Starts at the Outeniqua Railway Museum. A one-hour trip on the Outeniqua Power Van to the top of the Montagu Pass.

Disembark the train and walk 9km to Herold Wines where you can have
lunch/wine-tasting.

After lunch you are transported back to the Outeniqua
Railway Museum by shuttlebus to collect your vehicle.

The trail ranges from 13km to 9km, through dense forested vegetation and numerous streams that one crosses on the trail. This unique forest trail offers one the opportunity to do some “Forest Bathing” which is the Japanese practice of relaxation which encompasses the simple method of being calm and quiet amongst the trees and observing nature while breathing deeply.

The vegetation includes Yellow trees, Saffron trees, Ironwood trees, amongst the many other species of forest vegetation. The birdlife is plentiful with birds such as the Knysna Turaco (Loerie), Narina Trogan, various species of thrushes and the Starred Robin, regularly seen on the trails. 

Enjoy a unique adventure on the tranquil Goukamma River and canoe on the river with experienced guides.

The birdlife and wildlife are amazing and being in a canoe, you get the opportunity to get close up to birds such as various species of Kingfishers, Cormorants, Sacred Ibis, Herons, Egyptian geese, yellow-billed ducks, weavers and even raptors such as Fish Eagles and Jackal Buzzards.

The Goukamma River is a tranquil winding river, and the canoeing is such a fun way to explore the river.

The Goukamma Canoe Trail provides double canoes, lifejackets and paddles as part of the day-package and after a fun couple of hours on the river, you are treated to a picnic basket and/or Sunday Lunch, depending on which package you select. All Goukamma Canoe Trails start at Blackwaters River Lodge near Buffelsbaai.

The reserve is 2000ha and is located a few kilometres from the Gouritz River Mouth. It has 5km of pristine coastline and a rich variety of indigenous fauna and flora.

The trail’s distance ranges from 7km to 11km and includes a section called “Oumansbaard” (Old Man’s Beard), one of the last remaining coastal forested areas of the southern Cape. The nature reserve also has an un-manned lighthouse, called the Ystervark (Porcupine) Lighthouse and tours of the lighthouse can be arranged on request.

The Gourikwa Private Nature Reserve has wonderful self-catering accommodation and weekend or mid-week walking experiences can be organised on request.

This is a 9km trail on the western side of the Garden Route Dam for those wanting a walk of about 2 hours and 30 minutes, through the forest and bushed area on the banks of the dam.

The birdlife is very active on this trail and the Knysna Turaco (Loerie) are common in the
forested areas.

The Goukamma Nature Reserve is 2500ha in size and includes a coastal section which is a Marine Protected Area and an inland section that has an extensive dune field with some of the highest vegetated dunes in South Africa.

The trail is 13km long and covers both inland and coastal sections of the reserve. The vegetation consists of coastal fynbos and coastal forest. The reserve is home to grysbok, bushbuck, bushpig, porcupine, vervet monkeys. Caracal (Rooikat), water and grey mongoose, the honey badger (ratel) and otters. More than 220 species of birds have been recorded at the reserve including the African spoonbill, African fish eagle, African marsh harrier, Knysna turaco, 3 species of kingfisher, the African black oystercatcher and occasionally the endangered African penguin.

Offshore bottlenecked and hump backed dolphins can sometimes be seen frolicking in the waves. Between July and December, the Southern right whale is found close to the shore.

If you would like to write a review of your recent Walking Experience with Wide Open Spaces, please click on the following links:

TripAdvisor: Write a Review

Facebook: Write a Review