Located on the Outeniqua Nature Reserve (Cape Nature), the Forest Buzzard Trail is an easy circular route through parts of the Witfontein pine plantation and some indigenous forest. The trail starts at the Witfontein forestry station. It winds through the pine trees and into the indigenous forest past a small dam. Expect some steep climbs at the start. Ideal for a family outing.
Permits: Self-issue permits are free and can be obtained from the foyer of the office at the start of the trails.
Alternatively, a permit will be issued by Cape Nature at the main gate during office hours. Please adhere to the rules of the reserve at all times and respect others and nature.
How to get there:
The route starts at the Witfontein forestry station at Cape Nature’s Outeniqua Nature Reserve
Take the N12 to Oudtshoorn (towards the Outeniqua Pass). Just outside George (800m from the traffic circle at the Engen Eco Stop), turn right at the Montagu Pass / Outeniqua sign. Shortly after turning here, turn right again into the Witfontein Forestry plantation. Sign in at the boom gate. Entry is free.
Cape Nature Contact Centre: 087 087 8250
Outeniqua Nature Reserve General information
Office hours: 07:30–16:00
Tel: 087 087 4151
| Species (Common Name) | Scientific Name | Status in Outeniqua / Witfontein Forest Area* |
|---|---|---|
| Forest Buzzard | Buteo trizonatus | Resident / locally fairly common in forest edge & plantations (Go Birding) |
| Knysna Turaco | Tauraco corythaix | Forest specialist, regularly seen in indigenous forest patches (Go Birding) |
| Narina Trogon | Apaloderma narina | Forest specialist; part of the “forest specials” complement (Go Birding) |
| Knysna Warbler | Bradypterus sylvaticus | Secretive forest understorey species; occurs though seldom seen (birdlife.org.za) |
| Chorister Robin-Chat | Cossypha dichroa | Locally common forest understorey / mid-level species (birdlife.org.za) |
| Forest Canary | Crithagra scotops | Forest edge and patches, often in flocks near water sources (Go Birding) |
| African Olive Pigeon | Columba arquatrix | Occurs in taller forest / canopy areas; seen in Witfontein patches (Go Birding) |
| Black Sparrowhawk | Accipiter melanoleucus | Resident raptor species overhead; scan skies for this predator (Go Birding) |
| African Cuckoo-Hawk | Aviceda cuculoides | Occasional in the forest patches; may be heard or glimpsed overhead (birdlife.org.za) |
“Status in Outeniqua / Witfontein Forest Area” is drawn from birding reports for the forest patches and surroundings. “Resident” implies regularly present year-round; “locally common / regular” means often seen; “secretive / occasional” means harder to detect.
Sources:
1. GoBirding – Witfontein Forest / Outeniqua Nature Reserve birding notes- Go Birding
2. BirdLife / Outeniqua Mountains / IBA data on forest endemics & habitat species lists – birdlife.org.za
3. BirdLife’s “Excursion Information Booklet / Significant Bird Species” for the Garden Route area – birdlife.org.za
| Start Coordinates: (DD) | -33.935678 ; 22.426987 |
| Start/Finish | Witfontein Forest Station |
| Distance | ± 2.7 km |
| Elevation Gain | ± 110 m |
| Perceived Exertion | Easy |
| Trail System | Outeniqua |
| Surface | Hiking trail Plantation road |
| Route Markers | Yes |
| GPX | Download GPX file for self-navigation on your GPS device or smart phone. |
ESTIMATED TIME
| Trail Running | ± 15 m — 30 m |
| Hiking | ± 45 m — 1 h 30 m |
FACILITIES AT THE START
- Parking
- Restroom
- Water
