For The Love Of Nature

𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦? 🍄

🍄 Foraging for Mushrooms: My First Wild Mushroom Foraging Adventure! 🍄

This weekend I joined my very first mushroom foraging experience, hosted by Duncan from Fungus Among Us. When I told friends about my weekend plans about mushroom foraging they were a little suspect... and probably expect I am going to go on some psychedelic trip... because I saw alot of these 🤔 reactions but if you are guided by a knowledgeable person then you dont need to over think it... it is pretty much like picking strawberries but way more exciting. ☺️

Duncan is incredibly knowledgeable, passionate, and has an infectious enthusiasm for all things fungi.

⚠️If you want to blend in with an experienced group of foragers, you'll need a few essentials: gumboots , a wicker basket (which helps spread spores as you walk), a makeup mirror for inspecting mushrooms in tricky places, a brush, a pocket knife, and plenty of enthusiasm!

Before we headed into the forest, Duncan gave us a fascinating introduction to the world of wild mushrooms, fungi, and mycology.

🍄 We learned that mushrooms are actually more closely related to animals than plants. Unlike plants, fungi don't photosynthesise. Instead, they absorb nutrients from their surroundings similar to what they portrayedin the movie Avatar.
🍄Their cell walls contain chitin, the same material found in insect exoskeletons, and they form vast underground mycelium networks that play a vital role in forest ecosystems.
🍄We also learned about the two major ecological roles of fungi.
🍄🍄Saprotrophic mushrooms are nature's recyclers, breaking down dead organic matter and returning nutrients to the soil.
🍄🍄Mycorrhizal fungi form partnerships with plant roots, helping trees absorb water and nutrients while receiving sugars in return. It's a remarkable example of nature working together.

Out in the field we learned the basics of mushroom identification and sustainable mushroom harvesting. Duncan showed us how to tap mushrooms to release spores before collecting them, and when it is best to cut versus gently twist them from the ground.

One lesson was repeated throughout the morning: if you're not 100% certain of an identification, don't eat it. Many edible mushrooms have poisonous lookalikes, making accurate identification absolutely essential. We also learned to identify the different parts of a mushroom, including the cap, gills, stem, ring (or skirt), and volva.

After the forage, Duncan prepared some of the mushrooms we had found, giving us the opportunity to enjoy the rewards of our morning in the forest.

What an incredibly informative morning spent in nature, learning about the fascinating world of fungi, wild mushroom foraging, and the hidden mycelium network beneath our feet. 🍄🌿

Have you ever been mushroom foraging? Keep your eyes peeled on social media under Fungus Among Us for the next event. It is not to be missed.

𝐌𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 ⁣🤍🕊

Throwback Thursday: Miracles, Mystery & Hidden History at St Mary's Cathedral ⛪

As we continue sharing discoveries from our Route 67 Heritage Walk through Central, one stop that left a lasting impression was the beautiful St Mary's Cathedral. While many visitors know it for its magnificent stained-glass window, one of which dates back to medieval times, the cathedral also has a fascinating history filled with stories that many locals have never heard. ✨

In 1895, a devastating fire swept through the church, destroying much of the building and leaving only the stone walls standing. Yet amid the destruction, two remarkable objects survived. The first was the wooden cross that crowned the steeple. Despite the intense blaze, the cross endured and was preserved as a symbol of faith and hope. The second was the cathedral's eagle lectern. Although the heat was so intense that its base melted, the eagle itself survived, earning its place in local cathedral lore as another extraordinary survivor of the fire. The church was subsequently rebuilt, incorporating the surviving walls into the magnificent cathedral we see today.

Another hidden piece of history lies beneath the red carpet in the chancel area near the altar. Beneath your feet rest three former bishops of the diocese. For centuries it was common practice for bishops, archbishops, and other senior clergy to be buried within churches or cathedrals, often close to the altar as a mark of honour and their lifelong service to the church. Today this practice is far less common due to modern regulations, changing traditions, and practical considerations. Most bishops are now buried in designated cemeteries, cathedral grounds, or memorial gardens rather than within the church itself.

It's incredible to think that beneath the stone, stained glass, and soaring arches are layers upon layers of stories: of tragedy and rebuilding, of faith and resilience, and of people whose lives helped shape the history of our city.

Gqeberha's historic heart truly is a treasure chest. Sometimes all it takes is a guided walk and a curious mind to unlock it. 🔑❤️

**UPDATED!**
Certain hikes have been cancelled to the heavy rains. Please see below for details.

It might be raining, but that just means muddy shoes! As always we make choosing easy by having all the local club hikes in one place for you.

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

*THE FOLLOWING HIKES WILL HAPPEN ON SATURDAY 06 JUNE 2026*

EASY/ EASY+:

Club: Voetsac Hikers
Trail: Upper Guinea Fowl
https://chat.whatsapp.com/ISMsb6AK9ncIgSCd2ArEZe
Description: “The GUINEA-FOWL TRAIL which follows the Baakens Valley begins at Hawthorne Avenue, Sunridge Park. From the park go behind the houses and into the valley a path crosses the river a few times and is a flat walk under cover. Walk up a hill to a vantage point for tea then a little up and down following the upper ridge that leads back into the valley”
Distance: 8Km
Cost: R10 for members & R30 for non members.

Club: Let's go hiking Port Elizabeth
Trail: Blue Horizon Bay to Van Stadens
https://chat.whatsapp.com/GY7seexaokrLk1mHtcgVse
Description: A beach walk with some great coastal scenery.
Distance: 7km
Cost: R30

MODERATE:

Club: Start Hiking Gqeberha
Trail: CANCELLED
https://chat.whatsapp.com/FKl3c3aO3ZM6RsOopuTGqA?s=sw&p=a&mlu=4
Description: A combination of two trails at the 3Rivers trails.
Distance: 15km
Cost: R50

Club: Voetsac
Trail: CANCELLED
https://chat.whatsapp.com/L5GDeDNugi91o0nocKXCgT
Description: “Start at lower Blindekloof, and up Narina Ridge then down 10 stop hill into
Bushpig walk.Then Bushpig trail to lower Blindekloof and back to the cars.”
Distance: 10Km
Cost: R70 for members & R100 for non members.

Club: Let’s Go Hiking
Trail: Blue Horizon Bay to Maitlands
https://chat.whatsapp.com/IejILKfphW70mxYtfyDnkZ
Description: A beach walk from BHB to Van Stadens and on to Maitlands and back.
Distance: 15km
Cost: R30

*THE FOLLOWING HIKES WILL HAPPEN ON SUNDAY 07 JUNE 2026*

EASY/ EASY+:

Club: Trail Trekkers Hiking Tribe
Trail: Blue Horizon Bay
https://www.facebook.com/share/1AK86yWFDs/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Description: Blue Horizon Bay to Van Stadens and back. A little tar, jeep track and beach.
Distance: 8km
Cost: R30 for adults and R20 for children under 12

Club: Active Us - Wellness Coaching
Trail: Sacramento Trail
https://www.facebook.com/share/18jWw3zxoi/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Description: A coastal walk filled with history
Distance: 8km
Cost: R30 (includes an electrolyte drink)

MODERATE:

Club: Let’s Go Hiking
Trail: Oldenburgia (Grahamstown)
https://chat.whatsapp.com/HzbyOWfi03b5YZWOTnr92s
Description: A challenging trail with some amazing vistas and one of the only places on earth to see the Oldenburgia tree. If you are lucky you will see huge king proteas in bloom as well.
Distance: 14km
Cost: R30

Club: Plett Hiking and Social
Trail: Jeep Track
https://chat.whatsapp.com/DcWijaUWOy5Hqagc7a9jrD
Description: Located just outside Plett with details to be provided on the WhatsApp group.
Distance: 15km
Cost: Unknown

**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.**

☀️ 𝐈𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫?

Today we had the privilege of leading the local Hellenic Hikers on the iconic Sacramento Trail, and what a day to showcase one of Gqeberha's most spectacular coastal hikes!

The city was showing off in style, with crystal-clear skies, warm winter sunshine, and endless ocean views stretching along the rugged Eastern Cape coastline. Days like these make it easy to believe that this is where summer spends the winter. 🌊🥾

The Sacramento Trail is more than just a scenic walk. The route takes its name from the Portuguese ship Sacramento, which was wrecked along this coastline in 1647. Today, hikers follow a trail rich in both natural beauty and maritime history, where every turn offers another breathtaking view of the Indian Ocean.

It was wonderful sharing this local treasure with the Hellenic Hikers, enjoying great company, fascinating conversations, and the kind of weather that makes you grateful to call Gqeberha home.

If you're looking for one of the best hiking trails in Gqeberha, the Sacramento Trail continues to deliver unforgettable views, rich history, and a healthy dose of coastal magic.

📍 Sacramento Trail, Gqeberha🥾 Guided Hike with Hellenic Hikers🌊 Spectacular Coastal Views☀️ Eastern Cape Winter Sunshine

The weather looks good and we’ve got hikes all the way down the garden route for you!
As always we try make it easier for you by having all the local club hikes in one place for you to choose from.

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

*THE FOLLOWING HIKES WILL HAPPEN ON SATURDAY 30 MAY 2026*

EASY/ EASY+:

Club: Voetsac Hikers
Trail: Kini Bay
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/12Jwaufqfq5/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Description: “Walk on a path alongside the beach, along a grassy or sometimes scrubby
area from the path one can access rocky pools . This is a very pleasant walk with good sea views. Have tea before the fisherman's hut and walk back to the cars.”
Distance: 12Km
Cost: R10 for members & R30 for non members.

Club: Voetsac
Trail: Maitlands Beach
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/12Jwaufqfq5/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Description: “Walk along the beach on sand to Van Stadens Resort and Back.”
Distance: 14Km
Cost: R10 for members & R30 for non members.

Club: Let's go hiking Port Elizabeth
Trail: Lower Guinea Fowl
https://chat.whatsapp.com/EWcsX2Rnxw36a8892XNOPZ
Description: A scenic hike through the Baakens Valley right in the heart of GQ!
Distance: 8km
Cost: R40 (includes R10 donation to Fattracks)

Club: Plett Hiking and Social
Trail: Salt River Trail
https://chat.whatsapp.com/Cn85K1u65HLLFUJ7FC5o1L
Description: A circular route that combines lush indigenous Afromontane forest, steep coastal cliffs, and a secluded pebble beach.
Distance: 4,5km
Cost: Unknown

MODERATE:

Club: Let’s Go Hiking
Trail: Cairn Loop (3Rivers)
https://chat.whatsapp.com/BToPgOnsXfd9U7pfataRbp
Description: A scenic hike at this amazing venue with a steep climb or two - but you will be rewarded with beautiful views.
Distance: 15km
Cost: R100

Club: Plett Hiking And Social
Trail: Rugpad Hike
https://chat.whatsapp.com/DmC7lZOikWB6DD2UE2t3N0
Description: A circular hike that winds through the indigenous forests of the De Vasselot section of Garden Route National Park.
Distance: 13km
Cost: Unknown

*THE FOLLOWING HIKES WILL HAPPEN ON SUNDAY 31 MAY 2026*

EASY/ EASY+:

Club: Trail Trekkers Hiking Tribe
Trail: Zebra Lodge
https://www.facebook.com/share/1AK86yWFDs/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Description: An easy walk through this private reserve where you can get up close with zebra and spot a variety of other wildlife.
Distance: 8,5km
Cost: R100 for adults and R70 for children under 12

Club: Active Us - Wellness Coaching
Trail: Sleepy Hollow
https://www.facebook.com/share/18jWw3zxoi/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Description: An easy trail through this venue with beautiful views and river crossings with a high chance of getting wet feet.
Distance: 6km
Cost: R60 (includes venue fee and an electrolyte drink)

Club: Dendrological society-Atalaya Branch
Trail: Maitlands Reserve
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Fd7EdLKSg/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Description: Technically not a hike, but an interesting walk along this coastal forest trail with interesting talks along the way.
Distance: Unknown
Cost: Unknown

MODERATE:

Club: Let’s Go Hiking
Trail: Woodridge College
https://chat.whatsapp.com/BPvHu1ajs1j7lwCPsuTBk3
Description: A hike through the beautiful grounds of this school which will take you down to the Van Stadens River and back up to the school.
Distance: 10km
Cost: R80

Club: The Tired and Lost Hikers
Trail: Purple Cow (3Rivers)
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1UBPzh6nyD/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Description: An easy trail through the dairy farm and up into the mountains along fynbos trails.
Distance: 10km
Cost: R70 venue fee

**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.**

𝐖𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝟔𝟕 👀
On Saturday we joined the monthly Route 67 Heritage Walk organised by the SRA and
Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism, guided by certified tour guide and historian Tony Neveling.

We jumped at the opportunity because, although the Central/Donkin area is packed with history, it isn’t always the safest place to explore alone. Having a knowledgeable guide brought the city’s stories to life in a way that turned every street corner into a time capsule.

We met at the lighthouse in the Donkin Reserve before weaving our way through some of Gqeberha’s most historic landmarks, including the King Edward Hotel, Grand Hotel, Athenaeum, Fort Frederick, the Public Library, St Mary’s Anglican Cathedral and finally climbing the colourful 67 Steps back to the Donkin Reserve.

Our Bay truly is a treasure trove of history, architecture and hidden gems.
Some of the highlights included:

📍 The optical illusion artwork outside the Athenaeum.
The silver pillar and mosaic installation is designed to play tricks on the eye and symbolises harmony and reflection. It forms part of the Route 67 public art project, where heritage and modern art collide in the middle of the city.

📍 The 67 beaded artworks inside the Athenaeum.
Inside the theatre is a striking collection of 67 handcrafted beaded squares inspired by Nelson Mandela’s speeches and legacy. Each piece tells its own story while collectively commemorating Madiba’s 67 years in prison.

📍 The Queen Victoria statue
Standing proudly outside the Public Library is the famous Queen Victoria statue, sculpted by Edwin Roscoe Mullins from Sicilian marble and unveiled in 1903. Tony shared an amusing story that the sculptor was reportedly instructed to make the Queen appear slimmer! Although magnificent, this statue is not unique, as similar Victorian statues were commissioned across the British Empire during that era.

📍 The Public Library
The library façade is made from imported Scottish sandstone and decorative terracotta elements that were shipped to Port Elizabeth and assembled piece by piece. The beautiful Victorian Gothic building opened in 1902 and remains one of the city’s architectural treasures. Sadly the library was closed during our visit, so we could only admire it from outside.

📍 St Mary’s Anglican Cathedral
One of the cathedral’s treasures is a stained-glass window originating from Cologne, Germany, dating back to the 14th century. Knowing that a piece of medieval Europe quietly exists in the heart of Gqeberha felt almost surreal.


📍 The famous 67 Steps
The mosaic-covered staircase leading back to the Donkin Reserve is rich in symbolism. The different colours represent the diversity of South Africa’s people, cultures and landscapes. There is also a tar pathway filled with crosses which is called the voting line. When the Donkin staircase was opened in 2010 they had children standing on each cross to signify the 1994 elections.

Tony was incredibly informative and passionate throughout the walk, and there were countless fascinating stories and details we simply can’t fit into one post. So we will break them down into individual posts.

We highly recommend joining the next Route 67 Heritage Walk scheduled for June. You’ll never look at the old heart of our city the same way again. 🌍✨

Yaaaay 🥳

This weekend we have a few of the previously postponed hikes happening, including the 🤯 42km hike to the historic Boer forts! 😳.
The weather is looking good so make the most of it and get outside into nature.

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

*THE FOLLOWING HIKES WILL HAPPEN ON SATURDAY 23 MAY 2026*

EASY/ EASY+:

Club: Let's go hiking Port Elizabeth
Trail: Roseate Tern
https://chat.whatsapp.com/CJ6CmPWmDbqCFffmUvm0fv
Description: A scenic coastal trail
Distance: 9km
Cost: R30

Club: Plett Hiking and Social
Trail: Plett Ocean View Walk
https://chat.whatsapp.com/LlweC7rhyMz4DyGJeSRj4h
Description: A scenic walk on the Plett beaches
Distance: 8km
Cost: Free

MODERATE:

Club:Start Hiking Gqeberha - Port Elizabeth
Trail: Ladyslipper & beyond
https://chat.whatsapp.com/Gn8eZkIN6e7BFv3ZPa2Wze?s=sw&p=a&mlu=4
Description: Starting at Falcon Rock and climbing to the top of the slipper and then beyond.
Distance: 10-12km
Cost: R50

Club: Voetsac Hikers
Trail: Spring Valley to Trig Beacon (3Rivers Trails)
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/12Jwaufqfq5/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Description: This hike leads down Spring valley and back to the vehicles for the easy group. The moderate hike will carry on up to the Beacon. From there the path leads back to the vehicles.
Distance: 14Km
Cost: R60 for members & R80 for non members.

Club: Plett Hiking And Social
Trail: White Elephant Trail
https://chat.whatsapp.com/L0r9FNu4QneEmOm17j5Ty1
Description: Located just outside Knysna, this is a beautiful forest walk through towering yellowwoods with a pretty rock/swim pool where you can picnic.
Distance: 8km
Cost: SANParks fees apply

EXTREME!:

Club: Voetsac
Trail: Crossways to the Forts
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/12Jwaufqfq5/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Description: Approximate walking time 12 Hours (3.5km per hour). This hike isn’t for the faint hearted and will take you from the Crossways Kitchen to the old Boer forts above the upper Van Stadens Dam.
Distance: 42Km
Cost: R60 for members & R80 for non members.

*THE FOLLOWING HIKES WILL HAPPEN ON SUNDAY 24 MAY 2026*

EASY/ EASY+:

Club: Trail Trekkers Hiking Tribe
Trail: Sacramento
https://www.facebook.com/share/1AK86yWFDs/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Description: Walk from the cannon along the cliff tops to Sardinia Bay then down the dune and back along the beach.
Distance: 8km
Cost: R30 for adults and R20 for children under 12

MODERATE:

Club: Let’s Go Hiking
Trail: Maitlands Nature Reserve
https://chat.whatsapp.com/BQhtjtgQGPADRUDEz9krNE
Description: A scenic coastal forest hike through this reserve.
Distance: 8km
Cost: R30

Club: Active Us - Wellness Coaching
Trail: De Stades Trail (Maitlands Reserve)
https://www.facebook.com/share/18jWw3zxoi/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Description: The trail takes you along the historic wagon road that leads to the old Maitland lead mines and through the renowned giant Maitland sand dunes.
Distance: 9km
Cost: R30 (includes an electrolyte drink)

**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.**