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Please note: due to flood damage Goukamma's river section will be closed indefinitely. This affects the Rondavels, Musselcracker house and day visitors to the Buffalo Bay (river) side of the reserve but does NOT affect Goukamma's Groenvlei and Mvubu bushcamps, which remain open.

Nearest Town: Sedgefield and Knysna
Region: Garden Route

Goukamma Lake Walk
Trail distance: 4km (1-2 hours)
Trail description:
A short flat walk along Groenvlei's southern shoreline through indigenous forest and lake fringe vegetation. Return along the same route. It is important to carry water. No fires, dogs or camping are allowed. A freshwater fishing license is required for angling.

Goukamma Circular Trail
Trail Distance: 8km (2-3 hours)
Trail description:
Hike along a fynbos ridge with views of the coast, the Goukamma River and estuary. The route returns via a milkwood forest. Experience coastal fynbos and forest, marine protected area and intertidal zone. No removal of shellfish, fauna or flora from the intertidal zone is allowed. Remember to carry water. No fires are allowed.

Goukamma Beach Trail
Trail Distance: 14km (4 hours), also consider an out-and-back route covering half the distance
Trail description:
The beach walk covers the reserve's entire seaboard of 14km but is cut off by a cliff at spring highs, when the route is inaccessible. Arrange transport at Platbank or do an out-and-back walk. As a marine protected area, no removal of shellfish, fauna or flora from the intertidal zone is allowed. Carry water.

Goukamma to Groenvlei Trail
Trail Distance: 16km (4-5 hours)
Trail description:
This is the longest route on the reserve. It leads over the fossil dunes and down through milkwood forests and coastal fynbos. It provides views of the coast, Buffalo Bay, the estuary, Goukamma River and the freshwater lake Groenvlei.

Guided hikes
Mark Dixon offers a 5-day guided hike that begins in Wilderness and ends in Knysna. The hike passes through Goukamma, where hikers spend the night before they move on. Call 082 213 5931 or go to www.gardenroutetrail.co.za for details.

Horse riding
Beach at low tide for 1.5hrs
Beach, milkwood forest, coastal cliffs for 2.5 hrs
Beach, milkwood forest, coastal cliffs, through the fynbos all the way
to the top of the dune overlooking Lake Pleasant, 6 hrs

Reservations

To make a booking please contact our reservations office