For The Love Of Nature

🌿SAME SAME, BUT DIFFERENT🌿

There’s something magical about returning to a trail you’ve done before and discovering that it has completely rewritten itself.

Well… apparently Angie is on the bench for two weeks after nature decided to get a little too up close and personal with her. Something bit her, and thanks to the antibiotics, has been grounded. 😭🥾

So while she sat at home experiencing FOMO DELUXE, I went exploring! 😒😂

This past Saturday I joined Voetsac Hikers for an adventure into the Van Stadens Gorge.

We’ve featured the Van Stadens Flower reserve before, with its popular River and Forest Trails. But there’s another way to experience this spectacular landscape if you’re willing to go a little rogue and venture into the gorge itself.

And what a difference a few months of rain can make!

I last did this route in January, when the riverbeds were mostly dry, with little trickles of water and pools reduced to puddles.

Then came the floods in May, followed by more heavy rain in June.

🌊 The river was flowing.
💦 The pools were BIG.
💧 Waterfalls were everywhere.
🌿 And the gorge had been completely transformed.

Of course, all that water came with a price. Washed-up debris, damaged paths and altered river crossings added another layer of adventure.

The route follows the Forest Trail until just before the vantage point, where you head left into the bush and make your way down towards the old Jeffrey’s Bay road. From the bridge, the real adventure begins as you descend into the gorge.

And this is where things get technical.

Expect multiple water crossings, plenty of rock hopping and slow-going terrain where you need to watch every step.

📍 Van Stadens Gorge
🥾 Approximately 8 km
⛰️ Around 250 m elevation gain
⏱️ Approximately 5 hours
💦 Multiple water crossings
⚠️ Technical and slow-going in places

But that’s the wonderful thing about hiking.

Same trail. Same landscape. Completely different experience.

Nature doesn’t stand still. Every flood, every rainfall and every season leaves its mark.

And sometimes the trail you thought you knew has a whole new story to tell. 🌿💚

🤠🪨 𝐘𝐄𝐄𝐇𝐀𝐖! 𝐖𝐄 𝐇𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐀 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐑! 🪨🤠

The votes have been counted, the names debated, the jury has deliberated... and after receiving a whole herd of radical name suggestions, René from Escape to Nature has spoken!

📢 THE ROCK SHALL BE KNOWN AS... 𝐑𝐎𝐃𝐄𝐎 𝐑𝐎𝐂𝐊! 🤠

Congratulations to Kleyngeld!!! 🎉

Your name has officially been chosen, and you have earned yourself more than just bragging rights...

🥾 A guided hike of the Elandsrivier Trail
🪧 Your very own Rodeo Rock name sign
📍 And the honour of having your winning name permanently marked on the trail!

We'll be in touch to arrange a date and time for your adventure and the official unveiling of Rodeo Rock.

To everyone who entered, thank you! ❤️

We had some seriously creative suggestions, and choosing just one was no easy ride. But René has spoken, the gavel has fallen, and the horse has bolted...

Rodeo Rock it is! 🤠

Now the question is...

Who will be brave enough to saddle up and hike to it? 🐎🥾🌿

🐇⛰️ 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥, 𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝𝐬: 𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐤𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐟 𝐯𝐢𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐚𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐚𝐫⁣

Some trails are beautiful. Some trails are memorable. And then there is Fernkloof at Groendal Nature Reserve.

Fernkloof ranks among our all-time favourite hikes, and every time we walk into that ravine, it feels like we have vanished down the rabbit hole and landed somewhere in Wonderland. 🌿✨

You follow a dry riverbed through a spectacular ravine where wild fig trees twist and curl their roots and branches into the most incredible shapes. Moss carpets the rocks, ferns spill into the crevices and the water is crystal clear. 🍃💧

And then there are the inhabitants of Wonderland...

Mushrooms I have never seen before 🍄, enormous millipedes that immediately had me thinking of Absolem the caterpillar 🐛, and the enchanting Enon conglomerate canyons that make you feel very small indeed.

Right at the end is the pièce de résistance: a little cove with a hole in the rock where a waterfall trickles down into a crystal-clear pool. 💦

This place is a complete rabbit-hole oasis. A place where you can tumble in, leave the world and its worries behind, and simply exist in nature for a while.

But yesterday brought a new adventure.

Fernkloof has traditionally been an out-and-back hike, but we discovered a circular option via Maanhaar Trail thanks to Voetsac Hikers. And I was there like a bear! 🐻😂

We started along Waterkloof Trail before splitting onto Maanhaar, where the climbing begins almost immediately. The ascent is pretty tough, with loose pebbles underfoot and sections of overgrown vegetation. It is definitely a leg workout!

But conquer that climb and Wonderland suddenly opens up into something completely different. ⛰️🌿

Spectacular mountain views stretch across the reserve, and Lawrence Weitz from Voetsac gave us some perspective on where the various trails are situated within Groendal. And just when you think the scenery can't possibly get better, the fynbos decides to show off.

The vygies were putting on an absolute floral spectacular! 🌸

One warning though: wear long pants if you tackle the Maanhaar section. The vegetation scratched my legs badly yesterday, so my legs are currently displaying a rather impressive collection of souvenirs. 😂

What I loved most about the circular route is that you don't simply retrace your footsteps. You experience a completely different side of Groendal, from the mysterious ravine of Fernkloof to the spectacular mountain landscapes of Maanhaar.

It was also particularly special because this was my first time returning to Fernkloof since the devastating floods earlier this year.

The beginning of both Waterkloof and Fernkloof still bears the scars. Flood debris remains scattered along the route, ancient trees have been uprooted and enormous boulders have been displaced.

Yet somehow, this incredible trail has endured.

Nature has taken a beating, but Fernkloof is still standing. 🌿❤️

And perhaps that's another reason I love this place.

Fernkloof isn't just a hike. It's an escape. A little pocket of Wonderland hidden in Groendal Nature Reserve.

If you're looking for hiking trails near Gqeberha, Eastern Cape hiking adventures, mountain trails, waterfalls, fynbos and something completely different, put Fernkloof on your list.

Just be prepared to fall down the rabbit hole. 🐇🥾🌿

For the Love of Nature ❤️

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The last hikes of winter, and there are some great choices for you. Drop a comment with where you plan on hiking.

PLEASE FOLLOW THE LINKS TO THE CLUBS FACEBOOK PAGE OR WHATSAPP GROUP FOR MORE DETAILED INFO.

*FRIDAY 29 AUGUST 2026*

EASY/ EASY+:

Club: Let’s Go Hiking
Trail: Sardinia Bay
https://chat.whatsapp.com/IL8zMQsmw2WJErVVq2fw9Q?s=cl&p=a&mlu=4
Description: “… watch the sunset over Sardinia Bay and continue our hike beneath the glow of the full moon.”
Distance: 8km
Cost: R30

*SATURDAY 30 AUGUST 2026*

EASY/ EASY+:

Club: Let’s Go Hiking
Trail: Sacramento Trail
https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hroy9Z5afPMLi8w8nNlFdd?s=cl&p=a&mlu=4
Description: “Join us this Saturday for a beautiful 8km adventure along the scenic Sacramento Trail!”
Distance: 8km
Cost: R30

MODERATE:

Club: Start Hiking Gqeberha
Trail: Van Stadens Gorge to the Forts.
https://chat.whatsapp.com/DKGeMAJDjwY6cvGp4k1fNN?s=sw&p=a&mlu=4
Description: A moderately challenging trail that will require some technical skills, but you will be rewarded with an amazing waterfall and the history of the Boer forts!
Distance: 17km
Cost: R70

Club: Voetsac
Trail: Maanhare to Fernkloof (Groendal)
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/12Jwaufqfq5/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Description: “Start at Rooikrans picnic area. Go through the river into Waterkloof. Turn left then immediately up a steep hill onto the ridge. Walk up and down the ridge and then down into Fernkloof. Walk out of Fernkloof and back through the river.”
Distance: 14Km
Cost: R70 for members & R100 for non members.

Club: Voetsac
Trail: Springs (Uitenhage)
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/12Jwaufqfq5/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Description: “The start of the hike may be a little overgrown then up a little hill and follow a
good path to the lookout tower. Some beautiful views. Then make your way back to the cars.”
Distance: 12Km
Cost: R10 for members & R30 for non members.

Club: Let’s Go Hiking
Trail: Bergrivier
https://chat.whatsapp.com/Fr0VzEpyFHmAt60Y0jIn81?s=cl&p=a&mlu=4
Description: “Enjoy scenic trails, fresh mountain air and a relaxing stop at a stunning waterfall.”
Distance: 8km
Cost: R110

*SUNDAY 31 AUGUST 2026*

EASY/ EASY+:

Club: Trail Trekkers
Trail: Baakens Valley
https://www.facebook.com/share/1AK86yWFDs/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Description: “… through fynbos, down into the valley and a short climb back up.”
Distance: 8km
Cost: R30 for adults and R20 for children under 12

**Note that all hike ratings and descriptions are - as far as possible - as per the individual club and not necessarily our rating or description. Please choose your hike carefully according to your experience and fitness. If in doubt ask the hike leader ahead of time.**

GIVE THIS “LANDMARK” A NAME! 🪨

On Saturday's hike at Escape To Nature, we came across this rather peculiar-looking rock... and, naturally, the naming committee immediately went into overdrive! 😂

So far, suggestions have included "Little Ladyslipper" and "Rodeo Rock"... but we think this unusual landmark deserves an official name!

And that's where YOU come in! 👇

💡 Give this rock your best name in the comments!

The person who comes up with the winning name will get the opportunity to do something pretty special...

🥾 We have convinced Rene to let you officially name the landmark and, if you are in the area and able to, join us on a personal hike on this fantastic new trail, and help put up an official For The Love Of Nature landmark name board!

Yes... your name could become part of the trail! 😄

🗓️ Competition closes: Sunday, 6 September 2026

🏆 Rene will have the final say, and her decision is final!

So get those creative brains rolling, hiking boots thinking and funny bones working...

👇 WHAT WOULD YOU CALL THIS ROCK?

𝐖𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝-𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐇𝐢𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥... 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐖𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭!⁣

Full Circle moment for us 🥾🌿

There is something incredibly special about being there at the beginning of a new hiking trail.

About a year ago, René moved to the Rocklands area along the beautiful Elandsrivier Road. Until then, the only trail we really knew in this spectacular neck of the woods was the Sandriver Trail, a wonderful summer adventure involving swimming through around eight pools.

Knowing how untouched and beautiful the Elandsrivier area is, we started reaching out to farms and accommodation establishments to see whether there were hiking opportunities we could add to our catalogue of Eastern Cape hiking trails.

That's when René from Escape to Nature replied. 🌿

Mario, Charl and Rob went out to explore and canvas the farm, and from there, something rather wonderful started taking shape. There are now two hiking trails at Escape to Nature near Elandsrivier, Rocklands.

Rob Witte, one of the true gurus of our local hiking world, was recruited for the project. Retired perhaps, but definitely not retired from adventure! Rob has an incredible wealth of hiking knowledge and was involved in establishing the trails at 3Rivers Trails in the Crossways area. He spent a week plotting routes, cutting trail and helping turn an idea into something hikers can now experience.

So when we joined Start Hiking Gqeberha on Saturday to hike the new trails, it felt like a proper full-circle moment. ❤️🥾

As hikers, we are always searching for new places to explore. Even the most beautiful trail eventually becomes familiar after you've walked it through every season. There is a particular excitement in setting foot somewhere new, especially somewhere as wild and untouched as this.

🔴 The Red Trail

Approximately 10 km, depending on whether you continue to the viewpoint, this is a moderate and technical hiking trail.

The route starts with a steep ascent up a small mountain. This section is still wonderfully raw and will become more established as hikers use the trail. It then links up with a 4x4 track and plateaus out into what is possibly one of the biggest and most spectacular protea fields in the Eastern Cape that we have ever seen. 🌸

Head right and the trail takes you towards a viewpoint overlooking the magnificent Longmore Forest and down into the Elandsrivier Valley (still to be marked). The views along the way are spectacular, and right now the King Proteas are coming into bloom.

Head left and you descend into an entirely different world.

A lush, moss-covered forest oasis. A cascading, trickling stream. Keep your eyes peeled for flowering tree orchids. 🌿💧

As you emerge from the gorge, you step onto a piece of history: the original Elandsrivier Road, used from 1879 to 1972. For me, that little thread connecting hiking, nature and history makes this trail even more special.

🔵 The Blue Trail

The Blue Trail is shorter and easier, making it a great option for hikers looking for a less technical adventure while still experiencing this beautiful part of the Eastern Cape.

The trails are currently still new and rough in places, and will naturally become more established through use. They are, however, very well marked.

And if one day of exploring isn't enough, Escape to Nature offers accommodation on the farm, giving hikers the perfect excuse to turn a hike into a proper weekend nature escape.

From asking, "Are there any hiking trails out here?" to helping create two new routes for hikers to enjoy... Saturday really did feel like a full-circle moment.

Welcome to another little piece of hiking paradise near Gqeberha, Elandsrivier, Rocklands and the Longmore Forest. 🥾🌿

If this tickles your fancy please contact Rene directly to book on: 064 107 6492 email: [email protected]. Rene might even join and guide you on the trail.

Cost: R70pp (At time of posting)

Ablution facilities available.

Who is ready to come and explore?