HIKING TRAILS IN AND AROUND STILBAAI

There are various scenic and safe hiking trails in and around Stilbaai.

STRANDLOPER TRAIL
Distance: About 8 kilometres long
Time to complete: 3 hours
The trail: It starts at the Jagersbosch Community Centre (S 34° 22’ 20.62” E 21° 24’ 24.01”) in Stilbaai West and winds along the rocky coastline.
It passes Morris Point and Kleinplaatjie along the way and affords hikers a view of the ancient Khoisan fist traps; the estuary; the harbour and a number of historic buildings including the Palinggat Homestead at the Information Centre where the tame, freshwater eels are fed daily at 11:00.
The trail is not marked, but the obvious route is easy to follow.
Permits: No permits required.

Start at Jagersbosch
Take a break...
Up the stairs!
Fish traps close to the harbour
At Morris Point

GEELKRANS TRAIL
Distance: Between 5 to 12kms
Time to complete: 3 to 6 hours
The trail: The Geelkrans Trail is named after the yellow sand cliffs visible above the high water mark and is situated in the Geelkrans Nature Reserve to the east of Stilbaai. It starts close to the Preekstoel (Stilbaai East) – (S 34° 21’ 54.93” E 21° 27’ 17.26”) and meanders through coastal fynbos and rhenosterveld and returns via the coast. Although the trail is not that well marked, one can not really get lost if following the routes.

NOORKAPPER TRAIL
Distance: 11km
Time to complete: About 4 hours
The trail: It starts at Morris Point (Stilbaai) and takes hikers along the coast to Jongensfontein (or from the Jongensfontein caravan park – S 34° 25’ 34.12” E 21° 21’ 21.32” – to Stilbaai). Be prepared for some rocky sections and sand. It passes the Jongensgat cave on private Jongensgat Nature Reserve. Do during low tide and follow the obvious route with some markings. Take enough water and refreshments. Please do not litter.
Permits: No permits required.

PAULINE BOHEN TRAIL
Distance: 4 to 8kms
Time to complete: 1½ to 3 hours
The trail: This easy hiking trail is on the east side of Stilbaai in the Pauline Bohen Nature Reserve (signage on the way to Kloof Industrial area). Hikers can see the ocean and the coast, various fynbos species and the odd grysbok, duiker and bushbuck.
Permits: No permits required.

LAPPIESBAAI TRAIL
Distance: 8km
Time to complete: About 3 hours
The trail: The Lappiesbaai Trail is on the east side of Stilbaai and takes hikers from the Lappiesbaai main beach (S 34° 22’ 22.89” E 21° 25’ 45.34”) to the Preekstoel (the rock formation resembling a pulpit) and back. It is recommended to hike during low tide.
Permits: No permits required.

SKULPIESBAAI NATURE RESERVE HIKES
There are various hiking trails in the Skulpiesbaai Nature Reserve.
These short trails start from the whale look-out point behind the harbour; the parking areas at Morris Point and the fish traps (Skulpiesbaai). It is clearly marked with sign boards.
Elephant Bush Trail (Olifantbospad) – information and photos
Permits: No permits required.

WEST BANK HIKING TRAIL
Distance: About 3 to 6 kms
Time to complete: Between 1 and 2 hours
The trail: It starts at the Stilbaai Information Centre/Tourism (S 34° 22’ 19.26” E 21° 24’ 33.22”) or at the harbour or at the jetty and is mostly paved. It takes hikers on the western shore of the Goukou River between the harbour and the jetty.

Start at the Information Centre
Feed the eels
Goukou River
Beach before the harbour
Harbour
At the jetty

ALIKREUKEL TRAIL

A wonderful new coastal slackpacking trail in the Blombos, Stilbaai and Jongensfontein area of the Southern Cape coast. Be fascinated by the mysteries of the past, while experiencing the delights of the present.
The Alikreukel Trail offers you guided slackpacking of three day’s hiking along the coast and half a day of easy kayaking on the Goukou River at Stilbaai.
This stretch of coast is one of the least developed in South Africa, with great variety and beauty. Be part of the following experiences along this trail:

Hike past the now famous Blombos Cave, where people lived and developed more than 70 000 years ago
Learn about how these people lived and that they are actually our ancestors
Get fascinating information and involved experiences on natural and cultural features along the way
Walk through a variety of fynbos, coastal vegetation, rock formations and a melkhout tree forest
See whales near the coast in season
Visit the impressive stone fish traps that the Khoikhoi people built more than 2000 years ago
View the museum exhibition about the Blombos cave and see actual artefacts excavated in the cave
Paddle a kayak along the scenic Goukou River and visit an olive farm
Sleep in very comfortable accommodation, with all meals supplied
Local transport and transfer of kit supplied

Visit the Alikreukel Trail website – www.alikreukeltrail.co.za – for all the information, bookings, dates and much more.