Blombos Trail

About Blombos Trail

Start: Goukamma Nature Reserve
Finish: Goukamma Nature Reserve
Duration: 15 km
Fitness: moderate
Our tip: Blombos is one of six trails you can choose from in the Goukamma Nature Reserve

The Goukamma Reserve might be small but the access to dense coastal forest rich with milkwood, yellowwood and candlewood trees, the Goukamma River and estuary, access to Groenvlei lake, some of the highest vegetated dunes in the country, 18 km of deserted coastline, and a range of birds that includes the rare African black oystercatcher, makes it well worth a visit..

The Blombos Trail's design is aimed primarily at bird spotters. It also has three different options: a short route (6.5 km), medium route (13 km) and long route at 15 km (all of them circular).

Highlights include: the ocean, fynbos walking, panoramic views from inclines, beach walking, seaside pools, miles of uninterrupted sand, and little else.

The Blombos hiking route starts from the reserve's second entrance (Groenvlei turn-off), taking you almost immediately across the large dune visible from the N2. The views from the lake from here are exceptional.

Combining the Blombos with the Cape Clawless Otter route makes a good 20 km day's hike, but you will need an early start. Keep an eye on the tides, as some places are difficult to pass during high tide.

Other routes in the Goukamma include the Porcupine, Bush-pig, Galjoen, Cape Clawless Otter and Buffalo Bay trails. Blombos is the longest of the trails at 15 km.

The Goukamma Nature Reserve lies between Knysna and Sedgefield on the Garden Route. Follow sign posts from the N2. Take the Buffalo Bay turn-off. You don't need to book ahead to hike, but you will need a hiking permit from the reserve.

Go in September/October when the spring flowers add colour to the fynbos.