Denneoord Forest Sky Spy Hiking Trail
The Denneoord forest is a small, pristine patch of southern Afro-temperate Forest. You can reach the trail by following the railway line from the Botanical Garden’s parking area on Caledon Street.
The trail runs next to the railway line towards the Outeniqua mountain for about 1.65 km until you reach the start of the indigenous forest. The total walking distance (return) is about 4 km. It is essentially a contour trail, making it fairly easy-going. The trail is not sign-posted at all.
The Denneoord Forest patch is nestled between the railway line and the Denneoord suburb. The forest patch is approximately 3 hectares.
About 130 meters into the forest edge, take the path turning right, descending into the dense indigenous forest. After 80 meters, this path exits the forest at the town’s edge. From here, return to the contour trail near the railway line and proceed east.
For more adventurous types: there is a smaller, steeper, and sometimes slippery path leading deeper into the forest, eventually looping back via the firebreak near Denneoord suburb. The entrance to this path is opposite the top of 5th Avenue.
This trail offers a wonderful combination of easy hiking and immersive bird watching for the Denneoord Forest Sky Spy adventurer.
Keep your binoculars handy! This forest patch and the surrounding areas offer some fantastic birding opportunities:
Sky Spy Stop 1: Along the railway line, watch overhead for Forest Buzzard and African Harrier Hawk, especially in the first kilometre.
Sky Spy Stop 2: Scan two large pine trees on the left shortly after starting the trail for African Goshawk, Black Sparrowhawk, Peregrine Falcon, and in evenings, the Spotted Eagle Owl (which nests in the pine fork if Egyptian Geese allow).
Sky Spy Stop 3: Along the firebreak near clay bank cuttings, Black Saw-wing swallows nest and can be seen darting about.
Sky Spy Stop 4: The forest is home to Burchell’s Coucal and Knysna Warbler. After mountain fires, listen for the Victorin’s Warbler. African Firefinch and Marsh Warbler (summer) can also be heard here.
Sky Spy Stop 5: In the shrubbery and tall trees beyond the railway, look for African Olive Pigeons feeding on invasive Bugweed fruit.
Sky Spy Stop 6: The forest edge path is good for Green-backed Camaroptera, Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler, and Collared Sunbird feeding on Wild Pomegranate nectar. Watch Wild Peach trees for Klaas’s, African Emerald, and Red-chested Cuckoos.
Sky Spy Stop 7: Inside the forest, hear Chorister Robin-chat and Terrestrial Brownbul in the understory.
Sky Spy Stop 8: Forest Canary and Swee Waxbill can often be spotted visiting bird feeders near the forest edge.
Sky Spy Stop 9: Along the stream and hill, listen for White-starred Robin, Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, and Grey Sunbird. Look in the canopy for Narina Trogon and on the forest floor for Lemon Dove.
Sky Spy Stop 10: Good chances for Buff-spotted Flufftail, White-starred Robin, Green Wood Hoopoe, Olive Woodpecker, Grey Cuckooshrike, and Black-bellied Starling.
| Start Coordinates: (DD) | -33.946522, 22.465077 |
| Start/Finish | George Botanical Gardens |
| Distance | 4 km |
| Elevation Gain | ± 45 m |
| Perceived Exertion | Easy |
| Trail System | Botanical Gardens |
| Surface | Plantation road Hiking trail |
| Route Markers | None |
| GPX Map | Download GPX file for self-navigation on your GPS device or smartphone. |
ESTIMATED TIME
| Hiking | ± 45m – 1.5h (don’t rush) |
