Buffalo Bay Hiking Trail
The Buffalo Bay Residential Society decided that there was a need for activities other than that offered by the sea. Louis Kellerman, together with some local workers, voluntarily planned and cleared the route. Further maintenance was taken over by Ken Whiley. The start of the trail in indicated on both ends with a painted wooden signs reading "Buffelsbaai Staproete - Buffalo Bay Hiking Trail", painted by Louis' daughter, Nina.
The Buffalo Bay Hiking Trail starts across the road from the Wildside Backpacker's parking area and meanders through the dunes and fynbos and up a litle hill, to a small road in a camping area (Buffelskop Caravan Park).
Turn left up this road towards an antenna, about 500m from the start. When you reach the antennae keep left round the fence. From here the trail turns left and winds through the fynbos and thicket and past a bench. The trail takes you to the eastern side of Buffalo Bay high above the sea from were it winds back down to sea level and onto the beach about 600m from Buffalo Bay's main beach. From the start to here is about 2.2km. Walk along the beach towards Buffalo Bay and stop at the restaurant where you can enjoy something to eat or drink on the deck overlooking the sea. You can easily do the walk in a loop, making it 4.5km in total. From the main beach, walk through Buffalo Bay and onto the beach on the other side and back to the parking, another 1.6km.
Distance: 4.5km if done in a loop.
Difficulty: Easy.
Permits/costs: Open to all, dogs are welcome.
Route markers: None, but the trail well established.
Directions: From Knysna take the N2 towards George, about 11km out take the Buffalo Bay turnof to the left. Continue along this road for 7.7km to the parking on the right at the Baffalo Bay Backpackers. Park here, the walk starts across the road.
Coordinates: S34 04.969 E22 57.530
The Buffalo Bay Residential Society decided that there was a need for activities other than that offered by the sea. Louis Kellerman, together with some local workers, voluntarily planned and cleared the route. Further maintenance was taken over by Ken Whiley. The start of the trail in indicated on both ends with a painted wooden signs reading "Buffelsbaai Staproete - Buffalo Bay Hiking Trail", painted by Louis' daughter, Nina.
The Buffalo Bay Hiking Trail starts across the road from the Wildside Backpacker's parking area and meanders through the dunes and fynbos and up a litle hill, to a small road in a camping area (Buffelskop Caravan Park).
Turn left up this road towards an antenna, about 500m from the start. When you reach the antennae keep left round the fence. From here the trail turns left and winds through the fynbos and thicket and past a bench. The trail takes you to the eastern side of Buffalo Bay high above the sea from were it winds back down to sea level and onto the beach about 600m from Buffalo Bay's main beach. From the start to here is about 2.2km. Walk along the beach towards Buffalo Bay and stop at the restaurant where you can enjoy something to eat or drink on the deck overlooking the sea. You can easily do the walk in a loop, making it 4.5km in total. From the main beach, walk through Buffalo Bay and onto the beach on the other side and back to the parking, another 1.6km.
Distance: 4.5km if done in a loop.
Difficulty: Easy.
Permits/costs: Open to all, dogs are welcome.
Route markers: None, but the trail well established.
Directions: From Knysna take the N2 towards George, about 11km out take the Buffalo Bay turnof to the left. Continue along this road for 7.7km to the parking on the right at the Baffalo Bay Backpackers. Park here, the walk starts across the road.
Coordinates: S34 04.969 E22 57.530
Garden of Eden Short Walk
The Garden of Eden does not really qualify as a hiking trail but because it is situated next to the N2 it is a great place to stretch your legs or to take a drive there for a relaxing stroll.
The walk follows over 1km of wooden board walks and bridges across streams and is entirely wheelchair friendly and ideal for the elderly wanting to visit the forest. There is a number of wooden benches and tables along the trail to sit, snack, picnic or enjoy your 'padkos'. There is water and ablution facilities.
Distance: Two loops of about 500m (Red and Green) or one big loop of about 1km.
Difficulty: Very easy & wheel chair friendly.
Permits/ There is a small office at the entrance.
Contact Numbers: Garden of Eden Office - 044 532 7793
Office hours - 8:00-17:00
Directions: Next to the N2, about halfway between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.
Coordinates: S34 02.071 E23 11.907
There is water and ablution facilities. Great for a picnic, but no fires or braai facilities.
This is a great place for that rest and leg stretch if you're on the road.
The Garden of Eden does not really qualify as a hiking trail but because it is situated next to the N2 it is a great place to stretch your legs or to take a drive there for a relaxing stroll.
The walk follows over 1km of wooden board walks and bridges across streams and is entirely wheelchair friendly and ideal for the elderly wanting to visit the forest. There is a number of wooden benches and tables along the trail to sit, snack, picnic or enjoy your 'padkos'. There is water and ablution facilities.
Distance: Two loops of about 500m (Red and Green) or one big loop of about 1km.
Difficulty: Very easy & wheel chair friendly.
Permits/ There is a small office at the entrance.
Contact Numbers: Garden of Eden Office - 044 532 7793
Office hours - 8:00-17:00
Directions: Next to the N2, about halfway between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.
Coordinates: S34 02.071 E23 11.907
There is water and ablution facilities. Great for a picnic, but no fires or braai facilities.
This is a great place for that rest and leg stretch if you're on the road.