READER FAVOURITES
JP du Toit, Makhanda
“Three of my favourite local reserves are Waters Meeting, Great Fish River and Kap River. All three are intimate and quiet, with nice picnic sites. You can do your own thing without seeing lots of other people around.
“Waters Meeting Nature Reserve ( 087 286 6540), about 16 km northwest of Bathurst, is low-key but has great hikes – short and challenging or long and less strenuous. The forest is pretty, and Horseshoe Bend viewpoint is great, overlooking the Kowie River. Fresh water from the river and salt water from the ocean meet in this reserve, creating a unique ecological niche. On one side of the weir you get freshwater fish, and on the other side there are salt-water species.
“Great Fish River Nature Reserve ( 087 286 6545), about 80 km northeast of Makhanda, has buffalo and it’s always a highlight to drive over the river. The view from Adam’s Krantz is spectacular – you can see a big section of the river (and hippos in the water!) from this cliff. It’s a great sundowner spot.
“Kap River Nature Reserve ( 061 477 3477; Whatsapp) is about 26 km north-east of Port Alfred. They currently have wild camping and a self-catering cottage. They also offer canoe trails and guided walks."