The “Great Outdoors” has grown even greater in appeal thanks to the Coronavirus pandemic. Where many families used to opt for shopping malls on their days off, the combination of being locked for months together within four way-too-small walls combined with an apocalyptic fear of bringing Covid-19 into our homes has seen a tidal wave of people head into nature for relief.

And we are so very lucky that nature surrounds us in bucket-loads in Nelson Mandela Bay. Every way you turn there is a park or forest or beach to explore. But they’re not all open and they’re not all safe, so we have put together this list of our four favourite day-hiking destinations to inspire you to get out there with your families – to breathe in some fresh air, to get some healthy exercise and to fill your blood with happy endorphins to counterbalance the doom and gloom that surrounds all of us in these strange and uncertain times.

What makes a hike Covid-friendly?

1. It’s open (Many local hikes still remain closed for public access)
2. It’s free (Most of us are broke thanks to the virus AND no extra risk in exchanging money or standing in queues to pay)
3. It has multiple routes (So we can enjoy visiting lots of times AND there is a route to suit every fitness level)
4. It has loads of space (So we can safely social distance even when it’s busy)

Please remember – always hike in groups and if you are a small group, its best to visit when there are others around, like on weekends.

1. Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve

Located about 30km West of PE, the Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve is the most delightful playground for those wanting some fresh air and inspiring views. There are a few trails which can be done individually, or combined into a longer hike. And if hiking is not your thing, you can drive the circular route which offers great views of the proteas and fynbos and has quite a few picnic spots along the way.

The River Trail is about 3-4km and is an easy walk along a hill above a dry river and through the beautiful fynbos full of all kinds of proteas, cycads, wild flowers and birds. The Forest Trail is similar in length, through a verdant forest with views of the Van Stadens Bridge at its centre.

Our favourite is the full trail – you park at the start of the River Trail and hike along the mountainside. When you ascend back to the road, follow the signs for the link trail, walk along the road and through the picnic site to cross right underneath the Van Stadens Bridge (which will absolutely delight your kids), and return via either the upper or lower forest trail (both are beautiful, the lower trail has a lovely stream and rewarding climb at the end). On the way back to your car you can either walk through more beautiful fynbos, or visit the bird hide over a currently-dry pond and walk back on the gravel road.

Visit vanstadens.co.za for more info

2. Sacramento Hiking Trail

We always thought the Sacramento Trail was a circular 8km route along the beach and through the fynbos between Sardinia Bay and Schoenmakerskop.  We were absolutely delighted to discover that in addition there is actually a network of paths winding through the reserve the entire 4km length between the two destinations, making an almost endless combination of nature walks.

Our favourites are to park at Schoenies and walk along the beach all the way past the first and second point (there are some fabulous whale bones and shells along the way), then up the bluff at the orange boat wreck and back along the top, where you will enjoy the most fabulous sea views that are sure to lift your spirits and make you feel lucky to be alive (approx. 5km).

Or park on the left of the road at the boom about 200m before the Sards parking lot and walk through the amazing reserve, heading towards the beach when you feel like you have walked far enough (there are lots of paths to choose from). You can either descend down and walk back along the coast or head back on the top of the bluff.

The AllTrails app has the full network of trails listed, making it easy to choose your route on the spot. (We use the free version which is more than adequate for our needs)

3. Maitland Nature Reserve

This little gem combines pristine dune forest with incredible sand dunes. There are three routes to choose from and top of our list is the full 9km De Stades trail. The trail starts with a manageable uphill for about a kilometre along a jeep track. Once at the top, you can either loop right on the shorter Sir Peregrine or Igolomi forest trails, or head left on the De Stades trail through the forest towards Maitland’s dune mountain.

Once up the jeep track, the trail is pretty flat, which means you can enjoy your surroundings and take in the beautiful views without worrying about your heart rate going through the roof. All of a sudden, the forest opens onto an incredible valley with views over the sand dunes and you won’t be able to stop yourself pulling out your phone to capture the moment.  From there, the trail winds down through the valley and meanders back up the hill and along the ridge with incredible views of Maitland river mouth.

It is such a spectacular trail and really doesn’t feel as long as 9km. The parking area for Maitland Nature Reserve is on a grass verge on the left of the main road approximately half a kilometre past Maitland mouth (driving from Seaview).

Visit https://www.nmbt.co.za/listing/maitland_nature_reserve.html for more info

4. Cape Recife

Every time I visit Cape Recife, I am gobsmacked by the beauty of our Eastern Cape coastline. There is nothing quite like walking along an unspoilt beach, spotting fresh otter footprints, seagulls, oystercatchers and terns, rare shells and interesting sea debris to instantly soothe the soul.

The full Roseate Tern hiking trail is 9km,  leading along the spectacularly wild beach and winding its way past an ancient beacon and lighthouse, through some impressive World War II ruins to an amazing viewpoint, across wetlands singing with birds, past a couple of dams with a peaceful bird hide in a circular route that ends where it starts.

You can park just before the security boom past the entrance of Pine Lodge and walk from there. The wetlands on the right are pretty to look at but can be a bit stinky as they are part of a sewerage works. Rather head left at Sanccob onto the beach and walk right from there. Depending on how long you want to walk, you can end at the lighthouse and head back on the road, or continue and do the full trail as mentioned above.

Another option is to head straight for the ruins when you arrive and walk back through the wetlands. Whatever you choose, you will find yourself visiting this beach paradise again and again and again.

For visual inspiration visit our full photo blog of the Roseate Tern trail

To download a trail map visit Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism

Your turn to inspire us

We would love to hear your thoughts on these hikes and also other wild places where you and your family have spent blissful Covid days out – please inspire us in the comments below. #sharingiscaring

Yours in (Intra-provincial) travel

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