UltraRunningSA - Groendal
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.
Flight of the Phantom: 10: Groendal Wilderness area (2)
Phantom 4 drone footage recorded in the Groendal nature reserve area close to Uitenhage, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Flight of the Phantom: 9: Groendal Wilderness area (1)
Phantom 4 drone footage recorded in the Groendal dam area, Uitenhage, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Family Hike in the Groendal Nature Reserve - Eastern Cape, South Africa
Our family finally got to hike the Lower Blindekloof (shorter trail) of the Groendal Nature Reserve, in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, just outside Uitenhage.
Through a miscommunication, we were expecting to do an 8km hike, that turned out to be 8km to the halfway mark, and 8km back. We cut it short with the kids, hiking just over 12km.
Driving to the reserve through the nearby town, you wonder if you are on the right road, with so much trash and litter dumped at the roadside. Persevere though, it's worth it. Several minutes later, we arrived at the reserve entrance and were greeted by really friendly staff.
The hike was amazing, walking through fynbos, Eastern Cape bush, forests and along the river. There are some lovely rock pools, although it was a bit cold for us to swim in the winter.
We all managed, however, we should have carried more water and supplies, we did not expect to hike this far. We all slept well that night, having enjoyed a wild day in the nature reserve.
Please excuse the quality of the footage. I shot this, and the Sacrament Trail on my cell phone - not ideal in the challenging light. That said, I still managed to get some footage and coverage for you to enjoy!!
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-- OUTDOOR ADVENTURE, LIFESTYLE & TRAVEL --
Sleeping on a Hammock in the Rain
This is my first Hiking Video. The hike is at Groendal in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, near the small town of Uitenhage. My future hikes I will try and include a bit of Geology and Botany in the Hike as well, along with a breakdown of hiking gear.
The hike in Groendal // South African Nature
A little film I had put together from our hike in Groendal, South Africa June 2015.
If you ever find yourself looking for a good trail and feel like being outdoorsy this is the place! Make sure to have good hiking bots because the mountain is pretty steep. Around 17 km to the cave that we slept in and 17 km back ;) It's quite cheap for the two days and if you find yourself brave enough there's a waterfall that I personally would like to check out next time.
Thanks for watching. Comments welcome.
Music used :
Die heuwels fantasties Leja
Licence: Standard YouTube licence
Die heuwels fantasties: Klein Tambotiebm
License: Standard YouTube licence
Groendal Hike
Hello Everyone! A group of my friends decided to go on a two day hike in Groendale Nature Reserve. We selpt in a cave and swam in chrstal clear pools. It was such a awesome adventure and so lovely to share it with someone of my favourite people. Much love Keren Kay xoxo
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Groendal Hike. Awesome!
Awesome Groendal hike. In Uitenhage. Hopefully first om many. #makingmemories
1.0 Bedroom Farms For Sale in Elandsrivier, Uitenhage, South Africa for ZAR R 995 000
View Property:
Bedrooms: 1.0
Bathrooms: 1.0
Garages: 0.0
Price: R 995 000
Property Description:
The farm sits on the southern side of the foothills of the Groot Winterhoek mountain range, west of Uitenhage and the Groendal Wilderness Reserve. The property is easily accessed from the south via a well maintained gravel road requiring high range 4 x 4 and the farm is the end user along this road.
This property falls in an area which is perhaps one of the last few stretches of pristine Eastern Cape wilderness outside of the Baviaanskloof. Close proximity to the urban centres of Uitenhage and Port Elizabeth, it remails extremely remote due to the towering Groot Winterhoek Mountains plus the deep Kwa Zungu valley which prevent anyone from accessing the general area from the north, east and west. The result is an uncluttered vista to the north with not even a single habitable dwelling or light at night being visible. The property climbs the foothills of the Groot Winterhoed to summit point at 760m from where 360 degree panoramic views are on offer. The surrounding topography is as dramatic as it comes, with a series of deep drainage lines with cliff faces interspersed with elevated ridges and flat well grassed plateaus.
The farm is ecologically diverse, consisting mainly of the fynbos biome associated with the sour, elevated soils on the ridges.
True wilderness in Africa is becoming an increasingly rare commodity and here we have a wilderness area within 100km of Port Elizabeth. The property offers absolute solitude, unparalleled privacy and all of this at an affordable price.
Asking price includes 14% VAT.
For more information please contact:
Name: Patrick Barnard
Tel: 0445331365
Cell: 0837022912
Email: pat@pbproperties.co.za
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Video Creation & Distribution by CyberAgent – TivvitTube -
Music By audionautix.com
1.0 Bedroom Farms For Sale in Elandsrivier, Uitenhage, South Africa for ZAR R 1 254 000
Patrick Barnard Properties
View Property:
Bedrooms: 1.0
Bathrooms: 1.0
Garages: 0.0
Price: R 1 254 000
Property Description:
The farm sits on the southern side of the foothills of the Groot Winterhoek mountain range, west of Uitenhage and the Groendal Wilderness Reserve. The property is easily accessed from the south via a well maintained gravel road requiring high range 4 x 4 and the farm is the end user along this road.
This property falls in an area which is perhaps one of the last few stretches of pristine Eastern Cape wilderness outside of the Baviaanskloof. Close proximity to the urban centres of Uitenhage and Port Elizabeth, it remails extremely remote due to the towering Groot Winterhoek Mountains plus the deep Kwa Zungu valley which prevent anyone from accessing the general area from the north, east and west. The result is an uncluttered vista to the north with not even a single habitable dwelling or light at night being visible. The property climbs the foothills of the Groot Winterhoed to summit point at 760m from where 360 degree panoramic views are on offer. The surrounding topography is as dramatic as it comes, with a series of deep drainage lines with cliff faces interspersed with elevated ridges and flat well grassed plateaus.
The farm is ecologically diverse, consisting mainly of the fynbos biome associated with the sour, elevated soils on the ridges.
True wilderness in Africa is becoming an increasingly rare commodity and here we have a wilderness area within 100km of Port Elizabeth. The property offers absolute solitude, unparalleled privacy and all of this at an affordable price.
Asking price includes 14% VAT.
For more information please contact:
Name: Patrick Barnard
Tel: 0445331365
Cell: 0837022912
Email: pat@pbproperties.co.za
View property on tivvit.com
View property on CyberProp.com
Video Creation & Distribution by CyberAgent -- TivvitTube -
Music By audionautix.com
Farms For Sale in Uitenhage, Uitenhage, South Africa for ZAR R 10 000 000
View Property:
Bedrooms:
Bathrooms: 0.0
Garages: 0.0
Price: R 10 000 000
Property Description:
This farm sits on the Southern side of the Groot Winterhoek mountain range, West of Uitenhage. It borders onto the Groendal nature reserve to the North and East.
It is made up of two titles and is +/- 2909ha in extent.
There is over 11kms of Kwazunga River traversing the northern third of the property. There is very little significant development on the property, only a functional, rudimentary campsite with central lapa area , small kitchen and flush toilet. This property is for anyone who yearns for the absolute solitude and unparalled privacy this wilderness has to offer.
For more information please contact:
Name: P C Barnard
Tel: 0445331365
Cell: 0837022912
Email: pat@pbproperties.co.za
View property on tivvit.com
View property on CyberProp.com
View property on P24.com
Video Creation & Distribution by CyberAgent – TivvitTube -
Music By audionautix.com
Farms For Sale in Uitenhage, Uitenhage, South Africa for ZAR R 10 000 000
Patrick Barnard Properties
View Property:
Bedrooms:
Bathrooms: 0.0
Garages: 0.0
Price: R 10 000 000
Property Description:
This farm sits on the Southern side of the Groot Winterhoek mountain range, West of Uitenhage. It borders onto the Groendal nature reserve to the North and East.
It is made up of two titles and is +/- 2909ha in extent.
There is over 11kms of Kwazunga River traversing the northern third of the property. There is very little significant development on the property, only a functional, rudimentary campsite with central lapa area , small kitchen and flush toilet. This property is for anyone who yearns for the absolute solitude and unparalled privacy this wilderness has to offer.
For more information please contact:
Name: Patrick Barnard
Tel: 0445331365
Cell: 0837022912
Email: 0837022912
View property on tivvit.com
View property on CyberProp.com
Video Creation & Distribution by CyberAgent -- TivvitTube -
Music By audionautix.com
Backpacking to Die Hel
Highlights from an overnight backpacking trip to the hidden pool of Die Hel in South Africa's wild and remote Groot Winterhoek range.
Music Celeste by Alex Fitch is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License (
2.0 Bedroom Farms For Sale in Elandsrivier, Uitenhage, South Africa for ZAR R 2 600 000
View Property:
Bedrooms: 2.0
Bathrooms: 1.0
Garages: 2.0
Price: R 2 600 000
Property Description:
ELANDS RIVER FARM FOR SALE!!
The farm is situated 40km from the outskirts (Makro) of P.E. with only 9kms of this distance being gravel road.
Made up of two titles, the property is +- 160 ha in extent and borders onto Groendal Wilderness Reserve.
This area of the Eastern Cape between the Elandsrivier and the Kwazungu River is one of the prettiest pieces of real estate in the province. Comprising a series of higher plateaus and valleys as well as the flood plain of the Elands River that meanders through this property. This crystal clear river is home to both small mouth and large mouth bass and there are even fish eagles to complete this picture perfect setting. Water is in abundance and there is another smaller stream that also traverses the property.
The farm offers truly outstanding views of the densely vegetated mountains of Groendal Wilderness Reserve to the North. It boasts a relatively good grazing capacity in addition to fantastic available browse matter.
This farm is incredibly scenic and the topography would lend itself well to a game based eco venture or a lodge/conference/wellness or wedding venue. Alternatively simply indulge in ones own private getaway which could just as easily become a permanent residence due to its close proximity to P.E. Price excludes VAT.
Please contact us for futher details on this property.
For more information please contact:
Name: P C Barnard
Tel: 0445331365
Cell: 0837022912
Email: info@pbproperties.co.za
View property on tivvit.com
View property on CyberProp.com
View property on P24.com
Video Creation & Distribution by CyberAgent – TivvitTube -
Music By audionautix.com
1.0 Bedroom Farms For Sale in Elandsrivier, Uitenhage, South Africa for ZAR R 1 254 000
Patrick Barnard Properties
View Property:
Bedrooms: 1.0
Bathrooms: 1.0
Garages: 0.0
Price: R 1 254 000
Property Description:
The farm sits on the southern side of the foothills of the Groot Winterhoek mountain range, west of Uitenhage and the Groendal Wilderness Reserve. The property is easily accessed from the south via a well maintained gravel road requiring high range 4 x 4 and the farm is the end user along this road.
This property falls in an area which is perhaps one of the last few stretches of pristine Eastern Cape wilderness outside of the Baviaanskloof. Close proximity to the urban centres of Uitenhage and Port Elizabeth, it remails extremely remote due to the towering Groot Winterhoek Mountains plus the deep Kwa Zungu valley which prevent anyone from accessing the general area from the north, east and west. The result is an uncluttered vista to the north with not even a single habitable dwelling or light at night being visible. The property climbs the foothills of the Groot Winterhoed to summit point at 760m from where 360 degree panoramic views are on offer. The surrounding topography is as dramatic as it comes, with a series of deep drainage lines with cliff faces interspersed with elevated ridges and flat well grassed plateaus.
The farm is ecologically diverse, consisting mainly of the fynbos biome associated with the sour, elevated soils on the ridges.
True wilderness in Africa is becoming an increasingly rare commodity and here we have a wilderness area within 100km of Port Elizabeth. The property offers absolute solitude, unparalleled privacy and all of this at an affordable price.
Asking price includes 14% VAT.
For more information please contact:
Name: Patrick Barnard
Tel: 0445331365
Cell: 0837022912
Email: pat@pbproperties.co.za
View property on tivvit.com
View property on CyberProp.com
Video Creation & Distribution by CyberAgent -- TivvitTube -
Music By audionautix.com
HIKING HOGSBACK NMU
This video is about hiking
Black Eagle Camp at Kleinrivier Wilderness, Eastern Cape South Africa
Effortlessly fun family camping
We discovered a happy medium between rugged camping and glamping at Black Eagle Tented Camp in Kleinrivier Wilderness, just North of Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. There is no onerous campsite rigging and derigging – the four safari tents are permanent, perched on wooden platforms overlooking a stream, with real beds, sprung mattresses and carpeted floors. There is no electricity, no staff to cook and clean up, and no neighbours – making it the perfect “real” camping trip for those who don’t own a bevy of fancy camping equipment or have the energy to put up tents.
Check out the full blog post at
Read our full family travel blog at
Port Elizabeth Travel Guide - Exploring Magnificent South Africa
Port Elizabeth Travel Guide - Exploring Magnificent South Africa
Port Elizabeth (or just PE if you want to sound South African) is South Africa's fifth largest city and is located on the Indian Ocean coast half-way between Cape Town and Durban, in the Eastern Cape, about 260 km from Knysna. Also known as the friendly city and the windy city, it tends to live up to both names.
A perfect complement to the Garden Route, the Friendly City is a major sea port and tourist destination set along the beautiful shores of Nelson Mandela Bay. The centre of the South African motor industry is spoiled by moderate and warm temperatures all year round with scattered rain throughout the year - climatic attributes which contribute to an outstanding quality of life.
A popular and significant destination for water sports, Port Elizabeth also offers many historical attractions, such as the Historic Donkin Heritage trail, taking visitors along the footsteps of the 1820 settlers. British heritage is reflected in the Port Elizabeth Cricket Club, and the Oldest Bowling Green in South Africa. Port Elizabeth’s greatest treasures, however, are malaria-free wildlife areas in its vicinity, and clean beaches washed by warm water.
Port Elizabeth was founded by British settlers in 1820 and was named after the wife of Rufane Donkin, Acting Governor of the Cape Colony at that time. The city is located on the Algoa Bay and forms together with the neighboring towns of Uitenhage and Despatch the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality.
PE is a wonderful jumping-off spot for game viewing. There are elephants and other birds and animals at Addo Elephant National Park and many privately owned game reserves in the area, as well as great area for viewing marine life in the form of dolphins, whales and African penguins.
Brooke's Pavilion has excellent views over the beaches and ocean. Any one of the restaurants there are a good idea for breakfast with a view. Accommodation ranges from hostels to more luxury accommodation. Whatever you want, you can find without trouble.
A lot to see in Port Elizabeth such as :
Kragga Kamma Game Park
Donkin Reserve
Bayworld
Algoa Bay
Cape Recife Local Authority Nature Reserve
SANCCOB Seabird Rehabilitation Centre
Sardinia Bay Road
Route 67
Van Stadens Wild Flower Reserve
Red Location Museum
Crisscross Adventures
Sardinia Bay Beach
Nelson Mandela University Nature Reserve
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum
Groendal Nature Reserve
Seaview Predator Park
Fort Frederick, Eastern Cape
South End Museum
No 7 Castle Hill
Kings Beach
The Island Nature Reserve
Cape Recife Lighthouse (Est. 1851)
Swartkops River
The Campanile
Horse Memorial
The Willows Resort & Conference Centre
St. Croix Island
Port Elizabeth Golf Club
St George's Park, Port Elizabeth
Van Stadens Bridge
Baakens Valley
Humewood Golf Club
Start of Sacramento Trail
Cape Recife
Mathyolweni Gate
Maitland Road
Feather Market Centre
Maitland Beach
Port Elizabeth City Hall
Sacramento Hiking Trail
Splash Waterworld
Groendal Dam
Port Elizabeth railway station is served by South Africa's rail network. Local commuter services are operated by Metrorail, while the Shosholoza Meyl long-distance passenger service links PE with Johannesburg via Bloemfontein where it is possible to connect with other long-distance routes. Port Elizabeth Airport (IATA airport code PLZ, ICAO airport code FAPE) serves the city for both passenger and cargo traffic. It is the fourth busiest airport in South Africa after Johannesburg International Airport, King Shaka International Airport in Durban, and Cape Town International Airport. Port Elizabeth has a harbour in Algoa Bay, and the construction of an additional international harbour at Coega has supported an increase in the size of the city's industries and the addition of new industries.
Under the Köppen climate classification, Port Elizabeth has an oceanic climate (Cfb ). The area lies between the winter rainfall, Mediterranean climate zones of the Western Cape and the summer rainfall regions of eastern South Africa. Winters are cool but mild and summers are warm but considerably less humid and hot than more northerly parts of South Africa's east coast.
( Port Elizabeth - South Africa ) is well know as a tourist destination because of the variety of places you can enjoy while you are visiting Port Elizabeth . Through a series of videos we will try to show you recommended places to visit in Port Elizabeth - South Africa
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