St Blaize: Mossel Bay to Dana Bay

On 3 February 1488, Bartolomeu Dias sailed into Mossel Bay and found fresh water. He called it Bahia (Aguada) de Sao Bras (“the watering place of St Blaize). St Blaize is the patron saint of those who suffer from throat disorders and 3 February was his holy day.

St Blaize cave and lighthouse, Mossel Bay

The St Blaize trail offers a 13,5 km hike between Mossel Bay and Dana Bay.

I was one of a group of learners of Point High school who hiked, measured and marked the trail  n 1987 under the watchful eyes of Mr Theo Oosthuizen and Mr Stevens. What a pleasure to be able to hike it again so many years later with my daughter of 14!

The trail can be started in either Dana Bay or Mossel Bay. Other hikers mentioned their cars being damaged while left in Dana Bay,  so I suggest leaving vehicles in Mossel Bay.

If starting in Mossel Bay, the hike starts with a short but steep climb from below the cave. Evidence was found in the cave from earlier hunter-gatherers.

Several dassies will come and greet you! The other name is rock hyrax (Procavia capensis) and their closest relative is..the elephant! Their urine forms a crust and people use to take this and make tea from it to cure ailments like bladder infection and also to help falling pregnant.

The rest of the hike is easy to follow, just look for the painted little oystercatcher . It offers unspoilt views of waves crashing against rocks and caves. There are a number of benches on the way where you can sit, relax and enjoy the view. The hike traverse through the Pinnacle Point residential area, but you only need to sign in with the friendly security guard on duty.

The cliffs are about 30m above  sea. The trail is quite exposed, so take enough water and the right type of clothing. The scenery is truly amazing. Watch out for whales and dolphins. Bushbuck are still roaming there as well.

I believe the best time to do this hike is in spring when you can see whales and the fynbos will be in bloom. Kooigoed (helichrysum odoratissimum) is fynbos that can be found on this hike. It is a shrub with silver leaves and bright yellow flowers in spring. The leaves are very aeromatic and was used as bedding as it also keeps insects away.

Caves can be seen with evidence of life 160 000 years ago. You need to book a private tour for this though.More details can be found here.

It is an easy hike suitable for all ages.

Dassie, lizard, kooigoed and vygie

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