About Groendal Wilderness Area hikes
Start: just north west of Uitenhage
Finish: it varies
Duration: network of trails
Fitness: the major hikes are strenuous, but there are easy walks as well
Our tip: don't attempt the unmarked trails without a map
The beautiful Groendal Wilderness Area is the only established wilderness area in the Eastern Cape roughly 10 km from Uitenhage, renowned for its remoteness and myriad hiking trails.
A series of kloofs filled with the sound of running water and a wildness more usually associated with inaccessible and isolated areas, the Groendal Wilderness Area surrounds the Groendal dam, fed by the Swartkops River.
The reserve offers both marked and unmarked trails that include the relatively easy 16 km Blindekloof trail that takes hikers to Crystal Cavern Pool, or a short 4 km circular trail to the picnic area that is good for families.
Upper Blindekloof, by comparison, is one of three strenuous hikes that each average 32 km over two days. It leads from the parking area steadily uphill before rapidly descending into Blindekloof and along the stream to Paardekloof junction where you come out of the kloof again.
Without overnight huts, your nights are spent under overhangs or in caves, or you can bring your own tent.
Emerald Pool takes a route to the Groendal Dam crossing the Swartkops River all the way to Eel Cave. It is the route to the cave that catches some hikers.
And Dam Trail is the most difficult of all but does have a fairly clear footpath around the dam through riverine forest, alongside the Kwa-zunga River and through the Aquilakloof.
All the paintings and artefacts that you may stumble across in the series of caves in the wilderness area are protected by law.
Suggested Accommodation in the area: Kleinrivier Wliderness
Need to Know
WhereGroendal Wilderness Area, Eastern Cape, South Africa
WhenDaylight hours.
How muchFree
TelephoneNot applicable.
OvernightStay nearby in Groendal Wilderness Area, in Eastern Cape
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Find Groendal Wilderness Area hikes in these collections
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options by proximity
* Distances shown are "as the crow flies", not driving distances. Please confirm with the establishment should driving distance be a factor in your decision.
Kleinrivier Mountain Escapes
Stretching from fynbos covered peaks to Karoo thicket; Kleinrivier is bisected by two rivers, each cutting a deep gorge through the mountains. Em...
Dassiekrans Three
Dassiekrans Three is a Holiday Cottage in Groendal Wilderness Area with a mountain view, that sleeps two guests. Perfect for couples wanting a pr...
Pepper Tree @ Kleinrivier
Pepper Tree is a beautiful farm cottage with all the comforts of home but the tranquillity of the Karoo landscape. With the bicycle track and nat...
Dassiekrans Four
Dassiekrans Four is set in the mouth of the gorge, and offers accommodation in Uitenhage in the Groendal Wilderness Area. The cabin gives nature ...
Black Eagle Tented Camp
Black Eagle Tented Camp offers accommodation in Groendal Wilderness Area. Shaded by ancient Forest Elder and Tierhout trees, your tent is a cool ...
Dassiekrans Two
Dassiekrans Two is set in the mouth of the gorge where it offers accommodation close to Uitenhage. The chalet overlooks a stream fed by a perenni...
Dassiekrans One
Dassiekrans One is set in the mouth of the gorge, and offers accommodation in Uitenhage in the Groendal Wilderness Area. The cabin gives nature l...
Zungah Lodge
Surrounded by hills, Zungah Lodge offers guests self-catering accommodation in Uitenhage on a game farm. The lodge offers guests a choice of uniq...
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Accommodation convenient to Groendal Wilderness Area hikes
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