Park
Woody Cape Nature Reserve
4 locals recommend
Tips from locals
Riana
April 29, 2022
ADDO’S WOODY CAPE, ROUTE 72 Route 72 on the Sunshine Coast is best-known for beach houses, speedboats and glorious beaches. A turn in at Alexandria will lead you to the spectacular Woody Cape section of the Addo National Park. The Addo dune field (or dune sea) is the largest and least degraded coastal dune field in the Southern Hemisphere, imparting a rare sense of infinity and natural solitude with views overlooking Algoa Bay and Bird Island. This is a pristine section of the province and you’ll feel like you’re discovering a true hidden gem! Hiking Trails Start: Woody Cape, Alexandria State Forest Finish: mouth of the Great Fish River Duration: 80 km, 5 days Fitness: moderate to difficult Our tip: highlights include wild and deserted beaches, the largest shifting dune fields in the southern hemisphere, shipwrecks, and the Diaz Cross This slackpacker, fully catered for, trail is a must for those who want the gruel and grind of a real beach hike, but still want to sleep in luxury at night. The entire trail wends its way along the beaches of the Wild Coast, via Cannon Rocks, the Diaz Cross, Kenton-on-Sea and on to the Great Fish River mouth. DAY ONE: WOODY CAPE TO CANNON ROCKS The initial leg of the trail takes you passed many shipwrecks, through the huge shifting dune field to the Springs, a natural artesian flow of water right on the beach, where you will break for lunch. Your destination is Cannon Rocks. DAY TWO: CANNON ROCKS TO BUSHMAN'S RIVER MOUTH The day starts with a walk to Boknes, and a swim in the sheltered lagoon, followed by two hours' on the beach to Diaz Cross - placed where Bartholomew Diaz, the Portuguese explorer who discovered the Cape of Good Hope way back in 1488, erected a Padroa. The next part of the hike from here to Bushman's River, Africa's longest tidal river, is littered with wrecks and beautiful bays. The evening includes a sundowner cruise. DAY THREE: BUSHMAN'S RIVER TO KOWIE RIVER Kenton-on-sea lies between the Bushman's and Kariega rivers; the scenery is beautiful. Cross the Kariega by boat and head up to the Kasouga River mouth. From here pass the famous wreck of Cape St Blaze before lunching at Ship rock. The day is fairly taxing but includes Rihkhals Rocks, Kowie point, Bretton Beach, and Kelly's Beach highlights. The evening includes another sundowner cruise along the Kowie River, past the fishing village of Port Alfred and through unspoilt Euphorbia forest. DAY FOUR: PORT ALFRED TO KLEINEMONDE Head to the Riet River via Fountain Rocks, Oyster Rock and the Rufanes River, enjoying a swim and the time to pick mussels at Three Sisters for your evening meal (depending on the tide). Lunch at the second sister overlooking Sharks Gully and the blowhole. The evening at Kleinemonde includes a sundowner cruise up the river. DAY FIVE: KLEINEMONDE TO FISH RIVER MOUTH Breakfast in the Great Fish Point Lighthouse, passing Clayton Rocks en route. This, the last day, has some of the best scenery. Walk via Little Fish Point, the Palmiet river and Rocky Point, reaching the Great Fish River mouth in time for lunch. The afternoon includes a paddle up the Kap River. NEED TO KNOW WHERE Woody Cape, Alexandria State Forest, Eastern Cape WHEN Bookings are essential. HOW MUCH Prices on request. TELEPHONE Sunshine Coast hiking trails.
ADDO’S WOODY CAPE, ROUTE 72 Route 72 on the Sunshine Coast is best-known for beach houses, speedboats and glorious beaches. A turn in at Alexandria will lead you to the spectacular Woody Cape section of the Addo National Park. The Addo dune field (or dune sea) is the largest and least degraded coa…
Starboard
November 23, 2021
HIKING TRAIL: The Woody Cape Nature Reserve is a 25,000 hectare conservation area in Eastern Cape, South Africa. Mammals such as bushpig, bushbuck, Cape Grysbok, steenbok, common duiker, Vervet monkey, and large and small grey mongoose are represented in the reserve. 33km from Kenton-on-Sea Contact number: +27 86 111 4646
Walicia
November 13, 2021
HIKING TRAIL: The Woody Cape Nature Reserve is a 25,000 hectare conservation area in Eastern Cape, South Africa. Mammals such as Bush Pig, bushbuck, Cape Grysbok, steenbok, common duiker, Vervet monkey, and large and small grey mongoose are represented in the reserve. 33km from Kenton-on-Sea Contact number: +27 86 111 4646
Location
Port Alfred, EC