Peter Giddy Guided Tours. Hikes and Walks around Port Elizabeth. June 2018

Peter Giddy Guided Tours.  Hikes and Walks around Port Elizabeth.  June 2018

The handsome and regal Sable Antelope are the signature of this reserve.

One of the special activities we offer is to join the group of Local South African men and women for a 2-3 hour walking trail.
We have beach walks and Forest trails most Wednesdays and Thursdays.  The average distance is 8km and time is about 2-3 hours.

Tourists from all over the world have joined me on these trails.  
To be part of this special experience and for something different from "Touristic Activities" contact Peter --- peter.giddy@gmail.com

Start of the nature reserve hiking trail. 

 Paul shows us the map of the area and the trail we will be taking

 Soft sand (Almost like sand dunes) and forest is the trail for the first half of this mornings walk.

A beautiful warming sun lights up our pathway.
June 2018 we walk a nature reserve on the West side of Port Elizabeth where we see a variety of Antelope including Impala; Springbok; Blesbok / Bontebok; Eland and Sable.   We also see Giraffe;  small herd of Golden Wildebeest and a couple of Zebra as we walk.

After we have registered we drive through the estate to an area designated for hiking.  Robin is our hike leader and he confirms that we are 28 strong this morning. (17 men and 11 women).
We start our walk at 8.30am with a gentle descent to the signboard which indicates the various trails. We will be taking the Wild Owl Trail. 

Once Paul and Robin have confirmed our route we set off.  I tend to remain at the back of the group to assist anyone and to ensure we remain together.
The path is a series of up and down short hills of soft sand as we head eastwards towards the Indian Ocean on the west side of Algoa Bay.  In the distance we can see the outline of Jeffreys Bay.  We are really fortunate today; while it is not too warm, the skies are clear and it is a perfect day for a walk in the forest.

 Russell and Lynne enjoying the warmth of the morning sun

 There are as many downhill sections as there are uphills.

 We stop for a snack break.  Here the men discuss important stuff.

 Relaxing with a fruit or sandwich before continuing on the trail which is quite a bit of uphill to the end.

Robin stops regularly to ensure that we regroup and stay together
The trail is mainly under the natural canopy of Coastal Bush.  We also have periods where we are in the open under the brilliance of the African Sun.

After about 90 minutes of walking Robin calls a stop for a break and snack.  Some of us have a fruit such as an Orange, Apple or Banana.  It is essential to have sufficient water on a walk such as this one.  I always carry two 500ml bottles of water and generally finish both of them.

After our break we continue on a homeward bound direction.  Still a number of ups and downs.  Vivienne struggles on the long uphill towards the end where the cars are parked but she has support and there is no rush nor any prize for first place.
Robin walks back to make sure we are all okay and we walk on slowly to complete the trail.

Vivienne and Robin

 Paul and Gustaf at the end of the trail

Unique and beautiful Golden Wildebeest.
We have walked a total of 2.5 hours and had a great outing with wildlife and exercise.   


For more information and how to be part of this wonderful activity of Hiking and walking trails of Port Elizabeth -- Contact Peter  -- I collect you from your hotel and introduce you to the group.  This can be combined with other activities such as a visit to a Wildlife Reserve or a Tour of the City.  
peter.giddy@gmail.com