23/08/2026
๐๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ญ๐ ๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐-๐๐๐ฐ ๐๐ข๐ค๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐ข๐ฅ... ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐
๐ข๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ!โฃ
Full Circle moment for us ๐ฅพ๐ฟ
There is something incredibly special about being there at the beginning of a new hiking trail.
About a year ago, Renรฉ 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 Renรฉ from Escape to Nature replied. ๐ฟ
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. โค๏ธ๐ฅพ
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.
๐ด 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. ๐ธ
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. ๐ฟ๐ง
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.
๐ต 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. ๐ฅพ๐ฟ
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?
