Brackenburn private estate offers our hiking enthusiasts a couple of choices for guided walks and hikes. Visitors will enjoy some amazing scenery in the Crags area. Firstly, there is a one way hike from Brackenburn to Enrico’s restaurant at Keurbooms beach. Secondly one can do a circular route through the forest and then back to a lovely picnic spot at the car park. This is included in our Surf and Turf hiking holidays package detailed below.
INTRODUCTION
So quoting from the website, Brackenburn was once long ago a part of the William Newdigate estate of Forest Hall in The Crags. Forest Hall lies south east of Brackenburn and they share a boundary line. Around 1950 Albert Pringle and his wife, Cynthia, bought two adjacent portions of land totalling 150 hectares in extent. This became Brackenburn. The Buffels River meanders through it.
A PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE IS REGISTERED
So Brackenburn was registered as a Private Nature Reserve in 2001. Under the guidance of Cape Nature and SANParks, the healthy population of a myriad species of fauna and flora is ensured. Generations of Bushbuck, porcupine, Blue Duiker, honey badger, bush pigs along with endless lists of birds, frogs, butterflies and other insects flourish undisturbed.
In conclusion, over the years the forest has regenerated to the point that huge trees now dominate and entrance with their curtains of waving “old man’s beard”. The wildlife is varied, numerous and healthy. The forest floor lies deep in undergrowth and ferns. Cameras set along the forest paths have captured photos of leopard; blue duiker; bush buck; porcupine; bush pig; genet; baboon; Vervet monkeys; skunks; caracal; and honey badger.
The lists of identified birds; snakes; amphibians; bugs and spiders grow as more hikers return with treasured photos.
Bunny passed away in 2004 and Brenda, as owner, now continues to take care of Brackenburn.
HIKING AT BRACKENBURN
Guided hikes, offered by a professional FGASA guide (see Brimful Adventure Trails), take guests along forest paths on a wonderful journey of woodland discovery. Similarly one can walk down to the the river banks where chirping frogs await or otter scats and leopard spoor add a frisson of excitement. In addition the forest floor provides endless opportunities for unusual finds and wonderful photos.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
- Day 1: 2km – 11km
Iconic ROBBERG NATURE RESERVE which you can walk to from Bayside Lodge along Robberg beach adding 4km to the hike. However there are numerous options around three circular hikes including the island. - Day 2: 8km – 10km
Newly established by the Robberg Coastal Corridor team, the AMPHITHEATRE hike is a fantastic experience starting at the Robberg Nature Reserve entrance.
- Day 3: 6km – 15km which we offer as a guided hike with Mark Brown)
Our hikers visit a private nature reserve called BRACKENBURN and you have the choice of a one-way guided forest and beach hike of 7.5km finishing at the famous Enricos restaurant on Keurbooms beach or you can enjoy an immersive circular route of 6km within the forest with numerous streams to enjoy.
- Day 4: 5km – 20km
Visit NATURES VALLEY for the day. In addition to the Kalanderkloof hike, the Salt River hike to secret beach and the lagoon hike (to experience the last part of the famous Otter Trail) are all worth exploring. - Day 5: 5km – 10km
Finally if time permits on the arrival or departure day, we offer the spectacular Cairnbrogie coastal hike further east along the Robberg coastal corridor. In addition for an immersive forest experience, the Perdekop trail and waterfall in Harkerville.
ADD ONS – for R800 we offer a voucher for a whale watching boat trip and entrance to Monkeyland, Birds of Eden and Jukani (value R1400).
https://book.nightsbridge.com/10350?special=2021HIKES&SANCTUARIE
