Port Elizabeth -- Maitland Forest Hiking Trail. Things to do; Shore Excursions; Hikes and Walks; WIldlife Safari; Airport and Hotel Transfers

Port Elizabeth -- Things to do; Shore Excursions; Hikes and Walks; Wildlife Safaris; Airport and Hotel Transfers

Peter Giddy Guided Tours
Peter is able to conduct a variety of Tours and Safaris; Township and City; Walks and Trails; Safari and other Game Drives.
peter.giddy@gmail.com

September 2017
Maitland Forest Hiking Trails with the Wednesday and Thursday Hike Groups

Are you going to be in Port Elizabeth for a conference or for a few days and you would like to experience a bit of outdoors, meet local people and have a bit of mild exercise?

Join Peter and the group for a Two Hour easy walk in the forest or beaches that surround Port Elizabeth.
peter.giddy@gmail.com

 At the start of the hike we come across this herdsman and his cattle..... I simply love being a South African.

After a 30 minute hill climb we turn to the left  on the De Stades trail route.
This morning we meet at the Maitlands Forest near to the Maitlands River Mouth for a 2 & half hour walk.  The distance is about 8km. Mainly through forest and single trails. 

We start off with a half hour hill climb.  There is no pressure on anyone as we constantly regroup to ensure that no one is left behind.

At the top of the hill we take the De Stades trail on the left.
We continue through the forest with occasional views of the beaches and valleys until, after about an hour of walking we take a short break for a snack.

 The hike in the Maitlands Forest is mainly single track.

 Marge; Keiko and Di looing up to the trail ahead.

 We continually regroup to ensure that no one is put under pressure and that we remain together as a group.

Wonderful trails and bush on this hike.
The last bit of the hike requires a bit of fitness as there is an amount of hill climbing and trail walking through the forest.  Finally we emerge from the forest onto the trail road and down back to the cars. 

We have walked for 2 & half hours and, while no one is too tired, we have all had a good morning of exercise and enjoyed chatting and the social aspect of such a hiking trail.

 Emerging from the Forest Trails we stop for a moment before completing the final 200m to where we have parked the cars

Manny points out the many Wild Orchids that are to be found on this trail. This was identified as Imfenkawu.  Cyrtorchis Arcuata
Some of us will go for a coffee or snack at a local restaurant after the hike

On the walk today  --- 22 hikers. -- We all missing Robin and the hike began with a report back on his general health and condition.

Manny

Jimmy

David & Naomi

Ina and Magriet

Jenny S

Leslie

Jenny L

Di

Keiko

Marge

Ralph

Val

Paul

Peter

Martie

Errol and Mo

David

Keith

Peter  G

Not identified

Common Bush Cherry in flower in September 2017.  Maerua Cafra. 

A feature of hiking at this time of year is the wonderful array of flowers and colour that we enjoy.