the parking area. This route involves many compulsory swims

Dam Trail: 34 km / 2 days; group size 12; very strenuous. Parking is at the quarry road on the road to Groendal Dam. One crosses the road and fords the Swartkops River and follows a fairly clear footpath. The route passes around the dam, although it is usually at least 1 km form the water’s edge. There are ideal campsites in the riverine forest along the Kwa-Zunga River and in Aquilakloof.

Emerald Pool: 32 km / 2 days; group size 6 every alternate weekend; strenuous. The route starts at the quarry along the road to the Groendal Dam, crosses the Swartkops River, and leads along an undulating and strenuous route to Eel Cave.

Toilets and showers at the Office Complex where the hikes start and end. No overnight facilities except caves and overhangs; or bring your own tent.

Permits for hiking and overnight camping; information; maps and brochures are available.