Lauren Currie
I absolutely love my city – I’m passionate about Gqeberha and the Eastern Cape in general. We’re lucky to have so many excellent reserves. In the heart of Gqeberha, the stunning Baakens Valley and Settlers Park Nature Reserve (free entry) offer hiking, trail running and cycling. There are lots of streams and waterfalls.
Just outside the city, at Seaview, Island Nature Reserve has great birdlife. Entry varies from about R55 to R85 per person, depending on whether you just come to hike, or if you plan to use the picnic facilities.
Our family’s favourite spot for a quick nature fix is 3 Rivers Trails, at Crossways Farm Village about 30 km west of the city. They have hiking trails and cycling routes through fields of proteas. Day permit: R50 per adult; R25 per child under 12. If you’re hiking, you can cool off in the Van Stadens Dam before crossing the old railway bridge on the way back to the village. It’s also right next to the Van Stadens Wild Flower Reserve (free entry).
Groendal Nature Reserve is near Uitenhage and it’s an awesome place to hike. One trail ends at a mountain pool and waterfall. Entry: R66 per adult; R34 for kids under 12.
Further afield, in the Baviaanskloof Wilderness, we love going to Uitspan, which is on the “other side” of the kloof so for us it takes a day of 4x4 driving to reach it. They have self-catering facilities and camping on green grass, with plenty of shade. We love to swim in the dam; there’s also a zipline for adrenaline junkies. Do the Arch Rock hike, which goes up a steep, winding track. If you’re brave enough, you can stand on top of the Arch!
Gqeberha, Eastern Cape IG: @lolli_lauren_101
• Baakens Valley & Settlers Park Nature Reserve 041 585 8884
• Island Nature Reserve 071 609 1383 • 3 Rivers Trails 3riverstrails.co.za
• Van Stadens Wild Flower Reserve
vanstadens.co.za
• Groendal Nature Reserve
087 086 2499; visiteasterncape.co.za • Baviaanskloof Wilderness
baviaans.co.za
• Uitspan baviaansuitspan.co.za