Diepwalle Elephant Trails

When one thinks of hiking in the Garden Route area, the first trail that springs to mind is the Otter Trail. Give it some more thought and the Tsitsikamma and Outeniqua Trails start to feature. However, if you’re visiting the Garden Route for a short holiday or just passing through for a day or two, and don’t have time for a multi-day hike but still want to explore on foot, head to the Diepwalle Forestry Station and lose yourself in the Knysna forest on one of the Elephant Trails.

Three trails of varying difficulty wind their way through pristine Knysna forest, starting and ending at the Diepwalle Forestry Station:

• Black Route: 9 km; circular (Easy: 3–4 hours)
• White Route: 8 km; circular (Moderate: 3–4 hours)
• Red Route: 7 km; circular (Moderate–Difficult: 3–4 hours)

The trails follow a mix of forestry roads, old woodcutter paths and boardwalks, winding past giant yellowwoods, stinkwood trees, gurgling streams and graceful tree ferns.

Along the forest floor, the fungi are a delight to behold — from the brightest orange to ones that look like Oreos growing from the side of a tree.

If you keep your eyes open, you might spot a Knysna Loerie or a Knysna dwarf chameleon.

Walk slowly, listen carefully and let the magic of the Knysna forest carry you into its dream…

For more information, contact the Diepwalle Forestry Station on 044 382 9762/3.