Fernkloof at Groendal Uitenhage (Kariega). Saturday 31st July 2021
Fernkloof is at Groendal Nature Reserve near to Uitenhage / Kariega. Approximately 60km from Greenacres in Port Elizabeth / Gqeberha. To get there you have to drive on some rough dirt roads. The entrance fee at present is R66 per person.
We have to sign the registers before entering the reserve and are issued a permit.
Toilets at the start of the trail and nothing at the picnic area nor on the trail.
Robert; Brenda; Ritva; Patricia; Faye; Rochelle; Ayanda; Lungi; Vuyo; Gillian J; Gillian K and Joshua; Sonja; Glynette; Jeanne; Bilue, Josef; Ruben; Liam; Aaron; Kholeka, Siwe; Sino and Snash; Neko; Zanele; Zoleka; Ally and myself.
There have been fairly recent rains which means that the stream which flows down the valley (Kloof) has water and this must be crossed multiple times. After a short walk across some stones we cross the bridge and are into a muddy trail. And then crossing the deepest section of the stream. Just above the ankles means that everyone has wet feet at the start of the walk. It does not bother anyone.
This trail is such that it is impossible to "Get Lost". The trail is not well marked and you need to be aware of what constitutes the trail markers. Beautiful Yellowwood trees and a stream lined with ferns makes this a good walk to do. On either side of the trail are tall cliffs preventing anyone from wandering too far off the pathways. At times it seems almost better to walk though the stream but ultimately the best option is the paths.
I keep the group together as we go upstream. At the turn around point some of the youngsters have a swim in the pool. We have our snack. It has taken us nearly 2 hours to get to the turn around point. We leave in small groups as people wish to go. Even the scholars are safe to return on their own. They know more or less the pathway. You cannot move too far off the trail as you are following the stream the whole way.
The return walk takes us about one and a half hours.
Peter Giddy's hiking and tours group..... To enjoy the outdoors and to discover and explore places you have never seen or experienced. Meet people and make new friends. I understand that not everyone is at the same level of fitness and ability. So I accommodate everyone by providing hikes to suite the individual. No one is left behind.
0027 (0) 82 55 03 714 Whatsup
peter.giddy@gmail.com
Addo Elephant Park Day Visit and Night drive.
- Kragga Kamma Wildlife Reserve
- Daniel Cheetah Project
- Pumba; Shamwari; Amakhala; Kariega -- Day trips Private Reserves.
- Three day tour of Mountain Zebra Park. Graaff Reinet, Nieu Bethesda and Addo.
- City Historical and Cultural Tours,
- Horse riding for both experienced and inexperienced riders
- Hikes and Walks around Port Elizabeth (2 hour Nature and Coastal walks)
- Garden Route Adventure Tours (Zip Lines; Segway in the Forest; Adventure Quad Biking; Bridge Walks; Bungy Jump; Knysna Elephant Park; Monkey Land and Birds of Eden; Big Cats Sanctuary; Oudtshoorn Cango Caves and Ostrich farms)
- Shore Excursions from Passengers ships
- Transfers. Airport; Hotel and Wildlife Reserve.
- Flowers of Namaqualand. Seven days of adventure and exploring places and sights you never even knew existed. History and natural beauty of the South West of South Africa
- Karoo to Garden Route. Six days of fun and activities. Prince Albert; Swartberg Pass; Die Hell; Oudtshoorn; Prince Alfred pass; Plett and Tsitsikamma.
Website -- petergiddyguidedtours.wordpress.com
Contact me on Whatsup.... 0027 82 550 3174
