Activities

TRAILS

AND

BEACHES

Grotto Bay Homeowners Association has invested time in preparing well marked hiking trails for guests and residents. There is a well marked Hiking Trail that starts at the Gate House and wind its way through the nature reserve, inland and coastal areas. Day hikers have to register at the Gatehouse before starting the trail. There is secure parking at the gatehouse. Visitors are reminded this is a conservation area and care must be taken to preserve the trails. Nothing sensitive, protected or historic can be removed from the reserve. Care must taken when walking (see legal from the cape nature sites)

The breathtaking hiking trails wind their way through the abundance of fynbos species and along the coastline. During spring (September) the ‘strandveld’ comes alive with a sea of colourful flowers. The best way to explore the colour fields is on foot. The fynbos is also home to a vast array of bird life with over 150 species in the Reserve. On hikes past the water pans you are likely to see some of the buck roaming wild on the estate, Duiker, Steenbok and Greysbok. There are wild ostriches, tortoise and a variety of other wild life species.

TORTOISE TRIAL

3kms - Start at the gate, via the waterhole to pan 2 through 7 and on to the signal towers at Pelican circle.

DUINEFONTEIN DUNES

Approx 15 kms - Continue from the river mouth path towards the bridge across the R27. North along the boundary fence intil you encounter a path running up the middle of the river. Follow this route to the highest view point on our northern boundary. Return via the route towards the river mouth, keeping to the dunes. Removal of boots will be necessary for river crossing during winter. This is a very hot route, so be prepared.

BOKKIE TRIAL

6kms - Start at the gate, via the waterhole to pan 2 through Long pan on to the track crossing for Skuinsrots, then south back along the fire track back to the signal towers.

OSTRICH TRIAL

10kms - Start at the gate, via the waterhole to pan 2 through Long pan on to the fire track crossing for Long Beach and River, north towards the river and the river mouth, then south on Long Beach and along the existing seafront Oystercatcher trail to Kabeljoubank.

THE BLACK OYSTERCATCHER COASTAL HIKING TRIALS

The African Black Oystercatcher Conservation and Breeding program has been successfully implemented in close working relation with the University of Cape Town and efforts of property owners on the Estate. (The African Black Oystercatcher is classified in the International Red Data Book as vulnerable).

There is a hiking trail running north from Kabeljoubank along the waterfront culminating at the river mouth. Movement along the beaches north of the river mouth is not encouraged as it interferes with the breeding ground of the Oystercatcher. Visitors and residents will discover pebble beaches, sandy bays, foam bays, cliffs and long stretches of pristine white sand. Here eligible and licensed visitors can catch fish like; Stumpnose, Kuter, Kabeljou (Season Dependant)