Kenton on Sea, Eastern Cape , South Africa.
The basic Hike is a 5-day hike, however the requirements for the shorter days ( min 2) is also enjoyed.
Location:
The Castaway Hike is situated in the heart of the Sunshine Coast, east of Port Elizabeth on the R72 and is adjacent to coastal towns such as Alexandria, Kenton-on-Sea and Port Alfred, with the latter town being the largest. The trail head starts at Woodlands Cottages, just off the R72 via the R343 en route to Grahamstown/Mkhanda. The scenic Kariega River, from Port Alfred’s direction and the Bushman’s River from Port Elizabeth side wedge this pristine environment in. Beautiful, open stretched beaches, estuaries and coastal vegetation give further environmental clout to where this hike is situated.
Why do our Hike:
- The splendour of the “unknown” eastern cape and Woody cape forest
- Numerous ship wrecks, ...
- Diaz Cross
- Famous Shelly bay
- Kasouga, Kariega ,Boesmans and Boknes estuaries
- Safe
- Close to Game reserves ( Addo , Sibuya and Kariega Park)
- Unspoilt coastline with minimal pollution.
- Prolific Birdlife and indigenous game.
Landscape. Fauna and Flora:
Mainly mid-altitude lush grasslands with steep and deep river gorges, densely covered with prickly “valley bushveld “(thorn trees and shrubs, aloes and euphorbias). Where conditions permit, the bushveld component morphs into forest: temperate where higher or colder, and thorny to subtropical forest at lower, warmer altitudes. It is a summer rainfall area but largely defined by a mist belt. Being an area rich for agriculture, little of it remains naturally intact. The hiking trail borders on the Greater Addo Elephant National Park’s Woody Cape Section on the southwest and comprise of a combination of vegetation types of which the coastal thicket biome and coastal forest amass with species such as Outeniqua Yellowwood (Podocarpus falcatus), Cape Ash (Ekebergia capensis), Cape Beech (Rapanea melanophleos). Bird species which can be found comprises of both coastal and terrestrial species, i.e. African black Oystercatcher (Haematopus moquini), Caspian Tern (Sterna caspia) as well as estuarine species such as Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea), Red-knobbed coot (Fulica cristata). Larger mammals which can frequent the area is Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus), Blue Duiker (Philantomba monticola) and the more nocturnal Bushpig (Potamochoerus larvatus.
Castaway Hike setup
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Day 1 ( Hike and Paddle)
Trip by vehicle to Kasouga to start your hike. Walk 6 km along beach reaching the Kariega slipway. The hikers get onto Kayaks and head for their 6,5 km paddle upriver. You collected from that point and returned to Woodlands, or may want to paddle back to the slipway depending on your level of fitness and conditions prevailing. Total distance for the day 11 km , rated easy -
Day 2 ( Hike beach and boardwalk )
Trip from Woodlands Cottages to the Kariega river mouth and walk to the Bushman’s slipway, getting the most spectacular views of the reason why people love Kenton. Slow walk along the boardwalk and over the bridge is bound to allow you to meet some locals and catch-up on the fishing stories. Total distance for the day 12 km, rated easy -
Day 3 ( Hike on beach)
The hike starts at the Bushmansriver mouth, and into the unknown, pristine time ! If the tide is low , you could see sections of the Volo shipwreck .The views from Diaz Cross , past the Boknes river and onto Cannon Rocks Total distance 12 km rated easy -
Day 4 ( Hike on Beach)
The Hike is from Cannon rocks to Woody Cape reserve, passing well known Kraal banks, Fresh water springs source, and onto Woody Cape start of the reserve. Total distance 18 km rated easy -
Day 5 (Hike in Forest)
The Hike starts near the beach , and meanders through the Woody Cape forest. Experiencing the untouched forests of the Addo SANPARKS reserve. Total distance 10 km rated easy.
General procedure and planning which makes our hike different:
All the hike days are planned to depend on the wind direction. Should winds or conditions be extreme we drop off on the “comfortable start” end. We have transfers fetching and carrying guests on the day to and from Woodlands Cottages. Woodlands is right in the middle, making the transfers quick and easy. Most days are a 5-6-hour adventure. Meals and authentic stays in the Wooden cottages at Woodlands.
The environmental character of the Hike
The experience whilst hiking this route is the breathtakingly beautiful ocean views and the occasional interaction with locals cannot be stressed enough. Management should commit to informing hikers of weather conditions of the day in case of adverse situations that are expected as well as flood condition of rivers and estuaries.
| 1 | Natural contact with other hikers | Natural |
| 2 | No Industry | Pristine |
| 3 | Only natural sounds | Pristine |
| 4 | Pollution and Erosion | Pristine |
| 5 | Alien Vegetation | Pristine |
| 6 | Farmsteads | Pristine |
| 7 | Artificial structures | Pristine |
| 8 | Public sites | Pristine |
Rated a PRISTINE Hike by Green flag auditors.
Safety on the trail
| Mugging | Sensitive hikers to take caution. Local guides available |
| Animals | No dangerous animals |
| Natural disasters | None |
| Clean drinking water | Take own |
| Guiding | Inexperienced hikes recommend a local guide |
| Maps | Available |
| Warning signs | None |
| River ,pools ,sea | Take caution in mouth and in sea, pools good |
Strengths
- Pristine landscape and vegetation on Hike
- Strong tourism brand on Route72 on Sunshine Coast
- Blue Flag beaches
- Within Port Elizabeth Airport
- Malaria free
- Addo National park, neighbouring
- Weather conditions stable
- Access to Hikers with ease.
- Adventure combo with hike on beach,estuary,forest and kayaking.
Accommodation:
| Beds | Single or Double |
| Ablutions | Gas geysers |
| Food | Self-cater or ala carte ( to select) |
| Setting | Bush – rural neighbourhood |
| Washing - clothes | Washing service available |
| Braai area | Boma |
| Lighting | Good |
| Heating | None |
| TV | In Main Lounge |
| Cell phone & Wi-Fi | Excellent |
| Bar & Refreshments | Licenced Bar |
| Room service | None |
| Seating | Comfortable in Lounge |
| Privacy | Separate cottages or Dorm facilities |
Contact details:
Main office: 0828085976
Allen: 0826515461
Website: www.woodlandscottages.co.za
Downloads:
Castaway_Green_Flag_Certificate.pdf
- Details
- Hits: 2965
Where: Kenton-on-Sea to Bathurst
Brief: Depart from Woodlands Cottages & Backpackers, Kenton-on-Sea to the quaint village of Bathurst. Take a leisurely stroll through this historic village and explore the arts & crafts, pubs and eateries while absorbing some local history.
Who: No age restrictions, easy walking for the whole family
Max: 20
What to bring: Sun hat, walking shoes, water
Options: – basic option (transport only); guided; booked lunches; & historical tours – Agricultural museum & Old Mill; Picnic lunch at Water’s Meeting.
Cost: Varies according to option chosen
- Details
- Hits: 1969
Where: Ekuphumleni, Kenton-on-seaBrief: Cycle from Woodlands Cottages & Backpackers to Ekuphumleni, Kenton-on-sea and take in the culture, crafts, shebeens – meet the locals, dance and enjoy a meal
Who: Fit adults
Min: 1
Max: 10
What to bring: Bike friendly gear, water
Cost & Duration: 4 hours from R250pp
- Details
- Hits: 1847
Where: Woodlands Cottages & Backpackers, Kenton-on-seaBrief: Come spend the night at Woodlands Cottages & Backpackers on the banks of the Bushman’s river, Kenton-on-sea and enjoy a game drive while you’re here
Who: No age restrictions, family-friendly
Min: 4
Max: 8
What to bring: Sun hat, water
Cost & Duration: from R675pp, overnight
Options: Game Drive only
- Details
- Hits: 1939
Where: Woodlands Cottages & Backpackers on the banks of the Bushman’s river, Kenton-on-sea
Brief: Enjoy a leisurely paddle up the magnificent Bushman’s river, take a packed picnic lunch from The Goat Shed with you or enjoy a sit-down lunch at the restaurant upon your return.
Who: No age restrictions, family-friendly
Min/Max: 1-20
What to bring: Sun hat, water
Cost & Duration: R300pp, 2 hours
- Details
- Hits: 1967
Brief: Enjoy a river cruise on the magnificent Bushman’s River; optional extra braai in the Bush Boma at Woodlands Cottages & Backpackers.
Who: No age restrictions, family-friendly
Min/Max: 6-20
What to bring: Sun hat, water
Cost & Duration: From 100pp no frills
Duration: 2-3 hours
Optional extras: braai; booze; guide
- Details
- Hits: 4617
Where: Kenton-on-SeaBrief: Explore Kenton-on-Sea on MTB - cycle to Kenton-on-Sea from Woodlands to the Kariega River slipway then on to the Blue Flag beach look-out, head off to Middle Beach and onward to Bushman's mouth. Take along a picnic lunch supplied by The Goat Shed on route.
Who: Fit adults
Min: 1
Max: 10
What to bring: Bike friendly gear, water
Cost & Duration: R600pp for a half-day & R900pp for a full day.
Options: Plenty routes available
- Details
- Hits: 2004
Where: Kenton-on-Sea beachesBrief: Explore Kenton-on-Sea’s pristine beaches at low tide. Take a leisurely walk from the Kariega Blue Flag beach, where the river meets the sea, to Middle Beach, with its abundant rocky shore marine life, on to the Carriage Rock landmark and finally to Shelley Beach, ‘little Greece’ near the Bushman’s River. Pause awhile to enjoy your picnic and gaze at the magnificent 360° vista and capture precious memories.
Who: No age restrictions, easy walking for the whole family
What to bring: Sun hat, beach friendly gear, water
Optional extra’s: Packed picnic lunch from The Goat Shed; Guide/s - marine and/or birding; Transport (basic) to Kariega Beach and collection at Bus
Cost: Varies according to package opted for, (R50pp for basic option)
Duration: 2-3 hours
- Details
- Hits: 1952
