Garden Route National Park

A superb example of Wet Highforest, an unusual forest-type with many examples of tall stinkwood (Ocotea bullata), kalander (Podocarpus jalcaus), wit-els (Playlophus trifoliatus) and other tree species of the moister forest types. Short, circular walks traverse the area and an 800 meter trail for those in wheelchairs is route-marked. This site was first opened in 1926.

One of the most beautiful spots on the southern Cape coast. Kranshoek offers the visitor cliff-top views of the coast and a warm, sheltered picnic site. There is even a stream, with frogs, for the children to play in.

A 9 kilometer, circular walk which traverses coastal forest and some spectacular coastal scenery. The full walk is fairly tough and demands a descent and ascent of 200 meters. Good walking shoes are essential.

A shorter loop of approximately three kilometers can also be taken.

This two-day, 24 kilometer hike, starts and ends at the Harkerville Forest Station. It passes through some prime examples of high-forest, crosses sections of coastal fynbos and takes the hiker along some breathtaking natural scenery along a cliff-coast.

Bookings for the two huts, the Harkerville and the Sinclair, should be made with the Forestry Regional Office in Knysna. Telephone: +27 (0)44 382 5863

These routes offer some of the finest mountain-biking in South Africa. There are three route-marked tracks, colour coded Red (23 km), Green (15 km) and Blue (12 km). All three include sections of “off-road” riding along forest paths. The Red route includes some of the most dramatic scenery in the country.

A number of horse riding trails have been marked through the indigenous forest.

Basic budget accommodation is provided for youth groups. A kitchen area, an outdoor boma for braais, dormitory-type sleeping accommodation and ablution facilities with showers are available.

Reservations are through the SANParks Regional Office in Knysna.

A getaway in the tree-tops. The chalet is spacious, has two bedrooms with bathrooms en suite and is superbly appointed. It is the ideal place to enjoy the peace of the forest.

Reservations are through the SANParks Regional Office in Knysna.