A couple of weeks ago the Damselfly and I joined Start Hiking Gqeberha for a hike along the Fernkloof Trail in the Groendal Nature Reserve. I’m embarrassed to say that even though Groendal is just around the corner, I’ve never been, so I was really happy to finally get a chance to go.
Surrounding the Groendal Dam and protecting the important water catchment area of the Swartkops River is the 30,000 ha unspoiled Groendal Nature Reserve. Characterised by rugged terrain, streams and vast ravines, the reserve is encompassed by the Groot Winterhoek Mountain range and is a beautiful retreat to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, with Nelson Mandela Bay right on its doorstep. Groendal falls within the surrounding Greater Baviaanskloof Cluster, the third largest conservation area in South Africa.
Groendal has a couple of excellent trails, but on this day we tackled the Fernkloof Trail, which is an out-and-back trail and covers 8km. The trail it’s well signposted, so it is advisable to do it with somebody who’s been there before. That being said, it is stunning.
Before the hike, they warned those who haven’t done it before that their feet would get wet. Early on, you could see most people doing a lot of hopping and jumping, but after a little while, you just give up and step in the stream. We haven’t had proper rain for a while so the water is a little on the low side. I can imagine after periods of good rain that there would be a lot more water and hence, a lot more walking in it.
The walk up the valley is absolutely beautiful. You keep crossing the stream and the vegetation is fairly lush all around. A little detour off the main path took us to what they called the Zimbabwe Ruins. Like the passages of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, the gorge narrows to barely a meter wide in places, with the Enon Conglomerate cliffs going straight up.
The back part of the trail involved a bit of climbing and scrambling, but keep going, cause it is so worth it. There is a pond with a waterfall at the turning point, ideal for a swim. On our visit, the water was freezing cold, and unfortunately, the waterfall was only dripping.
After a break we turned around and made our way back down the valley, enjoying all the beauty for a second time. I would love to do it again when the river has more water, but next time it’s the turn of the Blindekloof Trail.
Just a note, take some snacks and lots of water, but make sure you only leave footprints behind.
