Cape Dune molerat trail

The Cape dune molerat is a little fur-coated rodent of about 30cm long. Under ideal conditions, it can replace up to 500kg of soil in one month. Its habitat is sandy shorelines and river banks.

This trail is named after these busy little animals.





Cape Dune Molerat trail map



This is an easy trail of about 7 kilometers. The start of the trail is next to the Rondevlei Bird hide.



View from Rondevlei birdhide



It starts with a very steep climb, but it is well maintained and supported with wood. Remember to look towards the left and enjoy the view over the Rondevlei lake. At the top you will find the first of several benches where you can relax and take in the view. Try to identify the hundreds of birds taking sanctuary at the lake!



Rondevlei with a cloud of fog

As you head north, you will hear cattle and see olive plantations. Enjoy the lovely fynbos and take in the smell.

Funbos



Cobweb with water droplets in the early morning.

Mist creating a lovely mood

 You will also see the Wolweriver. You will soon find yourself next to the Swartvlei lake, almost completely obscured by tall reeds. Tread carefully as you hike the sandy path next to the lake. It is easy to disappear in a mole tunnel.

Tall reeds

The lake gets affected by the tides and during the high Springtide you will find yourself, well, in deep water! Best to take off the shoes.

Splish splash!

An old wooden pier is the perfect spot for a quick snack. Here you can enjoy the call of the African fisheagle and the view across the lake. The lake reaches a depth of nearly 17 meters at places. Lakenvlei lodge can be seen towards the right.

Swartvlei

Pier at Swartvlei



Reed reflection

The trail soon heads upwards again where you can take in the final glance of Swartvlei. You can enjoy hiking through the fynbos as you head back to the starting point.

Protea

Ericas

Remember to stop at the birdhide and identify a few of the birds.

Wilderness to Victoria Bay walk

The Wilderness to Victoria Bay hike is a short 2,3km hike (one-way) along an abandoned railway track.

You park at Leentjiesklip and start on the track towards the right. After passing through the first tunnel, you will find a big cave.

Start of hike

Follow the tracks..

Entering the first tunnel

The Kaaiman's Grotto used to be an upmarket restaurant and function venue owned and run by Fancourt. It had its first function in October 2002. It even hosted weddings and could only be reached by train. After a landslide in 2006 the train-track was badly damaged and the train no longer runs between Knysna and George.

Kaaiman's cave

Things..

Accommodation

Even Elsa is there

Easter

Shell art

True

Shells everywhere

Art

The venue was in the market in 2006 for over R2 million, but fail to secure a buyer.

A man called Clifford took residence of the cave and displays eccentric artwork. He offers accommodation for 12 people and takes in the homeless and backpackers, and even supply supper. They no longer have electricity, but still have water and ablution facilities.

The cave is 65 metres deep, 13m high and 12m wide. I have no idea how he manages to attach the extensive shell decorations hanging from the roof.

You continue over a rundown bridge, not for the faint hearted! It is badly rusted and I wonder how long it will be safe to hike over this bridge. Difficult to imagine how the Choo-choo train crossed the Kaaimansriver over this bridge.

Bridge over Kaaimans

Bridge

Kaaimans Cave from afar

Low tide

I tried to research how Kaaimans got its name. Some suggest it is a derived spelling from a type of Iguana that used to live in the river. Other say it is actually the Keerom river, which refer to turning around when the gorge was seen.

Vic Bay

Last little bridge

Viv bay!

You will see Victoria Bay, with her 13 permanent residents, before crossing over another small bridge. Here you have the choice of either eating at the restaurant or enjoying your own snacks while watching the surfers taking on the waves.

Pier

 

Kids can swim in the tidal pool, or you can fish off the pier. The pier was built by Bramwell Butler, a young bookkeeper from Oudtshoorn who had a lucky bet on a horse named Tiga, and won 125 000 pounds. He donated 10 000 pounds to built the pier and tidal pool.

There are several shrines for deceased loved ones at Land's end, and a place to secure locks to show love and adoration.  It is called "love locks", I suppose it copies the idea from the Pont des Arts bridge in Paris, where you secure the lock and throw the key in the river Seine. With the divorce rate in South Africa, I hope diving in Vic Bay is safe! 

Locks

We met several interesting people on the way, even two young gentlemen, guitar over the shoulder, on their way to Mozambique.

Very apt for Vitoria bay

Tribute to surfers

Interesting door

A great hike, and we were lucky to meet no bandits on our way. Seriously, do not attempt this walk on your own, safety in numbers!

Snake

Dassie

Tunnel ahead

Groenvlei to Goukamma

I did this hike in 2015 and really battled. It was my first hike after struggling with a lung ailment and I really felt sorry for myself! That day we started at the Goukamma side in rain, had terrible wind and ended the hike with sunshine and a few drinks at the Lakeside lodge.  I blogged about it here.

This time we started at the Mvuba gate near Groenvlei. This being a one-way hike we first had to organise transport and started later than usual.

 

Map at start of hike

Early view of  lake

Up,,and more up

View over Groenvlei

Gericke's point in the distance, to the left

 The hike starts with a upwards slope. You walk under tree cover and will soon see Groenvlei lake on your left. From here you turn right and start a steep climb. This leads you to a stunning view over Groenvlei with Gericke's point just visible as well.

You continue walking with Groenvlei on your left. Be warned, there are a few ascends and off course descends. Hard on the knees!

First view of the waves

You will soon hear the breaking of the waves and feel the cool sea-air. We hiked on a very hot day, making it a extremely tiring hike. We were covered in black sand and it felt as if we were never going to reach the beach!

After more than 2 hours we finally reached the beach and did our last climb before lunch down to the beach. It is a beautiful beach, secluded with loads of little bathing areas. Great place for refuelling body and soul.

Last descend before lunch

 

We continued to hike for a few kilometers on the beach before turning left again, inland and upwards. There is a lovely shaded picnic area with tables as soon as you turn left. The shaded walk is lovely in the heat. Soon you also have a choice to hike along the escarpment or continue in the shade. We kept to the shade!

Sharp turn to the left..uphill again!

There are a few shorter climbs again, all supported with wooden steps. The Goukamma river almost suddenly appears to one's left.

Goukamma river

 Here you can take a quick few photos before climbing up..and up again. You continue with the river to your left and eventually reach and connect with the alternative path. From here it is a short hike to the ferry and back to the cars.

Ferry..great for the arms!

Overall a lovely but tiresome hike, well maintained and offering great views. It is about 15km's long, with alternative options as well as collection points in case of emergencies.



Well marked hike