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Afternoon all

We're planning on taking a hike in the Zuurberg - the Doringnek Trail this weekend.

I was just wondering if anyone here has done it as it will be our first time...

Any feedback on experience would be nice.. any animals, whats it like etc?

Thanks!

Hi Sabi009,

I have done the hike on two occasions. It is where I proposed to my (now) wife

If memory serves me correctly, the original route was approximately 14km's, but was shortened to about 8km's as the original route traversed a farmers private land. The revised route is now solely within the Zuurberg area.

It is a wonderful hike, you descend fairly quickly from the start out point and meander downhill through the indigenous forest. On our last hike we saw quite a few Knysna Louries, so look out for them. There is a lovely pool at the bottom, where you can rest and refresh. After that, there is a fairly steep (but definately manageable) climb - this is the "new" part of the route, and after climbing out of the valley, you link up to the "original" route again. From here, we have seen hartebeest on both occasions.

This last bit of the route is mostly on the ridge of the mountain and allows lovely views back into the main area of the park and also towards PE, and this is where I proposed

I hope you enjoy the hike. Take lots of water, it does get quite hot there.

Pat

Just an update...

This was one of the most memorable hikes we took...

We started late and the trek down was wonderful enjoyed fresh air and mountain views.
then came the level part with lots of spider webs above and very bushy now and again over little streams.
Here we heard baboons barking. After we came to gat pool we missed he turn back and hiked 1hr in the wrong direction (oops!) The sign showing going up was b4 the pool and at the pool there was no sign, so we missed it...
called the park and found out what went wrong and what with dusk coming in the hike up was tough more so as we were pressing for time to come outa the mountains by dark.
Very very beautiful sunset in the mountain view we had. will see if i can upload a pic.

The very helpful rangers met us on top and drove us back to camp.

Apparently this had happened before to another group, also missing the sign.

A very thrilling experience and definitely recommended to all nature lovers!

we're waiting for opportunity to present itself to go back again, this time early in the morning and doing it again properly!

@Patto

Thanks so much for your reply! only seeing it now argh

sunset


all alone in the wilderness


trail