This Groendal Nature Reserve Gallery is from our amazing family hike through Eastern Cape Karoo Bush, Fynbos, Valley Bushveld and Evergreen Forest. Our family finally hiked the Lower Blindekloof Trail of the Groendal Nature Reserve, in the Eastern Cape, just outside Uitenhage. We underestimated the hike, as this is real wilderness hiking. We found the path to be well maintained, although some sections of the terrain are quite rocky. Our young kids managed without any issues. Follow us on Instagram for more updates.

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Our family finally hiked the Lower Blindekloof Trail of the Groendal Nature Reserve, in the Eastern Cape, just outside Uitenhage. We underestimated the hike, as this is real wilderness hiking. The hike was amazing, walking through Eastern Cape Karoo Bush, Fynbos, Valley Bushveld and Evergreen Forest. We found the path to be well maintained, although some sections of the terrain are quite rocky. Our young kids managed without any issues.

View our family video of the trail.

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There are kloofs and valleys, river crossings, and such a wonderful diversity of scenery. Groendal Nature Reserve is a real gem to the Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage eco-tourism offering. There are some lovely rock pools that you can swim in, although it was a bit cold for us to swim in the winter. You have an option to sleepover in the reserve, contact the reserve management for more information.

Driving to the Groendal Nature Reserve through the nearby town, you wonder if you are on the right road, with so much trash and litter dumped at the roadside. Persevere though, it’s worth it.  We were greeted by a really friendly team who manage the admin office. You need a permit to enter the reserve and this can be purchased at the reserve’s administration offices. The entrance is 49 km about 49 min from Port Elizabeth.

Through a miscommunication, we were expecting to do an 8 km hike, that turned out to be 8 km to the halfway mark, and 8 km back. We cut it short with the kids, hiking just over 12 km. Sadly, we missed the Bushman rock paintings and some of the more popular natural rock pools, but we thoroughly enjoyed this wilderness experience. The Lower Blindekloof Trail of Groendal Nature Reserve is an easy walk, with a fair amount of hiking uphill. Moderate fitness is recommended.

Hiking Tips for Groendal Nature Reserve

1. Groendal Nature Reserve is a real wilderness, you could be the only people around for several kilometres. Plan accordingly.
2. Leave in the morning, preferably early. This gives you time to rest, to enjoy the beautiful scenery, and to swim in the rock pools. Don’t get caught in the dark, and be aware that the kloof is steep, so the sun can drop behind the hills, earlier than the sunset time.
3. Carry a torch, in case you get caught in the dark.
4. No fires are allowed, so carry a gas burner (stove) used by hikers for boiling water.
5. Carry an emergency blanket
6. All waste must be carried out by you, so take a plastic bag to put it in.
7. Don’t get caught out if it rains, plan ahead. Always check the weather, but allow for changes in the weather.
8. You should carry sufficient warm clothes in case the weather changes
9. Take a swimming costume if you want to swim, and don’t forget a towel.
10. You will need sunblock, and a hat is recommended.
11. Carry extra water or juice. Take sufficient food, fruit and even a picnic for the route.
12. Good hiking boots are recommended along with hiking socks.
13. Insect repellent may be needed depending on the season. We never needed any in July.
14. Be aware of wildlife, snakes etc.
15. Carry a first aid kit
16. Follow the instructions issued by the Reserve authorities.
17. Follow the arrows on the path, and use the map to guide you.
18. Don’t disturb nature. Picking of flowers, breaking branches off trees, defacing rock art etc are all strictly forbidden.

Groendal is a wilderness area, so plan accordingly.  View our photo gallery here

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