Woody Cape Nature Reserve - Addo
A quick 35kms from Woodlands is the Woody Cape Nature Reserve which forms part of the greater Addo Reserve.
This lush 20 000 hectare forest is truly magical. Visitors will have the unique privilege of seeing, hearing and smelling one of the few untouched parts of our world where trees and plants have never been farmed or converted for man. The hikes, birdwatching and photographic opportunities at Woody Cape have been described as “life-changing”.
Stroll under a canopy of forest trees, listen to the chorus of the bird life, rest and enjoy a picnic on a log or bench. This is a tranquil and unforgettable experience.
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The forest backs an expanse of dune fields on the Eastern extreme where the rainfall is considerably higher than average. These dunes fields, running 60km to Port Elizabeth and 6 km inland at certain points, are currently being evaluated as a World Heritage Site.
The Woody Cape reserve also covers Bird Island, 5 km out to sea, breeding ground of the Great White Shark. Trips to the island can be arranged from Port Elizabeth harbour.
Although the vegetation is designated as Tongaland-Pondoland lowland forest, it has Afromontane affinities. Dominant trees include Ochna, Apodytes, Cassine and Sideroxion, while frequently sub-dominants include Euclea, Pittosporum, Rapanea, Strychnos, Pteroceiastrus and Schotia.
Some of the mammals in the forest include Bushbuck, Cape Grysbok, Steenbok, Grey Duiker, Vervet Monkey, and Small and Grey Mongoose.
Perhaps the most exciting element of the forest is the 400 bird species perched in the trees.